Candidates asked to clarify post card promises

NEWS ANALYSIS

If $26 million in customer surcharges was not enough to close the deal, how much more will the customers of Vero Electric or the taxpayer of Vero Beach be asked to pay, and is there an FPL plan to which Howle, Turner and Wilson have already agreed? Just yesterday, Wilson said, “This is no longer about lower rates. This is about getting out of the power business.”

MARK SCHUMANN

At least two post cards paid for by the Alliance for Better Florida Communities, a local electioneering communications organization heavily funded by Florida Power & Light, assure voters Harry Howle, III, Pilar Turner and Charlie Wilson will conclude the sale of Vero Electric to Florida Power & Light. “YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK,” the Alliance claims.

The FPL-funded post cards promising Howle, Turner and Wilson will succeed where others have failed raises questions about what these candidates may know that they have not shared with the public. Could it be Florida Power & Light’s strategists have a plan they do not want to reveal until after the election; and could it be FPL’s plan involves significant additional costs to the taxpayers of Vero Beach and the customers of Vero Electric? If so, that could be the reason why Howle, Turner and Wilson are unwilling to be specific about how they propose to “bring the FMPA to its knees.”

An earlier FPL proposal to amend the purchase and sale agreement called for the customers of Vero Electric to pay a $26 million surcharge. If $26 million in customer surcharges was not enough to close the deal, how much more will the customers of Vero Electric or the taxpayer of Vero Beach be asked to pay, and is there an FPL plan to which Howle, Turner and Wilson have already agreed? Just yesterday, Wilson said, “This is no longer about lower rates. This is about getting out of the power business.”

The Alliance also claims Vero Beach residents will save 30 percent on their electric bills if and when Vero Electric is sold to FPL. The true savings are likely to be closer to 15 percent.

Because the Alliance for Better Florida Communities is endorsing Howle, Turner and Wilson, InsideVero asked the candidates to clarify the promises being made on their behalf.

Below is the full text of the inquiry sent by email Tuesday evening to Howle, Turner and Wilson.

Mrs. Turner, Mr. Howle, Mr. Wilson,

At least two post cards paid for by the Alliance for Better Florida Communities assure voters that if you are elected the sale of Vero Electric is a certainty. “YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK,” the post cards claims.

If the Alliance can promise with unequivocal certainty that you will conclude the sale of Vero Electric to FPL, is there something you knowthat you have not yet told voters? Does FPL have a plan they have shared with you, but have not yet made public? If so, can you share with the public now what additional costs will have to be born by the residents of Vero Beach and/or the customers of Vero Electric?

The Alliance’s mailings endorsing your candidacy also assure voters they will save 30 percent on their electric bills if and when Vero Electric is sold to Florida Power & Light. “WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH 30% SAVINGS ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL?,” the Alliance asks Vero Beach voters to consider.

Given that the current Vero Electric bill for 1000 kilowatt hours is $124, the new bill from FPL would have to be $86.80 if Vero Beach residents are to enjoy the 30% savings promised by the Alliance for Better Florida Communities.

The current FPL rate for 1000 kilowatt hours is $99.19. Because the City will almost surely assess a 6 percent franchise fee, the FPL bill for 1000 kilowatt hours will be closer to $105.14. Do you believe it is fair, then, to lead Vero Beach voters to believe their new rate with FPL will be $86.80?

Sincerely,

Mark Schumann, Editor

InsideVero