To assist utility customers affected by Hurricane Michael, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today granted ESAD Enterprises, Inc.’s d/b/a Beaches Sewer System (Beaches) request to implement a standby charge. The charge will benefit customers unable to receive wastewater service due to storm damage.
Beaches will offer the temporary $11.79 standby charge—instead of the monthly flat rate of $43.03—for customers currently unable to utilize service. Affected customers can use the standby charge until they resume service or disconnect from the system. In January 2020, PSC staff will review the necessity to continue the charge.
“We approved the standby charge so Beaches can maintain a stable revenue stream and operate at a safe and reliable level, while also aiding customers directly hurt by Hurricane Michael’s devastation,” said Commissioner Gary Clark.
To ensure all affected customers are aware of the temporary charge, the PSC is requiring Beaches to notify its entire customer base. In the notice, the utility will also include the customer’s option to disconnect and resume service at a later time by paying the applicable miscellaneous service charge.
Beaches is a Class C wastewater-only utility operating in Gulf County, serving 316 residential and four general service customers. The utility also collects a guaranteed revenue charge for 45 properties that have paid service availability charges but have not yet connected to the system. Water service is provided by the City of Port St. Joe.
For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.
