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5 Critical Updates On City Of Winter Park Florida Utilities You Must Know Before 2026

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The City of Winter Park, Florida, maintains a unique and robust utility system, distinguishing itself from many neighboring communities by owning and operating its own electric utility. As of December 21, 2025, residents and business owners need to be aware of several critical updates affecting service, billing, and future infrastructure projects. The commitment to providing premier services, including high-quality water and resilient infrastructure, remains a core focus of the Winter Park Utilities department.

The utility landscape in Winter Park is constantly evolving, with recent debates over rate adjustments and ongoing, long-term infrastructure improvements dominating the conversation. Understanding these changes is essential for managing your monthly budget and appreciating the services that power and sustain the city.

The Winter Park Utility System: A Comprehensive Overview

The City of Winter Park operates a municipal utility system, a source of local pride and control that has been in place for decades. This includes the Electric Utility Department and the Water & Wastewater Utilities. This local ownership allows the city to directly manage service quality, infrastructure investment, and rate structures, often in consultation with the Utilities Advisory Board.

Key Utility Entities and Services

  • Electric Utility Department: Provides electricity to most city residents. The city famously won ownership of its electric utility from what is now Duke Energy two decades ago, a bold move that paid off in local control.
  • Water & Wastewater Utilities: Dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable water resources and wastewater services. The department focuses on water quality and infrastructure resilience.
  • Utility Billing: Manages the invoicing and payment processing for all city-provided utilities, including electric, water, and wastewater.
  • Natural Gas: Natural gas service is typically provided by a third-party provider, not the City of Winter Park Utilities.
  • Neighboring Service: The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is a major utility provider in the greater Central Florida area and a key comparison point for Winter Park’s rates and services.

Major Electric Utility Updates: Rates and Undergrounding Project

The Electric Utility Department has been at the center of recent discussions regarding both pricing and long-term infrastructure improvements. Residents should pay close attention to the status of a major rate proposal and the ongoing project to enhance system resilience.

Proposed Electric Rate Increase Dies in 2025

In a significant development reported in August 2025, a proposed 10% electric rate increase was halted. This proposal, which sparked a contentious back-and-forth between City Hall staff and the Utilities Advisory Board, ultimately did not move forward. For the time being, the current electric rates remain in effect. Customers are generally billed under the General Service plan, and detailed electric rates for 2025 are still accessible on the City of Winter Park website.

The Status of Undergrounding Power Lines

One of the city’s most ambitious long-term projects is the effort to underground residential service lines. This initiative is designed to greatly enhance the electric utility's resilience, particularly during Florida's hurricane season, by protecting lines from wind and tree damage.

The city plans to continue this work using the existing rate structure, a commitment that aims to minimize the immediate financial burden on residents while ensuring a more reliable power grid for the future. The question of whether Winter Park can afford to finish burying all power lines by the 2030 target remains a topic of public discussion and oversight by the Utilities Advisory Board.

Water and Wastewater: Focus on Quality and Future Rates

The Water & Wastewater Utilities are focused on providing the highest quality water and services in a safe and sustainable manner. The department’s dedication extends to protecting water resources and maintaining robust infrastructure.

Proposed Water Rate Hike in the 2026 Budget

While the electric rate increase was shelved, residents face the prospect of higher water and wastewater bills in the near future. The City Commission is considering a new proposed budget for 2026 that includes higher rates for both electric and water utilities. If approved, these changes would take effect later in the year, making it crucial for residents to monitor the budget process and any public hearings related to the 2026 fiscal plan.

Managing Your Water Usage

To help residents manage potential costs, the city offers resources such as the Leak or Pool Fill Adjustment Application. This provides relief for residents who experience unexpected spikes in water consumption due to leaks or necessary pool maintenance, demonstrating a commitment to customer service and fairness in billing.

Seamless Utility Billing and Customer Service Options

The City of Winter Park has modernized its Utility Billing system to offer more convenient and flexible payment and service management options for its customers. This focus on digital accessibility is a key part of improving the overall customer experience.

Modernized Payment Methods via Paymentus

The city updated its payment processing system in 2022, partnering with Paymentus to handle online and digital transactions. This upgrade significantly expanded the options available for paying your utility bill.

Available payment methods now include a wide range of digital wallets and traditional banking options, making it easier than ever to avoid late fees. These options include:

  • Apple Pay®
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal®
  • Mastercard® and Discover®
  • Checking and Savings accounts (via E-Check)

The new system facilitates quick, secure payments whether you are paying via the city’s website or through the dedicated Paymentus portal.

Quick Service Start, Stop, and Outage Reporting

For new or departing residents, the process of starting or stopping utility service can be completed conveniently through the online Utilities Request portal. This streamlines the administrative process and ensures a smooth transition.

In the event of an emergency or power disruption, the city maintains a dedicated system for outage reporting and updates. Customers can quickly contact the Outage Hotline at (877) 811-8700 to report an issue and receive current information on service restoration. This reliable outage communication is a vital component of the city's commitment to public safety and service reliability.

By staying informed about the electric rate status, the undergrounding project's progress, the proposed water rate changes, and the modern utility bill payment options, Winter Park residents can effectively manage their household utilities and participate knowledgeably in the city’s ongoing infrastructure discussions.

5 Critical Updates on City of Winter Park Florida Utilities You Must Know Before 2026
city of winter park florida utilities
city of winter park florida utilities

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