TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A three-judge panel has refused to prevent state regulators from considering a proposed Florida Power & Light Co. rate settlement.
The 1st District Court of Appeal panel rejected the state consumer advocate's petition without explanation Thursday in Tallahassee.
The ruling came just hours after the Florida Supreme Court transferred the case to the appellate court.
Public Counsel J.R. Kelly sought a court order to block the Public Service Commission from considering the settlement between FPL and groups representing industrial, health care and federal government customers. FPL is a unit of NextEra Energy Inc.
Kelly, who represents all consumers, says it's a bad deal for residential and other customers.
The appellate court expedited the case because the commission is scheduled Monday to begin a hearing on the proposal with a decision set for Dec. 13.
