FPL lowering electric bills

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida Power & Light has agreed to cut residential rates slightly next year but wants to raise them by 6 to 9 percent in 2010.

Readjusting its fuel charges because of declining energy prices, FPL said the residential customer who used 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month will get a monthly bill in 2009 of $109.55, down from the current $111.12.

In a filing with the Public Service Commission, the utility said the its costs will decrease in 2009 and the 2010 bill will be ''well below the rate of inflation experienced since the company's last rate settlement,'' the company stated in a press release.

The company also said it planned to file for a base rate proceeding in March 2009 for a change in rates that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2010. That increase would cover expected increases in fuel costs as well as other expenses including plant expansion and potential hurricane repairs.