(Juno Beach, FL, Thursday, July 16, 2020) – Thousands of Floridians are behind payment on their electric bill due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. Florida Power & Light Company is continuing to help connect customers find financial assistance, and, where there is hardship, offering customers additional payment extensions and waiving late fees to help them manage past-due balances.

Florencia Olivera, spokesperson, tells us how customers can find help.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IT’S AS SIMPLE AS PICKING UP THE PHONE. WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF WORKING WITH OUR CUSTOMERS DURING DIFFICULT TIMES AND COVID-19 HAS BEEN NO EXCEPTION. WE UNDERSTAND HOW DISRUPTIVE THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO BE, WHICH IS WHY WE’RE ASKING CUSTOMERS TO CALL US SO WE CAN FIND A PAYMENT PLAN THAT WORKS FOR THEM … AND EVEN POINT THEM IN THE DIRECTION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – WHICH HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. BOTTOM LINE, TURNING OFF THE LIGHTS IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LAST RESORT.

SOUNDBITE #2:

TURNING OFF THE LIGHTS IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LAST RESORT, WHICH IS WHY WE’VE INCREASED OUR COMMUNICATION EFFORTS TO CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP DUE TO COVID-19. FINDING HELP IS AS SIMPLE AS PICKING UP THE PHONE. WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF WORKING WITH OUR CUSTOMERS AND WE’RE CONTINUING TO HELP CUSTOMERS WHO CONTACT US FIND A PAYMENT PLAN AND DIRECT THEM TOWARD FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – WHICH HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY DUE TO THE PANDEMIC.

The company is continuing to suspend disconnections for nonpayment and will continue assessing its COVID-19 policies to ensure it is supporting customers experiencing hardship while also balancing the needs of all customers. Customer struggling to pay their bill are urged call to discuss their situation, as they remain responsible for their outstanding balance.

For more information about how to find assistance, visit FPL.com/Help or call 800-226-3545.