Utility Commission Chairman Scott Stradley has scheduled a meeting of the Commission for 10 a.m. Monday, ostensibly to hear from Florida Power and Light representatives and to consider FPL’s plan to assess a $26 million surcharge on the customers of Vero Electric. The surcharge is part of a larger proposal to pay the Florida Municipal Power Agency $52 million to take Vero Beach’s power entitlements through Dec. 31, 2017.
Thought the negotiations are at a critical stage, Stradley’s agenda calls for the Commission to hear from FPL spokespersons and to review recent correspondence between the FMPA and FPL. FMPA General Manager Nicholas Guarriello has already indicated FPL’s latest proposal is “unworkable and unacceptable.” Some question whether anything can be said next Monday in the Utility Commission meeting that could in any way be helpful.
Mayor Richard Winger, City Manager Jim O’Connor and City Attorney Wayne Comment are scheduled to meet with FMPA representatives in Orlando Tuesday. Though FMPA officials had earlier said April 2 was the earliest possible date when they could meet with Vero Beach officials, Stradley last week wrote Guarriello inviting him to attend or send a representative to Monday’s Utility Commission meeting. Guarriello declined.
Indian River Guardian 
There’s “power in the blood”….once it takes over, humans become convinced they are super beings, capable of ruling as did Caesar; as did Nero; as did so many others who learned in the end they are but mere mortals. Somebody, save us from these power mongers!
So let me get this straight FPL wants the city electric customers to pay for 1,460 days $26 million to save FPL 4 3/4 days of their profit. FPL want us to pay for 1,460 days $26 million so we can save their stock holder 6 cents on each share. FPL wants us to pay for 1,460 days $26 million so we can save a couple of their share holders millions in dividends. As an example Wells Fargo (owned by the richest man in the US Warren Buffett $878,000) also JP Morgan Chase $975,000 of yes their CEO Jamie Diamond got paid $36,000,000 last year. Sounds like a GRRREAT for FPL. And sadly two councilors also feel that way. Let us hope the three looking out for the citizens of Vero Beach do not.
So, Stradley is going to have another productive meeting…NOT.
It looks like Mr Stradley is trying to up stage the mayor when he meets with FMPA. If he thinks he can force the mayor to do what he(Stradley) wants he is wrong. The mayor will what he feels is best for city residents, of this I am sure..