Florida Utility Rates in 2026: What Duke Energy, SECO, and FPL Customers Should Know

For homeowners in and around Eustis and Lake County, electricity comes from one of three primary providers: Duke Energy Florida, SECO Energy (Sumter Electric Cooperative), or Florida Power & Light (FPL). Each utility has its own rate structure, and 2026 brings some changes worth understanding, particularly if air conditioning represents the bulk of your summer electric bill.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida has implemented rate adjustments in recent years tied to fuel cost recovery and infrastructure investment. Residential customers on the standard Rate RS schedule pay a base customer charge plus a per-kilowatt-hour energy charge that varies based on fuel cost adjustments filed with the Florida Public Service Commission.

Duke Energy also offers time-of-use (TOU) rate options that can benefit customers who can shift energy consumption away from peak hours (typically afternoons on weekdays). For households with smart thermostats, pre-cooling your home in the morning and raising the setpoint during peak hours can meaningfully reduce monthly bills on a TOU plan.

Duke’s EnergyWise Home program offers bill credits in exchange for allowing brief, automated thermostat adjustments during high-demand periods. If you have a compatible smart thermostat, enrollment is free and can deliver $30 or more per summer in credits.

SECO Energy (Sumter Electric Cooperative)

SECO serves much of Sumter and Marion counties, with service extending into portions of Lake County. As a member-owned cooperative, SECO’s rate structure differs from investor-owned utilities. Members share in the cooperative’s operating outcomes, including capital credit distributions.

SECO offers a Budget Billing option that averages annual usage into equal monthly payments, which can be helpful for budgeting through the wide seasonal swings that Florida HVAC use creates. The cooperative also runs energy efficiency rebate programs for qualifying equipment upgrades, including high-efficiency HVAC systems. Check SECO’s website or call member services for current offerings.

Florida Power & Light (FPL)

FPL serves portions of Central Florida and has one of the largest residential rate bases in the state. FPL has been proactive in promoting its On Call load management program, which offers bill credits for allowing the utility to cycle your central AC unit during peak demand events. The cycling is brief and typically has minimal impact on comfort.

FPL’s FPL Home program offers smart thermostat promotions and rebates for qualifying energy-efficient equipment. For customers considering a new HVAC system, checking FPL’s current rebate offerings before purchasing can meaningfully reduce the upfront cost.

How to Offset Rate Increases With HVAC Efficiency

Regardless of which utility serves your home, the best defense against rising electricity rates is a more efficient HVAC system. The math is straightforward: if your utility rate goes up 5% but your system operates 15% more efficiently, you come out ahead.

Key efficiency improvements to consider:

• Upgrade to a high-SEER2 system. Modern systems operate at 18–26+ SEER2 versus 13–14 for systems installed a decade ago. The efficiency difference is dramatic.
• Add a smart thermostat. Proper scheduling and remote access alone can reduce cooling costs by 10–15%.
• Schedule annual maintenance. A properly tuned system runs significantly more efficiently than a neglected one. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, and worn components all increase operating costs.
• Seal your home’s envelope. Air leaks around doors, windows, and penetrations let conditioned air escape, so you’re paying to cool air that immediately leaves the house.

Corman & Sons has been helping Central Florida homeowners make smart, cost-effective HVAC decisions since 1995. Whether you’re evaluating a new system or looking for ways to get more from your current equipment, call us for an honest assessment.