FPL hires Butterworth for Fla. rate case

FPL hires former Fla. Attorney General Bob Butterworth as adviser for rate increase case

• On 3:31 pm EDT, Thursday October 29, 2009

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Democratic heavyweight Bob Butterworth is going to advise Florida Power & Light Co. on its proposal to raise base rates about 30 percent.

The utility's announcement Thursday that it had hired the former Florida attorney general adds another political aspect to the rate case.

Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican, has voiced opposition to the FPL increase and a rate hike of similar proportions being sought by Progress Energy Florida.

The Public Service Commission this week granted Crist's request to delay both cases until after the second of his two new appointees to the five-member panel takes office in January.

FPL said it hopes Butterworth will help change negative perceptions about the rate proposal.