KUA to Lower Customer Bills Through August in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

In an effort to provide financial relief during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Kissimmee Utility Authority today announced it will utilize up to $8 million to offset fuel expenses for its residential and commercial customers, beginning May 1.

As an example, the utility said residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month could see their May bills drop by up to $16 or 15 percent. Similar savings could continue monthly through August.

KUA anticipates the pandemic will impact its customers harder than most areas of the country because of the region’s strong ties to the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, which have been hit especially hard by the economic fallout from the virus.

“While KUA is sensitive to the needs of its customers, we especially want to help alleviate some of their concern for basic needs such as reliable and affordable electricity during this difficult time,” said KUA president and general manager Brian Horton.

In addition to the fuel credits, the utility’s board of directors on April 1 voted to expand the dollar-for-dollar match on all donations made to its Good Neighbor Utility Assistance Fund and provide an additional $50,000. Administered by the Osceola Council on Aging, the Good Neighbor Fund provides emergency utility bill payment assistance to individuals and families in Kissimmee facing a temporary financial crisis.

KUA remains committed to doing what it can to help its customers, employees, and the community during this unprecedented health crisis.