ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Could the city of St. Petersburg unplug itself from Duke Energy? That’s the question city leaders are now exploring after residents and council members raised concerns about high energy bills and long-term energy goals.

What we know:

The idea was brought to the table during Thursday’s city council meeting, where members voted 5-3 in favor of asking St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch to seek proposals for a feasibility study.

The goal: To determine whether St. Pete could operate its own municipal electric utility and if it would be cheaper and more sustainable than continuing under a new contract with Duke Energy.

"Your constituents are crying out for relief from skyrocketing utility bills," said one resident during public comment.

Council member Corey Givens Jr. echoe

See Full Page