1. (1) The provisions of this rule apply to all requests for general rate increases and to all limited proceedings filed by electric and gas utilities pursuant to Rules 25-6.0431 and 25-7.0391, F.A.C.

2. (2) The following noticing procedures apply to requests for a general rate increase:

   1. (a) The utility must establish a clearly identifiable link on the utility’s website to provide electronic access to the utility’s petition and Minimum Filing Requirements (MFRs).
   2. (b) The utility must establish a clearly identifiable link on the utility’s website to the address on the Commission’s website that provides electronic access to all documents filed in the rate case.
   3. (c) Upon filing a petition for a general rate increase, the utility must notify the chief executive officer of the governing body of each municipality and county within the service areas included in the rate request that the utility has petitioned for a general rate increase and must clearly identify the Commission-assigned docket number. The notification must be accompanied by a statement that a copy of the petition and MFRs can be accessed on the Commission’s website.

   4. (d) Rate Case Synopsis.

      1. Within 15 days after the time schedule for the case has been posted to the Commission’s website, the utility must prepare and submit to the Commission staff for approval a synopsis of the rate request. The synopsis must include:

      a. A summary of the section of the MFRs showing a comparison of the present and proposed rates for major services,

      b. A statement of the anticipated major issues involved in the rate case,

      c. A copy of the executive summary filed with the MFRs,

      d. A description of the ratemaking process and the time schedule established for the rate case; and,

      e. The website addresses at which complete MFRs are available.

      2. Within 7 days following approval of the synopsis, the utility must establish a clearly identifiable link on its website to provide electronic access to the synopsis and must provide this link to the chief executive officer of each county and municipality within the service area affected.

   5. (e) Within 15 days after the rate case time schedule has been posted on the Commission’s website, the utility must prepare and submit a customer notice to Commission staff for approval. The customer notice must include:

      1. A statement that the utility has applied for a rate increase and the general reasons for the request,

      2. The locations at which copies of the MFRs and synopsis are available, including the link on the utility’s website,

      3. The time schedule established for the case, and the dates, times and locations of any hearings that have been scheduled,

      4. A comparison of current rates and service charges and the proposed new rates and service charges,

      5. The docket number assigned to the petition by the Commission’s Office of Commission Clerk,

      6. A statement that written comments regarding the proposed changes in rates and charges should be addressed to the Office of Commission Clerk, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850, and that such correspondence should include the docket number; and,

      7. A statement that comments regarding service may be made to the Commission’s Office of Consumer Assistance and Outreach at this toll free number: 1(800)342-3552.

   6. (f) The utility must begin sending the notice to customers within 30 days after it has been approved by Commission Staff.

3. (3) The following noticing procedures apply to a petition for a limited proceeding filed pursuant to Rules 25-6.0431 and 25-7.0391, F.A.C.:

   1. (a) The utility must establish a clearly identifiable link on the utility’s website to the address on the Commission’s website that provides electronic access to all documents filed in the limited proceeding.

   2. (b) Within 15 days after the time schedule for the limited proceeding has been posted to the Commission’s website, the utility must prepare and submit a customer notice to the Commission staff for approval. The customer notice must contain:

      1. A statement that the utility has requested a change in rates, a statement of the amount requested, and the general reason for the request,

      2. A statement of where and when the petition and supporting documentation are available for public inspection, including the link on the utility’s website,

      3. A comparison of the current and proposed rates,

      4. The utility’s address, telephone number, and website address,

      5. The docket number assigned to the petition by the Commission’s Office of Commission Clerk,

      6. A statement that written comments regarding the proposed changes in rates and charges should be addressed to the Office of Commission Clerk, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850, and that such correspondence should include the docket number; and,

      7. A statement that comments regarding service may be made to the Commission’s Office of Consumer Assistance and Outreach at this toll free number: 1(800)342-3552.

   3. (c) The utility must begin sending the notice to customers within 30 days after it has been approved by staff.
4. (4) All customer notices prepared pursuant to this rule must be sent to the customer’s address of record at the time the notice is issued, in the manner in which the customer typically receives the monthly bill, whether electronically or via U.S. mail.
5. (5) All customer notices regarding the locations and time of any service hearings or customer meetings must be sent to the customer no less than 10 days, or more than 45 days, prior to the first service hearing or customer meeting.
6. (6) At least 7 days and not more than 20 days prior to any service hearing or customer meeting, the utility must have published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which the hearing or customer meeting is to be held a display advertisement stating the date, time, location and purpose of the hearing or customer meeting. The advertisement must be approved by the Commission staff prior to publication.
7. (7) When the Commission issues proposed agency action and a hearing is subsequently held, the utility must give written notice of the hearing to its customers at least 14 days in advance of the hearing. This notice must be approved by the Commission staff prior to distribution.
8. (8) After the Commission’s issuance of an order granting or denying a rate change, the utility must give notice to its customers of the order and the revised rates. The notice must be approved in advance by the Commission or its staff and transmitted to the customers with the first bill containing the new rates.

Rulemaking Authority 350.127(2), 366.05 FS. Law Implemented 366.03, 366.041(1), 366.05(1), 366.06(1), 366.076(1) FS. History–New 9-27-83, Formerly 25-22.406, Amended 5-27-93, 5-3-99, 10-8-13, 1-27-21.