Florida’s two largest power companies are asking the Public Service Commissions to approve almost two billion dollars in rate hikes. The rate hikes are being considered at a time, when the PSC's credibility is at an all time low.

Customers could see rates raised by as much as 12 dollars a month. As the rate hearings continue, questions about secret Blackberry messages and PSC staffers partying with utility execs are being raised.

State Senator Mike Fasano sent a letter to PSC Chairman Mathew Carter asking him to halt the rate hearings until the air is cleared. We tried to talk to Carter Thursday, but were physically restrained. Governor Charlie Crist says the PSC over reacted.

One PSC Commissioner got some good news Friday. The State Ethics Commission dropped a complaint alleging she had improper communications with a utility lobbyist.

The commission listened for about eight minutes before voting unanimously to not pursue the matter.

Stephen Stewart, who filed the complaint, said he was muzzled. He also stated, “the ethics commission would not talk to me. So it looks like the citizens sort of get shut out of the process if you’re not part of the establishment.”

For the second day in a row we tried to talk to Chairman Carter. We were told he wasn’t feeling well.