Fort Pierce - Friday July 29, 2022: The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) has partnered with Mustard Seed Ministries to provide utility bill assistance to qualified customers impacted by the growing cost of natural gas, and FPUA’s own rate hikes.
Customers who qualify can get up to $150 to help pay their utility bills.
FPUA’s 28-thousand customers have been hit hard in July by surging natural gas prices and a 10% FPUA rate hike that’s needed to pay for the long awaited relocation of the South Hutchinson Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.
To apply, customers must call Mustard Seed Ministries at 772-465-6021 to make an appointment to apply.
Utility bill assistance will be available through Mustard Seed Ministries until funds are no longer available. The money is coming from FPUA's conservation fund that is typically used to weatherize homes. Weatherization funding projects will be reduced, but not eliminated.
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.
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.
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.