What Is The Average Electric Bill in Florida in 2024?

The all-year-round sunny weather, low-cost living, and several other things make Florida a lovely place to make a home. But, recently, there has been an escalation in the power bill. The average electric bill in Florida is nearly $154.31 per month (as of June 2024).

With Jackery Solar Generators, you can decrease your electricity bill and switch to solar energy. Jackery is one of the leading producers of solar generators, known for its product range with iconic designs, high power output capacity, and industry-leading recharge times.

Jackery Solar Generators come with the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations and Jackery SolarSaga Solar panels that can charge most of the indoor appliances during power outages. Moreover, you can use them when you are living off the grid.

What Is The Average Electric Bill in Florida?

In Florida, the average rate a customer pays per kWh for a residential connection is 13.89 ¢/ kWh. In addition to the base rate, taxes and fees account for 27% of the total bill. The average electric bill in Florida, which was $154.51 in 2022, climbed to $214 per month in January 2024.

However, electricity bills differ for residential, commercial, and industrial connections. The average electric bill in Florida for residential connections is approximately $154.31 per month, and the average residential electric rate is around 13.89 ¢/ kWh. In commercial connections, the average commercial electric rate is approximately 10.56 ¢/ kWh.

The industrial electric bill in Florida is not higher than the residential and commercial ones. The average industrial electricity rate, cents per kilowatt hour, is approximately 8.42 ¢/ kWh.

The annual data from the EIA suggests that there has been a surge of 10.1% in electricity bills during 2021-2022, and the tendency to increase is continuing. The energy bills have also increased in 37 states, according to data from 2022-2023. Here are the top five states with the highest electricity bills in the three different sectors (All Data Presented In Cents Per Kilowatt-hour):

Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Why Does The Average Electric Bill in Florida Go Up?

Electricity bills in Florida can be high because of its hot weather. However, a rise can be seen in recent years. According to the Florida Public Service Commission, in 2017, customers in the state gave approximately $115.86 for 1000 kWh for their residential connections. It rose to $151.35 for 1000 kWh in 2022.

Based on this data, you can calculate the average electric bill in Florida for a 1-bedroom apartment, which is also responsible for Florida’s high cost of living rate. This trend of increasing electricity bills is rapid, and several conditions are responsible for this, and those are:

Climate

Presently, the whole world is experiencing the impact of global warming, which is catalyzing climate change. Though Florida is known for having lovely sunny weather, conditions like El Nino are increasing the temperature. In hot months like July-August, the temperature gets record high while accelerating air conditioner usage, adding more electricity bills.

Gas Price

As the primary fuel, natural gas accounted for 74% of the net electricity generation in Florida in 2022. The price of natural gas isn’t stable in the market and often shows sharp fall and rise. Therefore, a sudden increase in gas prices can cause the electricity bill to shoot up.

Disparity in Demand and Supply

The price of gas is dependent on global politics and the economy. Besides being one of the top exporters, the US is the largest natural gas producer. The US's domestic electricity production is heavily dependent on natural gas. As many countries all over the globe are gradually substituting coal with natural gas, demand is rising, causing a disparity between the supply and demand of natural gas.

Tax Regulations

The electricity bills in Florida depend on the fuel price and additional costs like taxes and other charges. Therefore, the regulations on taxes become a deciding factor behind the total cost of electricity. Besides this, the infrastructure, production, and storage costs are also high in Florida, which is responsible for increasing the average electric bills in Florida.

Utility Infrastructure

Florida often suffers from harsh weather conditions, such as storms and hurricanes, that damage the utility infrastructure. To repair and maintain the utility, the service providers increase the price of electricity.

What Are The Electricity Providers in Florida?

In Florida, there are five major electricity providers which have varied electricity rates, and these are:

• Florida Power & Light: Florida Power & Lights has customers across Florida. As the second largest electric utility, it produces over 25,000 megawatts.
• Duke Energy: Duke Energy serves northeast, central, and northwest Florida. Their electricity production is more than 24,000 megawatts.
• Tampa Electric Company: Tampa Electric Company serves customers in the Bay Area. Its nine power plants and two natural gas turbines produce approximately 6,000 megawatts of electricity.
• Gulf Power: Gulf Power operates in northwest Florida. Their four nuclear plants, two coal-fired plants, and 12 hydroelectric dams generate more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity.
• Florida Public Utilities: Florida Public Utilities Company operates in four counties in Florida and has a customer base of around 33,000 customers.

Florida Power & Light charges $135.51 per 1000 kWh on residential connections, which is $163.32 per 1000 kWh for Duke Energy. Tampa Electric’s rate for 1000 kWh for residential electricity is $143.48, slightly lower than Gulf Power, which offers the same for $149.70.

The table below shows the monthly charges of the significant electricity providers in Florida for residential connections (the data represents the charges of 1000 kWh).

Source: EIA

What Factors Affect The Average Electric Bill in Florida?

Several factors can impact the electric bill, and it might change, too. Not only the climate and gas prices can raise the average electric bill in Florida, but there are factors like service production and production efficiency that can be taken as primary contributors:

Electricity Provider: Multiple electricity providers in Florida operate without a fixed rate. For example, Duke Energy's (average $0.17 per kWh) cost changes with time because it follows seasonal rates. Florida Power & Light's (average $0.14 per kWh) rate has also changed in past months to adjust to the fall and rise of the natural gas price.

Energy Production Efficiency: Florida largely depends on natural gas for electricity production. However, not only does its price fluctuate, but the utilities, too, are impacted, given the harsh weather of Florida. Moreover, the repair, upgrade, and maintenance costs often get included in the electric rates, increasing electricity bills.

