The city of Starke ranks among the lowest utility rates in the state of Florida for 2023, per data provided by
the Florida Municipal Electric Association. Starke Utilities, which is the oldest municipal utility in the state of Florida, remains comparatively lower than other utilities serving Bradford County.
In a cost breakdown comparing residential electric rates in 2023, Starke was, on average, 18% lower than Florida Power and Light Company and 11% lower than Clay Electric Cooperative Inc.
A Starke residential customer in 2023 utilizing 1,000 kilowatt-hours saw an average electric bill, including the fuel adjustment, around $115. Residential customers of FPL or Clay Electric using the same 1,000 kWh, would have received an electric bill totaling around $140 or $130, respectively. Additionally, among the 33 municipal utilities, Starke’s rates were the fifth lowest electric rates in the state behind Quincy, Williston, Alachua and Winter Park.
“We know that’s reassuring for Starke Utilities customers,” said Starke City Manager Drew Mullins. “In 2023, when so many customers were facing inflation and rising costs in so many areas, they could count on their electric bill remaining not only competitive, but comparatively the lowest among their neighbors. This year, we anticipate the same stability thanks to action taken by Starke’s wholesale power supplier.”
Starke is a member of Florida Municipal Power Agency, a wholesale power agency owned by 33 municipalities across the state. Mullins serves on FMPA’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee and takes an active role participating in agency meetings as a representative for Starke.
“Member cities, including Starke, benefit from FMPA’s diverse power generation mix and the ability to weigh in on important matters facing the energy industry and Florida,” said Mullins. “One of the key focuses for the agency and for the city of Starke is providing reliable and low-cost power to our customers. In comparing average rates across all of 2023, we can see that we are the most affordable option for power in Bradford County, even during the hottest summer months.”
Keeping rates low for customers is accomplished through the purchase of wholesale power through FMPA, with generation sources including natural gas-fueled plants, coal, nuclear and solar.
“Starke has been a long-standing member of FMPA, with rates ranking consistently among the lowest of our members over the last 12 months,” said Jacob Williams, general manager and CEO of FMPA. “Low-cost and reliable power is vital to the communities we serve, and as the oldest municipal utility in Florida, Starke has been providing an essential service to its residents for decades. The success in Starke is a testament to our agency’s mission to keep energy costs low and to pursue a realistic generation mix for present and future Floridians, even when facing tough market conditions or potential energy regulation.”
Bradford County was selected as a site for two solar facilities in the Phase 3 expansion of FMPA’s Florida Municipal Solar Project. The solar farms, expected to be operational in 2026, will contribute to the total 600 MW of power generated by the project for 20 participating municipalities, including Starke.
“We are a decision maker of an organization that provides power to 3 million people and beginning in 2025, all power for the Walt Disney World property. Through FMPA, the city can leverage the economy of scale for purchases of transformers, poles, and other equipment” said Mayor Scott Roberts.
With the approach of the summer months, customers can expect to use more energy cooling their homes, but Starke is not expected to raise rates. Tips for monitoring energy usage and paying utility bills can be found at cityofstarke.org/utilities.
Editor’s note: The information was drafted for the city of Starke by the Florida Municipal Power Agency. It does not include a comparison of commercial electric rates or a comparison of residential rates beyond 1,000 kilowatt-hours of usage.
