UNDERGROUND UTILITIES BILL

Florida lawmakers have given final approval to a bill that could lead to an expansion of underground power lines. Utilities already have underground power lines in some areas, but a key part of the bill would change the way underground power-line projects are financed, a change that could lead to more projects, but also higher bills for utility customers. The bill would set up a separate Public Service Commission process that would allow utilities each year to seek to collect money from customers for storm-protection projects.

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