JUNO BEACH, Fla. (Black PR Wire) – Florida Power & Light Company has announced it will significantly lower bills for the second time this year and fast-track savings to customers amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Subject to Florida Public Service Commission approval, beginning May 1, FPL plans to issue a one-time decrease of nearly 25% for the typical residential customer bill as a result of lower fuel costs.

In Florida, FPL and other electric providers traditionally refund any fuel savings to customers over many months. Given the abrupt financial challenges facing many customers due to COVID-19, FPL will instead request permission to give customers the total annual savings in a single month’s bill. Business customers will also see a significant one-time decrease in May, that will vary by rate class.

“Everyone at FPL understands how critical it is to continue to provide reliable electricity and to keep as much money as possible in our customers’ pockets,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy.

“Traditionally, our regulators expect these types of savings to be spread out over the balance of the year. However, challenging times call for exceptional measures. I believe this one-time bill decrease is the most effective way to infuse customers with much-needed money as we all navigate through this difficult and unsettling time together.”

FPLs Typical 1,000-kWh Residential Customer Bill

December 2019 – $99.90 Current – $96.04

May 2020 with one-time decrease ~$74*

Before the proposed decrease, FPL’s typical bill was about 30% lower than the U.S. average, according to the latest available data.

FPL has had a pandemic plan in place for years and regularly trains and drills for unplanned events and crises. For customers experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19, FPL has resources available at fpl.com/help, or the company can connect customers with resources available from federal, state and local authorities.

To further assist customers, FPL is also implementing the same policies that it does during crises and has suspended electrical disconnections, is providing payment extensions and is waiving late payment fees for customers in a hardship situation. All the policies will remain in effect while Florida is under a state of emergency.

Additionally, FPL, its fellow NextEra Energy companies and employees have so far committed nearly $2.75 million in COVID-19 emergency assistance funds that will be distributed directly to those in need and to partner organizations working on the frontlines of the crisis to provide critical support to the most vulnerable members of the community.

For other information visit nexteraenergy.com or fpl.com.