Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) reports record cold temperatures are causing customers to use more electricity to heat their homes and businesses this winter. As a result, customers should expect to see an increase in their electric bills.

The higher electric bills are primarily related to increased energy usage for heating. However, customers are experiencing a rise in their bills because of an increased fuel charge. The increased fuel charge is a result of the rising cost of oil and gas used to produce electricity. FPL does not profit from the fuel charge.

Residential customers can help lower their electric bills by knowing what appliances are the largest users of electricity and taking measures to make their homes more energy efficient. FPL makes these recommendations to help customers conserve:

  * Keep the thermostat between 68-70 degrees.  To save even more, keep
    your thermostat set at 68 degrees or lower.  Each degree above 70 adds
    three to six percent to the bill.  It costs three times as much to heat
    a home as to cool it.
  * Set your thermostat to "auto" instead of "on" for more economy.
  * When you're away for four hours or more, set your thermostat's heat
    setting to 55 degrees.
  * Check, clean and replace (when needed) air filters monthly.
  * Caulk any spaces around windows or other places cool drafts can get in
    or heat can escape.
  * Wrap water heater in insulation blankets available at hardware stores.
  * Cover bare floors with carpet or rugs.

FPL offers programs to help customers conserve energy and control their bill. To help customers manage their electric bills, FPL offers a budget billing payment system which allows customers to pay about the same amount each month. Customers can budget their payments and not be surprised by higher bills especially during the months when electricity use is greatest.

"Budget Billing works really well for customers who need to budget monthly expenses because they know the approximate amount of their monthly FPL bill," said Jack Gomm, director of customer billing, for FPL.

FPL also offers a program called 62Plus Payment Plan. "It is a program available to all customers, regardless of age, who rely on fixed income payments. This plan may be especially beneficial for customers whose electric bills are due at some time other than when the monthly benefit check arrives," said Gomm.

Leaky heating and air conditioning ducts are the number one energy waster in Florida homes. As part of their energy conservation measures, FPL offers a heating and air conditioning duct test program. FPL will conduct a thorough two-hour test of a customer's duct system at a cost of $30, plus $15 for any additional air handler. If leaks are found, FPL will pay up to $154 per system toward the cost of repairs by an authorized independent contractor.

Low-income families having difficulty managing their electric bills can depend on FPL for assistance through its Care-to-Share program. FPL customers may voluntarily contribute to this community service program which benefits low-income families unable to pay their electric bills. Qualifying families may receive up to $250 on a yearly, one-time basis toward the cost of electricity for their homes.

To sign-up for FPL's energy conservation programs or to speak to a customer care representative call 1-800-DIAL-FPL extension 1024 or visit http://www.fpl.com/ on the Internet.

Florida Power & Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. , one of the nation's largest providers of electricity-related services with annual revenues of more than $7 billion. The company serves 3.9 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group's subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.fpl.com

SOURCE: Florida Power & Light Company