FPUA has redirected $50,000 of conservation funds to assist customers during gas price hike
FORT PIERCE, FL (July 28, 2022) – Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) has partnered with Mustard Seed Ministries to provide utility bill assistance for customers impacted by natural gas prices in July 2022. Customers who qualify can access up to $150 of utility bill assistance and must call Mustard Seed Ministries at 772-465-6021 to make an appointment to apply. Funds available have been redirected from conservation fund money that is typically used to weatherize homes. Weatherization projects will be reduced but not eliminated during this time.
Florida’s electric utilities use natural gas as a fuel to generate electricity. Fuel is a cost that is passed on to customers as a specific line item on utility bills, separate from the base rate, and called the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA). When the fuel price increases or decreases, so does the PCA. FPUA leadership is tracking fuel prices daily. On Tuesday, July 19th, the FPUA Board voted to reduce the PCA by $30 per 1,000 kWh. Accordingly, the PCA will be $29 per 1,000 kWh for the month of August 2022. Though the PCA is being reduced, customers should expect to remain under a positive PCA while the price of fuel remains high.
Utility bill assistance will be available through Mustard Seed Ministries until funds are no longer available. To receive assistance applicants will have to provide: valid photo ID, a copy of your FPUA bill, proof of income or unemployment, and number of adults and children in the household. Customers must meet an income threshold of 200% or below poverty level. Call Mustard Seed Ministries at 772-465-6021 to make an appointment to apply. Customers can also call FPUA for Budget Billing and Special Payment Arrangements at 772-466-1600, ext. 3900. Project CARE is a long-standing utility assistance program for FPUA customers that is administered by Mustard Seed and emphasizes neighbors helping neighbors. Customers who wish to contribute may donate to Project CARE by contacting FPUA or Mustard Seed Ministries.
About FPUA: Fort Pierce Utilities Authority is a municipal, not-for-profit utility provider. Now in its 50th year, the mission of FPUA is to provide our customers with economical, reliable, and friendly service in a continuous effort to enhance the quality of life in our community. Fort Pierce is one of more than 2,000 communities in the United States served by a community-owned electric utility, and one of very few that also provide water, wastewater, natural gas, and Internet services. Public utility systems are owned by the people they serve. All benefits from our locally controlled utility remain right here in the community. Additional information is available at www.fpua.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rachel Tennant
Phone: 772-466-1600, ext. 3012
E-mail: rtennant@fpua.com