Two major utility providers will make their cases for rate hikes today in Tallahassee.
Florida's two largest power companies, Florida Power and Light and Progress Energy, have an ambitious plan to build two nuclear reactors and to repair one more. Paying for all that, critics say, would come from hiking customers' bills.
The utilities are asking the Public Service Commission to sign off on a nearly $300 million rate hike.
The average customer would pay $5 a month more.
Critics are expected to sound off on the project at today's hearing, highlighting both about the costs and what they believe to be safety concerns about nuclear energy in general.
Also expected to be discussed is a state law that allows power companies to charge in advance for nuclear projects but not refund that money if projects don't go forward.
The PSC is expected to render a vote on the matter in November.