DORAL, Fla. — Miami-Dade County’s plans for a new waste-to-energy incinerator remain uncertain as commissioners pressed two competing bidders on costs, location, and potential impacts to ratepayers.
On Tuesday, commissioners heard presentations from two consortia proposing different visions for a replacement facility. One proposal is led by Florida Power & Light (FPL), while the other comes from Spain-based FCC Group’s FCC Environmental Services. Commissioners ultimately voted to delay any decision, citing unanswered questions and the need for more detailed financial data.
FPL, which does not currently operate a waste-to-energy facility, described its proposal as a “unique opportunity” for the utility. Company officials said they have secured a site near the Broward County line along U.S. 27, at Northwest 137th Avenue and 178th Street.
“It is over a half mile from the nearest residential area and located in a heavily industrialized region,” an FPL representative told commissioners.
FCC Environmental Services outlined a broader environmental concept, including a materials recovery facility for recyclables, a composting operation for organic waste, and educational features such as virtual reality programming and hands-on exhibits.
“This is not just an industrial site,” an FCC representative said. “It’s a landmark in environmental innovation.”
Cost quickly became a central issue, with commissioners repeatedly questioning how either proposal would affect residents’ monthly bills.
“We need to know the impact this is going to have on the ratepayer,” said Commissioner Raquel Regalado. “I would like to see the figures.”
Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez echoed the concern, calling the projected costs unusually high. Commissioner Vicki Lopez said preliminary rate sheets were alarming, citing potential increases of up to 25%.
“At a time when everything is already unaffordable, the ratepayer is the bottom line for me,” Lopez said.
The scrutiny comes as FPL customers face recently approved rate increases. State regulators signed off on the utility’s largest rate hike to date, with bills expected to rise by about $2.50 per month starting in January and by roughly $8 per month by 2029.
In a statement to Local 10 News, an FPL spokesperson said the company aims to “deliver reliable service to residents and keep bills as low as possible” while helping the county address its waste challenges.
County officials acknowledged that both proposals are still preliminary. Roy Coley, Miami-Dade’s chief utilities and regulatory services officer, said final costs have yet to be determined.
“Both proposals had a lot of unknowns on costs,” Coley said. “These are indicative figures, not final numbers.”
Commissioners voted to hold a workshop that would bring both bidders together to explore whether a joint approach could deliver better value for the county. The item is expected to return to the commission for a vote in late January.
Meanwhile, environmental advocates voiced frustration that the county continues to consider incineration at all.
“Incineration is the worst way to handle waste,” said Sebastian Caicedo of Florida Rising. “This decision will shape county policy for the next 40 to 60 years.”
Miami-Dade has not yet selected a site for a new incinerator, and commissioners say no final decision will be made without clearer cost projections and long-term impacts for residents.
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