CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — In a pivotal meeting on Monday, the Clearwater City Council engaged in discussions with Duke Energy, assessing if the city should continue utilizing the company’s services or take steps to acquire the infrastructure necessary to manage electricity as a city-run utility.
Mayor Bruce Rector articulated the core of the deliberations, stating, “The crucial question is whether the costs and processes involved in this transition truly serve the best interests of our local residents.”
Duke Energy has put forward a proposal for a 30-year contract, promising a series of investments in the area’s infrastructure. Key elements of this proposal include:
“This is truly not just a utility agreement. At its core this is about the foundation to help us both serve the city and the citizens of Clearwater,” said Melissa Seixas, the President of Duke Energy Florida.
Back in 2024, City Council approved a feasibility study to determine if it is fiscally responsible to purchase Duke Energy’s existing power equipment in the City in order to lower costs. Multiple appraisals range from $572,000,000 to over $1,000,000,000 according to previous meetings.
A vote on the first ordinance to maintain Duke Energy as the City’s electricity provider is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m.