FPU Rate Increase Fully Approved

Jackson County, Fla. - Florida Public Utilities Company’s request for a rate increase has now been fully approved by the Florida Public Service Commission, clearing the way for higher electric bills across the region. Regulators signed off in March on a permanent revenue boost of about $9.8 million a year, following an interim hike that added roughly $3 to monthly bills last fall. Under the new structure, a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month will see their bill climb by about $11.42, from roughly $146 to nearly $158. FPUC has pointed to inflation, rising material and labor costs, system upgrades, and cybersecurity improvements as driving the need for higher rates. While the increase will squeeze many households, especially in rural and economically strained areas such as Jackson County, several assistance options are available. FPUC participates in the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps eligible residents with energy bills, past-due balances, and emergency situations. The company also offers weatherization support through its Efficiency 1st Program, along with payment-extension and budgeting options for customers facing financial hardship. Local social-service agencies administer many of these programs, and residents are encouraged to contact FPUC or their county’s LIHEAP provider to check eligibility and learn what help is currently available.

LIHEAP is Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It is a federally funded program that helps income-qualified families and individuals with home heating and cooling costs. For assistance, you may call 211 or visit 211.org to connected with trained professionals who can help you find local resources for utility assistance. On the local level, residents may contact Jackson County’s Community Development Director Kim Sweazy at 850-482-9637.