A Florida program, Saving Steps, could reduce eligible Florida Power & Light customers' electricity bills by $200 for households that don't qualify for government assistance but still struggle to meet basic needs.
Here's what to know
The program is intended for asset-limited, income-constrained, employed households that earn too much to qualify for government assistance but still cannot cover basic needs, CiberCuba reported.
The one-time $200 benefit goes directly toward an FPL bill rather than being paid in cash.
Eligibility depends on meeting five requirements:
1) Applicants must be an active residential customer of FPL with a verifiable address within the company's service area
2) Applicants must have no history of fraud on the account
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
3) The household income must fall at or below their county's ALICE limit
4) Applicants must not have received this credit previously on that account or address
5) Applicants must complete the series of educational videos on energy savings
More background
About 4.27 million Florida households fell below the ALICE threshold in 2024, representing nearly 47% of households statewide.
Since January 2026, FPL's typical residential bill for 1,000 kilowatt-hours in its peninsula service area has been $136.64 monthly, with increases projected to reach $148.15 by December 2029, according to CiberCuba. A $200 credit would cover roughly a month and a half at the January rate.
Saving Steps is not emergency assistance for households facing disconnection. FPL's separate options include Care To Share, offering up to $750 over 12 months, and Miami-Dade crisis assistance through LIHEAP and Care To Share that can cover up to $2,000, according to CiberCuba.
What can be done?
Customers who received assistance in the past 12 months through LIHEAP, EHEAP, or FPL Care To Share can watch the videos and apply directly. FPL then has up to 60 days to confirm the credit.
Others must check income eligibility using United Way's ALICE calculator, entering their state, county, household size, and income. They must also validate income with FPL partner The Salvation Army through fplsavingsteps.com. Verification typically takes about 30 days, followed by a confirmation period of up to 60 days at FPL.
Accepted income records include child support, pensions, pay stubs, and disability statements from Social Security.
Access to the program depends on available funding. FPL may stop applications when funding runs out. If the portal shows that applications are unavailable locally, CiberCuba reports that FPL advises applicants to return later in case funds become available again.
"This program is designed to help qualifying ALICE households start saving energy and reduce their monthly bill, whether they rent or own their home," FPL said.
Where can I learn more?
Saving Steps offers help with FPL bills, but customers in other states have different options for utility assistance and credits.
• A Florida homeowner audited a solar bill but couldn't find credits for exported power.
• Arizona's APS and SRP customers can access up to $640 in utility bill aid.
• New York is working to connect 2.5 million households with utility discounts up to $500.
• Western New York utility customers can get bill-credit help in person at events before winter.
• California's IID customers will receive a 4-cent-per-kWh October bill credit without needing to take action.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
