Last month, I paused when I opened my FPL bill. Even though it was October, the kWh usage was nearly the same as in summer because the air conditioning hardly took a break.

However, what weighed on my mind even more was the fact that starting January 1st, the basic rates for FPL will increase once again.

For those hearing this for the first time, let me summarize. The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a four-year rate settlement for FPL on November 20, 2025.

According to this settlement, the basic rate revenue increased by $945 million in 2026. Then, starting January 1, 2027, an additional increase of $705 million will be applied.

According to FPL, the bill for an average household using 1,000 kWh this year has risen from $134.14 to $136.64, an increase of $2.50 per month. At first glance, it may not seem like much.

The problem is that this won't be the last increase. The settlement itself is structured to phase in increases until 2029, with additional costs for solar and battery storage facilities expected in 2028 and 2029.

Moreover, the bill will also include a separate fuel cost item. Since the PSC determines fuel costs separately each year, it's hard to predict exactly how much the final bill will be in 2027.

So instead of spending time calculating how much the rates will increase, I prefer to focus on reducing the kWh usage in my home. While I can't change the rate schedule, I can change my consumption.

The first thing I tackled was the thermostat. According to FPL's energy-saving tips, when leaving the house, set the temperature to above 82 degrees and keep the fan setting on auto instead of on.

This fan setting is something many people overlook. A neighbor once asked me, "Don't you need to keep the fan running to keep the air cool?" But if you leave it on, the fan continues to use electricity even when the cooling isn't on.

Since temperature preferences vary greatly among individuals, I won't specify a degree. However, I recommend gradually increasing the temperature by one degree and observing how your body adjusts.

If you have a smart thermostat, schedule it to adjust according to your work or shopping hours. This is much more effective than trying to remember to adjust it each time.

The second item is the pool pump. Many homes in South Florida have pools, and they can be surprisingly large energy drains.

According to FPL, during summer, the pump should run for less than 6 hours a day, and in winter, less than 4 hours a day. Since it's now November, it's time to adjust the timer to winter settings.

FPL's data indicates that running the pump all day can cost over $100 a month, but reducing it to 4-6 hours can bring the cost down to around $40-$45. I was quite surprised by this number.

If you're considering replacing your pump, a variable-speed pump is worth looking into. FPL suggests that this type of pump can save about $300 a year.

The third option is the FPL On Call program. This program allows FPL to briefly control devices like air conditioners or water heaters during peak demand times in exchange for credits on your bill.

According to FPL's tip materials, the maximum annual credit is $91.75. However, this can vary depending on the types of devices registered and their approval, so be sure to check the current conditions at fpl.com before applying.

I view this program positively. It's not a government subsidy; rather, it's a market-based structure where customers voluntarily participate and both sides benefit.

The fourth tip involves low-cost lifestyle habits. Check your air conditioner filter once a month and replace it if it's dirty. A clogged filter causes the system to run much longer to achieve the same temperature.

Ceiling fans should only be used in occupied rooms. Fans don't cool the air; they create a breeze that makes you feel cooler, so running them in empty rooms is just wasteful.

Also, check the temperature setting on your water heater. Older homes often have higher settings, which is a simple fix that just requires turning a screw.

When you log into your FPL account, you can view your usage by time and day. I discovered that I was using quite a bit of energy in the early morning, which turned out to be from an old freezer in the garage.

Finding these things can be surprisingly enjoyable. Seeing the numbers leads to much more specific actions than just a vague intention to save.

Opinions vary regarding the rate increase itself. Opponents claim it's the largest increase in history and are considering taking it to the Florida Supreme Court, while FPL argues that they have significantly reduced their original request.

I acknowledge the need for investment in hurricane preparedness. However, since consumers bear the costs, I believe we have the right to scrutinize our bills rather than just accept them.

In summary, the basic rates will increase again in January 2027, and fuel costs will move separately. Before that, I recommend checking the thermostat, pool pump, On Call program, filters, and usage.

If it were me, I would change the pump timer this weekend and open the FPL app to review last month's usage graph. Now is the perfect time to prepare for the January bill to avoid being caught off guard.