Opinion ID: 1846151
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Disallowance of Specific Expenses

Text: We next address GTC's arguments relating to the PSC's denial of storm surcharge recovery for certain specified costs and expenses: (A) In-House Plant and Engineering Labor Expenses; (B) Capital Costs; and (C) Universal Service Fund Set-off. In so doing, we remain mindful of our standard of review: [T]he Commission's factual findings are entitled to a presumption of correctness. To overcome these presumptions, a party challenging an order of the Commission on appeal has the burden of showing a departure from the essential requirements of law and the legislation controlling the issue, or that the findings of the Commission are not supported by competent, substantial evidence. This Court will approve the commission's findings and conclusions if they are based upon competent, substantial evidence and are not clearly erroneous. Crist, 908 So.2d at 430 (citations omitted) (quoting W. Fla. Elec. Coop. Ass'n v. Jacobs, 887 So.2d 1200, 1204 (Fla.2004)). In Verizon Florida, Inc. v. Jaber, 889 So.2d 712, 714 (Fla.2004), this Court stated: [O]rders of the Commission come before this Court clothed with the statutory presumption that they have been made within the Commission's jurisdiction and powers, and that they are reasonable and just and such as ought to have been made. GTC, Inc. v. Garcia, 791 So.2d 452, 456 (Fla.2000) (quoting United Tel. Co. v. Public Serv. Comm'n, 496 So.2d 116, 118 (Fla.1986)). . . . We will approve the Commission's findings and conclusions if they are based on competent substantial evidence, and if they are not clearly erroneous. Gulf Coast Elec. Co-op., Inc. v. Johnson, 727 So.2d 259, 262 (Fla.1999). See also Fla. Interexchange Carriers Ass'n v. Clark, 678 So.2d 1267, 1270 (Fla.1996). While there may be legitimate disagreements as to the weight and credibility of the evidence presented below, this Court's review is limited to a determination of whether evidence exists to support the Commission's findings. Crist, 908 So.2d at 432. We will not reweigh the evidence or overturn an order of the PSC because the Court might have arrived at a different result. Gulf Power Co. v. Fla. Pub. Serv. Comm'n, 453 So.2d 799, 803 (Fla.1984). Therefore, we will approve the specific cost disallowances and set-off by the PSC if they are based upon competent, substantial evidence and are not clearly erroneous.