Progress Energy customers to get refund

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Public Service Commission today ordered Progress Energy Florida to refund more than $7.6 million to its customers for excessive fuel costs at the company's Crystal River facilities in 2006 and 2007.

This amount is scheduled to be refunded to customers with interest in 2010.

Today’s decision is part of the PSC's ongoing review of fuel costs.

"This verdict should encourage electric utilities to seek the lowest cost sources for their fuel purchases," PSC Chairman Matthew M. Carter II said in a press release.

Progress Energy argued that its coal purchases for Crystal River units 4 and 5 were prudent and saved customers $3.1 million during 2006 and 2007.