Duke, TECO customers to see lower utility bills [Video]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — State regulators Tuesday approved plans that will save money for customers of Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. starting in June.

The plans, approved without discussion by the state Public Service Commission, will pass along savings to customers from lower-than-expected natural gas costs. The commission last month approved a similar plan for Florida Power & Light.

Florida utilities rely heavily on natural gas to fuel power plants, and gas prices have been volatile in recent years. When gas prices surge, increased costs are passed along to customers; when prices drop, customers get a break in their bills.

The plans approved Tuesday will lead to about $233.5 million in savings for Duke customers and $137.9 million for Tampa Electric customers, according to …