Municipal Electric Utility (MEU) Feasibility Study

The City of St. Petersburg, Florida (“City”) is seeking the services of qualified experienced consulting firms (“Consultant”) to determine if it is in the City’s best interests to establish a City-owned Municipal Electric Utility (“MEU”) to replace Duke Energy Florida (“Duke Energy”).

1. Phase 1 MEU Feasibility Study (base award) will include all work necessary to evaluate the financial, technical, operational, regulatory, and legal implications of transitioning to an MEU.
2. Phase 2 100% Renewable Powered MEU Comparison (optional award) will produce a comprehensive feasibility study assessing (a) the technical, financial, regulatory, and operational viability of the City’s MEU generating its own 100% renewable energy, and (b) a comparison of that model with citywide participation in Duke Energy Florida’s Clean Energy Connection (“CEC”) program. The resulting report will guide the City’s strategic energy planning and decision-making. Phase 2 findings may require updates to the Phase 1 reports.
3. Phase 3 Alternative municipalization options, draft transition plan, public education and engagement (optional award) will include an evaluation of alternative municipalization options, development of a draft transition plan, and supporting the City in preparing clear, unbiased information for public education and engagement.

Phases 2 and 3 may be authorized at the City’s discretion.

Duke Energy is an investor-owned, regulated public utility that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to customers in Florida. Duke Energy is headquartered in St. Petersburg and is the only provider of electricity within City limits. In recent years, electric utility customers in St. Petersburg have expressed concerns about the utility’s affordability, reliability, and transparency and have petitioned the City to perform a feasibility study to examine the viability of forming an MEU. Duke Energy’s 30-year Franchise Agreement with the City expires in August 2026 but does not include a purchase option granting the City the right to acquire and operate Duke Energy’s local distribution system.