LAKELAND, FL – Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – The Lakeland City Commission voted yesterday to approve an increase in the fuel charge for Lakeland Electric customers, effective April 1, 2026.
The fuel charge will rise by $15.00 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), from $47.00 to $62.00 per 1,000 kWh. This adjustment changes the fuel charge to 6.2¢ per kWh.
For a residential customer using 1,000 kWh, the fuel cost will increase from $47.00 to $62.00.
The increase is in response to higher natural gas prices resulting from the extreme cold weather event in February and ongoing global energy market conditions.
Fuel costs are passed directly to customers with no markup, as is standard for utilities that generate their own power. The adjustment reflects actual market conditions to maintain financial stability.
Lakeland Electric staff recommended implementing the change during the historically lower-usage spring months to minimize the overall bill impact for customers.
City Commissioners and Utility Committee members will receive monthly updates on fuel costs and reserves during Utility Committee meetings to ensure active oversight, transparency, and timely adjustments as needed.
Despite fuel market fluctuations, Lakeland Electric continues to rank among the lowest-cost electric providers in Florida.
Customers are encouraged to explore energy efficiency programs, the Pay As You Go option, and payment assistance programs available at lakelandelectric.com to help manage their bills.
SOURCE: CITY OF LAKELAND
