Florida city drops public power plan, signs 30-year Duke Energy deal despite projected savings

Florida city drops public power plan, signs 30-year Duke Energy deal despite projected savings

More than two years of studying a city-owned utility ended with Clearwater, Florida, sticking with Duke Energy. Rather than take over electric service, the city signed on for another 30 years with its longtime provider. The decision gives the city some near-term financial certainty. It also closes off an option that a city-commissioned analysis said might have cut residents' electricity costs by millions over 25 years. What happened? Alongside a…