The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today authorized Florida Public Utilities Company (FPUC) to help residential customers impacted by Hurricane Michael. The Electric Restoration Payment Program provides interest-free financing to repair or replace a home’s electrical facilities needed to reconnect to power.
FPUC estimates that up to 9 percent of its customers’ homes in its Calhoun, Jackson, and Liberty County service territories still cannot be reconnected to its system due to damage to electric facilities owned by the customer. Many of these customers face daunting financial losses and are struggling to return their lives to normal.
Under the program, FPUC will advance up to $1,500 interest-free to pay for a licensed and bonded electrician’s materials and labor. FPUC will then bill the customer only the amount it paid for the electrician’s services, plus a $20 administrative fee, over a 12-month billing period.
Given the limited number of electricians in the hard-hit communities, FPUC also will help customers arrange for electrician services quickly. The utility has identified reputable electricians in its service territory outside the impacted area who are willing to participate.
The program covers replacement or repair of the following equipment at the customer’s home:
- Ground Wire and Rod
- Meter Box
- Riser Conduit
- Service Stack
- Attachment Hardware
- Weather Head
“With Hurricane Michael’s extensive damage and subsequent economic impact, customers will be hard pressed to pay for necessary electrical repairs to restore service to their homes,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “With our approval, customers can get the expedited repairs they need with payments over a reasonable time period.”
FPUC serves approximately 32,000 customers, across two divisions, one on Amelia Island (NE Division) and the other serving a largely rural service territory in the north central Panhandle (NW Division).
For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.
