“VISIT FLORIDA Vital to Hurricane Matthew Economic Recovery”
WESH-ORD (NBC) – Orlando, FL
February 13, 2017
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Hurricane Matthew
PSC Approves FPL’s Interim Storm Recovery Charge for Hurricane Matthew
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) request to replenish its storm reserve fund following Hurricane Matthew. While the majority of the state was spared Matthew’s worst as the storm traveled up Florida’s east coast in October 2016, FPL’s service territory suffered substantial damage.
FPL’s petition filed on December 29, 2016, is based on its 2012 Revised Stipulation and Settlement Agreement, which allows FPL to collect hurricane-related costs and maintain a storm reserve fund. This form of cost recovery is supported by the Office of Public Counsel, which represents all FPL customers. A hearing will be set in the future to consider whether the costs are reasonable and prudent.
Today’s approved interim monthly charge for FPL residential customers is $3.36 per 1,000-kilowatt hours for 12 months, beginning March 2017 and continuing through February 2018. FPL will recover approximately $318.5 million to cover costs associated with Hurricane Matthew and to replenish its storm reserve.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
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Gov. Scott Announces $15 Million for Emergency Beach Restoration Projects Following Hurricane Matthew
Governor Rick Scott announced today that he will use his executive authority under Executive Orders 16-230 and 17-16 to allocate nearly $15.8 million in state funds for emergency beach restoration projects in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia and Brevard Counties. Funding will be used to immediately address critically eroded beaches where there is an imminent threat to beachfront structures, such as roadways, homes and businesses.
Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Matthew was the most destructive storm our state has experienced in over a decade, and while communities have worked hard to rebuild, many of our beautiful beaches remain significantly damaged. Since this storm first crossed our state, we have been fully committed to using every available resource to help our families and communities recover, and we will continue to do so. Today, I am allocating $15 million in state funding to help expedite emergency restoration projects in order to repair our beaches and ensure beachfront roadways and buildings are prepared for any potential future storms.
“Florida’s beaches are not only an economic driver for coastal communities, but also provide critical storm protection and habitat for wildlife. With sea turtle nesting season beginning in May and hurricane season beginning in June, it is crucial that these projects are completed as soon as possible.”
Projects will include replacing sand along beaches and repairing and constructing sand dunes. The Governor’s proposed budget for 2017-2018, which will be announced later this month, will also include the remaining $61.2 million to fulfill the state’s share of needed restoration, for a total of $77 million, based on the latest hurricane damage assessment from both Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine.
