A Settlement Will Allow Gulf Power to Recoup $13.2 Million in Pandemic Expenses
State regulators approved a settlement Thursday that will allow Gulf Power, the largest utility in Northwest Florida, to recoup up to $13.2 million in costs tied to the coronavirus pandemic.
The settlement approved by the Public Service Commission covers safety-related measures undertaken through last month and “bad debt” expenses incurred between March 17, 2020, and mid-November, when the company did not disconnect customers who were unable to pay bills.
“These (safety) actions included monitoring the health and body temperatures of employees and contractors, testing employees for COVID-19 and antibodies, making modifications to company facilities, obtaining personal protective equipment such as masks (and) gloves, placing signage on buildings and trucks to ensure social distancing, and other safety-related COVID protocols,” said Joel Baker, an attorney representing Gulf Power.