Energy Assistance Program: As electricity prices are accelerating across the country, some states and cities have taken initiatives to help low-income families with the rising electric bill in Florida. One of them is Sunshine State. Under their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the beneficiaries can get help with heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. There are similar other regional programs to assist you with the rising average electric bills in Florida.

How Does Renewable Energy Impact Electric Bills in Florida?

Renewable energy sources offer a sustainable way of producing electricity from abundant natural resources like sunlight, water, and wind. Sources like solar energy can curb the skyrocketing electricity bills in Florida. Here are some renewable energy sources used in Florida:

• Solar Energy
• Hydroelectric (water)
• Wind
• Renewable Natural Gas (manure)
• Bio Energy

In recent years, Florida residents have preferred renewable energy over traditional non-renewable ones. Florida has abundant natural resources like sunlight, air, and water, which has increased renewable energy production and consumption. Such sources do not cause air pollution and reduce the carbon footprint. Switching to renewable energy like solar energy can also reduce your average electricity bill in Florida.

You can reduce the high price of natural gas, service provider charges, and other costs while switching to renewable energy sources. The people in Florida can install Jackery Solar Generators to generate electricity and run their appliances because Florida gets abundant sunlight.

Jackery Solar Generators are one of the best ways to decrease your electricity bill. They can power up most outdoor and indoor appliances like heaters, coolers, coffee makers, fridges, TVs, and many more. It uses solar power and hence is not vulnerable to the increasing market value of natural gas.

Jackery Solar Generators Explained

Jackery Solar Generators are an environmentally friendly solution for combating Florida’s rapidly skyrocketing electricity costs. They use the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations and the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels.

When sunlight falls on the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, the monocrystalline silicon solar cells convert it into DC electricity. After that, the pure sine wave inverter of the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station converts the DC into AC electricity. Now, you can charge and run multiple appliances using solar energy.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

If you want to decrease your electricity bill, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is one of the best options. It can power up 99% of your home appliances during power outages or while experiencing off-grid living. Its portable design and built-in wheels make it easy to move around. Its massive capacity of 3024 Wh makes it an appropriate home backup solution.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus can be another solution if you are looking for a generator to switch to solar energy from the traditional one. This generator uses advanced technology, which makes it versatile. It is also suitable for heavy-duty appliances up to 6000W. This generator uses LiFePO4, which makes it long-lasting. Its fast-charging feature can boost its battery life to 50%. You can use it as an alternative power source to curb your electricity bill.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)

The large Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) has a battery capacity of 4085.6 Wh, which can be expanded to 24 kWh with the additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus. The kit has three things: 1*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, 1*Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus, and 2*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. It helps you charge most appliances when you want to reduce high electricity bills in Florida.

How to Lower Your Electric Bills in Florida?

The increasing average electricity bill in Florida can be a concern, but you can decrease it in some simple steps. Here are some ways which you may try:

• Energy-efficient Appliances: Outdated electric appliances can consume much more energy than newer models. Therefore, switching to eco-friendly and energy-efficient models can decrease power consumption.
• Energy Conservation Programs: Several energy conservation programs run by the government or at local levels can help you with energy audits to determine the reasons your electric bills are going up.
• Using Solar Energy: Switching to renewable energy sources like solar energy can decrease the electricity bill. Using the abundant sunlight in Florida, you can charge a Jackery Solar Generator, which can power most indoor and outdoor appliances.
• Routine Maintenance: Routine maintenance increases the efficiency of your appliances. You can consider hiring a repair company to clean and repair your appliances, which will reduce their energy consumption.
• Switch to LED lights and motion-sensor Lights: LED lights are highly candescent and hence can decrease electricity bills. You may also use motion-sensor lights that automatically operate to save a few bucks on your electricity bill.

Average Electric Bill in Florida FAQs

What size of solar generator do I need for my apartment in Florida?

The size of the generator will depend on the number of appliances you want to use. It will help you decide which Jackery Solar Generator suits your apartment.

So, if you are using a refrigerator of 520 W, and you are using the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro with a battery capacity of 3024 Wh, then you have to determine the working hours the following way:

Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of Appliances = 3024Wh *0.85 / 520 W = 4.9 H.

Thus, your working hours will be approximately 5 hours. The battery capacity is multiplied by 0.85 as there will be some form of power loss while charging the appliances.

How much is a typical electric bill in Florida?

The electricity rate was nearly 13.89 ¢/ kWh in June 2024, while the average rate was approximately 15.26 ¢/ kWh in June 2023. Electricity bills may vary from season to season, and the cost also depends on the rate offered by the service provider.

Why is my electric bill so high in Florida?

Certain factors make your electric bill in Florida go up. The rising gas prices, hot and humid weather, and changing climate are some of the common reasons. Rates of electricity by service provider, taxes, and other charges can also impact the price of electricity in Florida.

What state has the highest electricity cost?

According to June 2024 data, Hawaii has the highest electricity cost. The average rate is 42.45 ¢/ kWh.

How can I lower my electric bill in Florida?

You can lower your electric bill using some of the following steps:

• Use energy-efficient appliances
• Do regular maintenance
• Switch to solar energy
• Adjust the power of your heater and cooler
• Change the freezer temperature

Final Thoughts

Traditional energy sources like natural gas and coal can burden you with a costly electricity bill. Moreover, these are also not environmentally friendly. A renewable energy source like solar energy is a sustainable way to reduce electricity bills as it has almost no harmful environmental impacts. It is available everywhere in Florida and remains unimpacted by the ups and downs of the economy.

Jackery Solar Generators can be a good investment that will lower your average electric bill in Florida, as with these solar generators, you can charge most of your home appliances during power outages. An energy-efficient home and good savings on electricity bills can improve your quality of living, too.