Commission gives staff guidance after debate over electric rate path; staff to monitor and return if needed

Stantec presented two alternative rate trajectories for the electric fund: a higher path (example: 6% initially) and a more conservative path (example: 3% annually). Commissioners debated the tradeoff between faster achievement of a six‑month working‑capital target and the optics and competitive position relative to Florida Power & Light.

Jason Bailey (assistant director of system operations) told the commission "the 3%... keeps us just beneath FPL and meet[s] all of the requirements of the budget." Commissioners asked staff to confirm that borrowing plans and bond counsel implications would not be harmed by the lower approach. After that discussion, commission guidance favored the more conservative 3% path for planning purposes with the option to revisit mid‑year.