Residents of Brooksville are seeking clarity on fluctuating utility bills, as discussions at the recent City Council meeting highlighted concerns over unexpected charges. Council members emphasized the need for better communication from utility providers, particularly Duke Energy, to ensure residents understand the reasons behind sudden increases in their bills.

One council member pointed out that residents often feel confused when their bills jump from $300 one month to $700 the next, stressing the importance of having accessible information to explain these changes. “At the end of the day, I think that’s the biggest thing that they want—just the clarity of why these things are happening,” they stated. The council is advocating for a dedicated point of contact from Duke Energy to help residents navigate their concerns and questions.

In addition to billing issues, the meeting addressed the utility company’s preparedness for storm recovery. Duke Energy representatives shared their ongoing efforts to enhance their infrastructure through a "storm protection plan" and the implementation of a smart grid system. This technology aims to improve response times during outages by allowing crews to isolate problems more effectively.

The representatives noted that their training and operational improvements have significantly reduced outage durations, showcasing advancements made since previous storm seasons. “We’ve just gotten better at how our crews operate,” they explained, highlighting the importance of staging crews in strategic locations to respond quickly after storms.

As Brooksville continues to grow, the city council remains committed to ensuring that residents feel supported and informed about their utility services, paving the way for a more transparent and responsive community.