Jul. 20--Florida's investor-owned utilities, including Juno Beach-based Florida Power & Light Co. and Florida Public Utilities of West Palm Beach, should have to reveal the total compensation for each employee earning more than $165,000, according to state Public Service Commissioner Nancy Argenziano.

Argenziano requested that the two companies -- as well as Progress Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Co. and Gulf Power Corp. -- make the information public. FPL, Progress and TECO have provided the salary information in filings they are requesting be kept confidential.

In a letter to PSC Chairman Matthew Carter, Argenziano called the utilities' actions to keep the salaries confidential a "continuing gross abuse" of a "proprietary interest exemption" in a statute dealing with the public's right to know. She asked that a decision on the matter be expedited.

FPL spokeswoman Jackie Anderson said Monday that if employee compensation information became public, it could drive up costs and cause the loss of highly trained specialized personnel to competitors.

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