PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association says the City of Pensacola will have to conduct a feasibility study before starting a city-run electric company.

Pensacola City Council discussed the topic this week. They have yet to make a decision about moving forward with it.

Amy Zubaly says the study could cost between $20,000 and $30,000.

City Council is considering this study after complaints from Florida Power & Light customers about higher power bills.

Zubaly tells Channel 3 transitioning to public power won’t guarantee cheaper rates.

“It depends on that purchasing agreement that would take place between the city and investor in utility,” she says. “A lot of factors would come into play, but the city commission would have that ability to review those rates and adjust them up or down.”

Zubaly says it takes years to start a city-run electric company.

She also says it’s difficult to estimate total start-up costs, but the price tag would be in the millions.