Published 4 days ago
Lakeland Electric to Increase Fuel Charge April 1, 2026
LAKELAND, Fla. (March 2, 2026) - The Lakeland City Commission voted today to increase the fuel charge for Lakeland Electric customers, effective April 1, 2026. The adjustment raises the fuel charge by $15.00, from $47.00 to $62.00 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), in response to higher natural gas prices driven by the extreme cold weather event in February and ongoing global energy market conditions.
The fuel charge will change to 6.2¢ kWh. For a residential customer using 1,000 kWh, the fuel cost equals $62.00 compared to $47.00 before this change.
City Commissioners and Utility Committee members will receive monthly fuel cost and reserve updates during the Utility Committee meeting to ensure active oversight, transparency and timely adjustments when necessary.
Fuel costs are passed directly to customers with no markup. Like most electric utilities that generate their own power, Lakeland Electric adjusts its fuel charge to reflect actual market conditions and to maintain financial stability.
Lakeland Electric staff recommended implementing the adjustment during historically lower-usage spring months to help minimize the overall impact on customer bills.
Despite fluctuations in fuel markets, Lakeland Electric continues to rank among the lowest-cost electric providers in Florida.
Customers seeking ways to manage their bills are encouraged to explore energy efficiency programs, Pay As You Go and payment assistance options available at lakelandelectric.com.
Slide of utility rate comparison from the Utility Committee presentation on February 27, 2026.
The fuel charge will change to 6.2¢ kWh. For a residential customer using 1,000 kWh, the fuel cost equals $62.00 compared to $47.00 before this change.
City Commissioners and Utility Committee members will receive monthly fuel cost and reserve updates during the Utility Committee meeting to ensure active oversight, transparency and timely adjustments when necessary.
Fuel costs are passed directly to customers with no markup. Like most electric utilities that generate their own power, Lakeland Electric adjusts its fuel charge to reflect actual market conditions and to maintain financial stability.
Lakeland Electric staff recommended implementing the adjustment during historically lower-usage spring months to help minimize the overall impact on customer bills.
Despite fluctuations in fuel markets, Lakeland Electric continues to rank among the lowest-cost electric providers in Florida.
Customers seeking ways to manage their bills are encouraged to explore energy efficiency programs, Pay As You Go and payment assistance options available at lakelandelectric.com.
Slide of utility rate comparison from the Utility Committee presentation on February 27, 2026.
