Fla. PSC Takes Action On Ethics Issue In FPL Case

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — State utility regulators have removed a top staffer from all Florida Power and Light Co. cases because he attended a social function at the home of a FPL executive.

The Public Service Commission delayed hearings on FPL's request to raise rates for about two hours after learning of the apparent ethics violation.

As the hearings began Commissioner Nathan Skop announced Ryder Rudd, director of the PSC's Office of Strategic Analysis and Governmental Affairs, told him he attended the affair in May.

When the panel reconvened, it removed Rudd from all FPL cases including pending an investigation.

That includes FLP's request to raise base rates by 31 percent, or $1.3 billion a year, to improve fuel efficiency and generate cleaner energy.

The utility is a subsidiary of FPL Group Inc.