CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater City Council unanimously voted to move forward with a feasibility study to consider dropping Duke Energy as the city's power company.

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The study will cost about $504,000.

The mayor says at the end of the day, they just want to do the study to see what's best for the residents.

“It's not about us, it's not about Duke or us as a council. It's about our citizens and what electric service is the best for them,” said Mayor Bruce Rector.

Duke Energy issued a reply after the news that the city voted for the study.

“Duke Energy Florida has a right to serve in Clearwater through the Florida Public Service Commission. It’s not granted through franchise agreements. The current agreement does not have a purchase clause and none of Duke Energy Florida’s service area is for sale, including the system that serves Clearwater and the surrounding areas,” stated Ana Gibbs, Duke’s communications director.

Rector did admit that Duke owning the infrastructure will be a big “hurtle”.