Public Service Commissioner Katrina McMurrian, who dined with a Florida Power and Light executive in February, says she will continue to judge whether FPL should be allowed to increase its rates by more than a billion dollars.

The motion asking McMurrian to recuse herself from voting on the rate hike was filed by a disappointed Steve Stuart. The rate hearing continued Wednesday with McMurrian participating fully.

The company says it is not using the ads, including one labeled "TOO COZY," to divert attention from allegations it communicated improperly with commissioners.

The commission is moving forward with new ethics rules which could prohibit all contact with regulated companies during rate hearings.