FPL explains how it uses drone technology to keep the lights on during hurricane season
FPL demonstrated how it is improving reliability in good and bad weather by putting neighborhood power lines underground, strengthening main power lines, and using drone technology to assess the energy grid in Nassau County.
Regulators back FPL plan to speed up refunds
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ The state Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved a plan by Florida Power & Light to speed up refunds of deposits for tens of thousands of customers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. FPL announced the plan last month as part of steps that also included providing bill credits of up to $200 to some residential and small-business customers. FPL said in its filing that the move to speed up refunds of deposits would return $9 million to $11 million to 50,000 to 60,000 residential customers. Ordinarily, deposits are refunded after 23 months to customers with good payment records. The plan is a one-time move that will shorten the period to 12 months.
FPL to resume disconnections, but help is available, utility says
There are several options for customers to apply for assistance if they need help. First, FPL is offering a credit program right now to customers who are behind with their payments.. There is also federal assistance available, and CARES Act money that might be an option too through your local county government office. And FPLโs Care to Share Program, which provides bill payment assistance to customers, has been expanded due to the pandemic to support customers. FPL said a lot of customers donโt even realize financial help is available to them.
Florida, Georgia utilities ready to help Gulf Coast in aftermath of storms
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Florida Power & Light, JEA and Georgia Power crews all know what itโs like to deal with the wake of a hurricane or tropical storm. As Louisiana and Texas grapple with the aftermath of both, crews from the utilities are heading west to help their Gulf Coast counterparts. Crews from JEA left Jacksonville on Wednesday afternoon to answer a mutual aid request from Lafayette, Louisiana. The FPL crews left Tuesday morning from West Palm Beach and arrived Wednesday. Right now, 900+ FPL personnel are on their way to assist in #Marco & #Laura restoration.
FPL still suspending disconnections, waiving late fees
As some Northeast Florida utilities have resumed disconnections for unpaid accounts, Florida Power & Light sent a reminder Thursday that it is still suspending disconnections for customers who are behind on bills. But the utility said those who need help catching up need to contact FPL as soon as possible. FPL says most customers who are behind on their bill have not contacted the company for help. FPL said in addition to not disconnecting accounts, it will continue to waive late fees and offer payment plans. While we never want to turn the lights off for nonpayment especially during these difficult times we remain mindful that unpaid electric bills are ultimately paid for by all FPL customers, the utility said.
FPL settlement approved on Irma costs
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Utility regulators on Tuesday signed-off on a $1.3 billion agreement involving Florida Power & Lights costs for restoring electricity after Hurricane Irma plowed through the state in 2017. The Florida Public Service Commission approved the settlement between FPL, the state Office of Public Counsel and the Florida Industrial Power Users Group. The agreement finalizes the costs, which will be covered by the utilitys savings from a 2017 federal tax overhaul. The storm that were dealing with, Irma, was a tremendous impact to your customers, throughout your service area, said Commissioner Donald Polmann. State Public Counsel J.R. Kelly said high costs are expected as utility crews come in as customers demand quick restoration of power.