Hurricane Michael Power Restoration Resources
Power Restoration Information
Emergency Temporary Payment Plan
What Is The Emergency Temporary Payment Plan?
FPU’s Emergency Temporary Payment Plan is an optional program created to assist customers with efforts to restore their electric service.
- This program provides an interest-free payment plan to residential customers in FPU’s Northwest Division whose power cannot be reconnected as a result of damage to the home’s customer-owned electric equipment.
- FPU will advance up to $1,500 interest-free for a licensed and bonded electrician’s materials and labor. FPU will in turn then bill the customer over a 12-month period for the amount paid to the electrician for services, plus a $20 administrative fee.
- The Emergency Temporary Payment Plan allows FPU customers to obtain the services of a licensed and bonded electrician. FPU will pay the upfront cost of work performed.
Why Is This Program Needed?
- FPU recognizes that some of the homes we serve have been so severely damaged. Even as power lines and facilities are being re-energized, these premises cannot accept power due to the damage they have sustained. We currently estimate a small percentage of our customers’ homes in Calhoun, Jackson and Liberty Counties cannot be reconnected to power due to the severity of damage to electric customer-owned equipment.
- FPU understands paying for electric repairs may be challenging for some. Particularly, as many of these customers face daunting financial losses and they struggle to regain normalcy.
- Given the scale of damage to the area and the economic impact upon these communities, both in the short and long-term, many customers may likely find paying for essential electrical repairs in order to restore service to their home exceedingly burdensome.
- FPU created the Emergency Temporary Payment Plan to assist customers to pay for the electrical repairs necessary for service restoration, with payment terms over a 12-month period. This program allows customers to obtain the services of a licensed and bonded electrician. FPU will pay the upfront cost of the electrician’s services.
- Given the limited number of electricians in these hard-hit communities, FPU help customers engage a qualified electrician.
What Does The Emergency Payment Plan Cover?
FPU would pay for a qualified electrician’s materials and labor in an amount up to $1,500 for the replacement or repair of the following specified equipment:
- Ground Wire and Rod
- Meter Box
- Riser Conduit
- Service Stack
- Attachment Hardware
- Weather Head
Program Details
Customers eligible to participate in this program must engage a licensed and bonded electrician to perform repairs, up to $1,500, including material and labor, which will be repaid to FPU over a 12-month period. This bill will be separate from customer’s regular monthly utility billing. There will be zero interest applied. A one-time $20 administrative fee will be added to the amount financed. FPU will not earn additional returns as a result of this program. Contractors must be licensed and insured. Customers can either choose their own contractor or have FPU select one for them. Please Note: Failure to repay the amount financed will not result in disconnection of utility service. Participants will be subject to collection mechanism available under Florida state law. For complete program details, please contact FPU at 844-577-2668.
How Can I Distinguish Customer-Owned Equipment?
Necessary Steps to Participate
Don’t wait – you only have until January 5th to apply. However, applying is easy! Here’s how:
- Submit our online form, or
- Call FPU at 844-577-2668 to apply over the phone.
Electric & HVAC Contractors
Participating Electric & HVAC Contractors List
IMPORTANT SAFETY ALERTS:
- Always assume power lines are energized.
- To prevent injury: stay away, never touch, NEVER drive over them!
- Stop and report all downed power lines to us at 800-427-7712 or private message us on Facebook.
- If your power goes out, always insure all appliances are in the OFF position to avoid risk of fire or other danger.
- Please wait 15 minutes after power is restored to turn appliances back on.
- Do not use generators indoors.
- Only use generators outdoors and away from all doors, windows, and vents to keep yourself and your family safe.
Electric Rules and Standards
Download the FPU Electric Rules and Standards PDF
Steps to Restore Power
- Determine what you need to repair
- The homeowner owns and is responsible for electrical equipment attached to the house (service stack, attachment hardware, riser and meter box)
- Florida Public Utilities is responsible for the wire or service line to the house and the electric meter
- Obtain a licensed electrician
- Florida Public Utilities cautions against the use of unlicensed electricians as this could pose a critical safety hazard and potentially delay connection of service
- Do not attempt to repair damage yourself
- Florida Public Utilities cautions against the repair of damage by anyone other than a licensed electrician, as this could pose a serious safety hazard and potentially delay connection of service
- If you suspect that any of the electrical equipment is damaged, we advise you to have this repaired prior to us replacing the pole so we can properly run the wires and restore power to you as safely and quickly as possible.
- Please contact Florida Public Utilities once you are able to receive power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Temporary Payment Plan
Is there standard pricing for the six (6) pieces of equipment specified or a standard hourly rate?
Pricing is discretionary as determined by the qualified electrician and any industry standards that may apply.
What if I don’t own the property?
The contract is entered into between the customer of record, the electrician and the Company. Often the customer of record and the property owner are the same. In any instance where this is not the case, we suggest questions or concerns be related to and managed between the property owner and the tenant.
Can I be disconnected if I don’t pay?
No, the ETPP invoice will not subject you to disconnection of service. However, non-payment will be subject to collection practices available under Florida state law.
What if the cost of repair is more than the $1500?
Florida Public Utilities will pay applicable costs up to $1500. The customer of record will be responsible for payment of any repair cost that exceeds this amount, remitted directly to the electrician.
What if I move before the end of the 12 month term?
This bill will remain the responsibility of the customer of record party who entered into the agreement.
I’ve already made my repairs, can I be reimbursed?
Subject to review on a case-by-case basis.
When will I start receiving a bill for the work done?
Currently all billing is suspended for our NW Florida customers until further notice. Customers will be notified before billing resumes and invoices will be sent at that time.
Will there be interest charged on to the cost of work?
Interest will not be charged on the cost of work; the Company will receive no return on these payments. There is a one-time $20 administrative fee that will be billed as indicated in the program details.
What if I have complaints about the electrician? What if the electrician causes damage another area of my home while completing the work?
The agreement is between the customer of record and the electrician. FPU cannot be held liable for any damage.
Is there any down payment required?
Any down payment, if required, will be remitted by FPU directly to electrician and deducted from the $1500 allowance.
How soon after work is complete will my power be restored?
Once the electrician notifies FPU that all work has been completed, the Company will schedule restoration of service as soon and as safely as possible.
Will I be responsible for the initial estimate or the first visit to determine what repairs are needed?
There will be no cost for the initial site visit and evaluation.