MIAMI (AP) _ A federal lawsuit has been filed challenging some $2 billion in fees charged by Florida’s two largest electric utilities for nuclear plant projects.
The proposed class-action lawsuit seeks to stop the fees and recover damages for about 6.4 million customers of Florida Power & Light and Duke Energy.
The fees were imposed on ratepayers under a law passed in 2006 law by the Legislature.
The lawsuit contends the law violates the U.S. Constitution by discriminating against other energy producers and that it is pre-empted by federal energy and nuclear laws.
It also claims Florida customers are improperly charged for nuclear projects subject to huge cost overruns and some that are never built.
Charlotte, North Caroline-based Duke and Jupiter, Florida-based FP&L did not immediately respond Tuesday to requests for comment.