The Florida Public Service Commission will begin a multi-day hearing on Gulf Power’s request for a base-rate increase. $106.8 million. The proposed increase has drawn objections from the state Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility cases. They say  Gulf Power’s base rates should decrease by about 2 million dollars – not increase. Gulf Power is seeking an 11 percent return on equity, while the Office of Public Counsel argues the rate should be 8.875 percent. Pensacola-based Gulf Power provides electricity to about 450,000 customers in eight counties.