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Gulf Power Plans To Lower Bills About 40% In May For One-Time Pandemic Relief
March 31, 2020
Gulf Power has announced its plan to significantly lower bills for customers amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Subject to Florida Public Service Commission approval, beginning May 1, Gulf Power plans to issue a one-time decrease of approximately 40% for the typical residential customer bill as a result of lower fuel costs.
“At Gulf Power, we understand how critical it is – particularly at a time like now – for you to have the reliable service that you count on, each and every day. We also understand that, at this moment, savings on your bill can be especially valuable,” said Gulf Power President Marlene Santos. “While traditionally these types of savings are spread out, we know that many people in our communities are struggling right now and every penny counts. We want to do what we can to keep as much money as possible in our customers’ pockets, and we believe this is the best way to provide customers with much-needed money as we all navigate through this difficult and unsettling time together.”
In Florida, fuel savings are typically refunded to customers over the remainder of the year to provide level, predictable bills. However, given the emergent and significant financial challenges facing many customers due to COVID-19, Gulf Power will instead seek to give customers the total annual savings in their May bill. Business customers will also see a significant one-time decrease in May, depending on usage and rate class.
The Florida Public Service Commission must approve the plan.
Comments
24 Responses to “Gulf Power Plans To Lower Bills About 40% In May For One-Time Pandemic Relief”
Budget billing since 2018. Went up $60 last year and went up $134 this year as of this month. No discount seen in May at all. I call foul, this new owner is fleecing Pensacolans.
Does the price break only apply to certain people? We have not received anything. From what I have read, it says that Gulf Power customers “could” receive a refund. What is the criteria? Why are some people omitted?
Tracking my bill daily. Went from about $5 a day to a sudden increase for ine day to $92.91. And now each day is double what it was in May.
did not receive 40% discount in May or June. WHY?
Opps I meant to say I didn’t receive a discount. My bill was just as high As ever other month.
I don’t receive a discount on anything. My bill was as high as normal.
(BILL INCREASED)WELL WHILE I WAS GRATEFUL THIS COMPANY HAS GOOD INTENTIONS IN HELPING RESIDENTS ON LOWERING THEIR BILL IN MAY, IT SEEMS TO BE A SHADY WAY TO INCREASE THE BILL AND CHARGES TO CUSTOMERS TO OFFSET LOSSES.WHY BILL IS INCREASED YOU SAY, WAS TOLD IT WAS DEFERRED BILLING! REALLY! NOT THE ACTUAL GRADUATION DAY FOR THE DEFERRED BILLING ESPECIALLY THE RATE IT INCREASED. SUCH A CORPORATE MOVE. GOOD BUSINESS DECISIONS RIGHT! JUST LIKE HUMAN RESOURCES!
I am so THANKKFUL for this when we need it.
Why are some people so ungrateful? They don’t have to do this, I’m thankful and appreciate any help or reduction. Im not rich,stay at home mom to 3 kids.
When it’s all said and done with, they will petition the PSC for another 4% increase and get it….There goes your one month of discount….
Its clear that some respondents are uninformed consumers. In accordance with the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) enforced by The Public Service Commission, utility companies are prohibited from “profiting” on fuel costs. This refund of fuel charges is due to Gulf Power overcharging customers the past 6 months. This is not a refund or a reduction in any “profits” Gulf Power may have earned. This is like getting your Federal tax refund – you were overcharged thereby giving the utility an interest free loan and now the utility is mandated to give you back your money.
If you are in doubt, I will refer you to the Gulf Power website page on “how to read your bill”. Find the “Bill Detail section” and click on “electric service amount”. Read the last sentence in their description of fuel charges. Or, you can go to the Public Service Commission and spend hours trying to find the same information on their website.
https://www.gulfpower.com/rates/understanding-your-bill.html
Yes, this lump sum refund in May will benefit a lot of customers who dont have a “oh no what am I going to do” rainy day fund. However, as I originally stated, the short-term refund for most user will be much smaller than if they would have taken a reduction in fuel cost over the full 6 months rate period. The month of May is generally the lowest usage month therefore proving the smallest refund to the consumer.
No cj I do not work for gulf power or for any contractor for gulf power. I have no family with gulf power either. I simply feel that if folks want to complain about a “good thing” gulf power is doing for us, then there are options….refuse to have power. I’d rather have it, very convenient.
Thank you, Scott, for clearing that up. Do you, by chance, work for them? If so, I definitely understand your comment. I was just stating facts. Since the new owners had bragged about their low rates when they came in, I was having a little trouble understanding how the bill went up instead of down with less usage. But, I am sure your suggestion of a generator wasn’t being sarcastic and was being – just helpful.
Gulf power is in the business to make money. Their profits obviously come from us the customer. At the moment gulf power is cutting their profit to aid us the customer. If you don’t wanna pay what their rate is, simply tell them to cut your power off. You can run with a generator perhaps or sit in the dark. It’s our choice to have the electricity. Or better yet, start up your own power company.
The current owners have gone up twice on a budget billing even though I have three less people in the house plus not running AC or Heat as much.
This proves how much the PREVIOUS owners of gulp power were taking out of the community BY STICKING WITH COAL. They did that becasue they were buying coal form themselves at inflated rates…..
Thank you Gulf Power. Most of us sincerely appreciate your help.
This is good. these savings would have been over a longer term in small pieces, this is a one-time infusion of savings for us when many need it. Maybe it gives a little break for people to rebound from any sudden job loss. Thanks Gulf Power.
@Jason, I’m sure you can work it out with Gulf Power and pay your full rate for the month.
THANK YOU GULF POWER
All of the people out of work for the next couple of months will appreciate this savings as soon as possible. What can I do with a small decrease in my bill in June if I can’t pay my bills now. Will I even have a home in June? Did you not think Gulf Power is trying to help all of us when we need it most?
Man, some people are going to have something negative to say no matter what.
@jason
I agree totally. just wait for the increase.
Will this include us in Destin? And is it a one time decrease billed at the end of May ?
Dont think Gulf Power is doing anybody a favor with this proposed plan. This is a one time discount for only the month of May versus a much smaller decrease every month until the next rate adjustment – (in January???), The high usage months for power are June, July, and August — those bills will be at a higher rate and Gulf Power will be chuckling all the way to the bank knowing they scammed customers with their story about providing financial relief.
My bet says customers would be better off financially with a smaller discount over a six month period versus a one-time large discount just for the month of May.