What to Do When You Can’t Pay Your Power Bill in Pensacola
You open the bill…
You look at the amount due…
Then you look at your bank account…
And suddenly, the numbers just don’t work…
Maybe an unexpected expense took what little breathing room you had. Or maybe you’ve been trying to stretch one paycheck across groceries, gas, housing, and everything else your family needs.
Whatever brought you here, you’re now facing a decision no one wants to make:
What happens if I can’t pay my power bill?
If you live in the Pensacola area and have fallen behind on your FPL bill, don’t simply ignore it and hope the problem goes away. There may be assistance available through Tender Hearts Caring Hands at Ministry Village.
Start by Asking for Help
It can be difficult to make that call.
For many people, asking for help feels like admitting defeat. But sometimes a difficult season simply puts more on your plate than your income can cover.
Tender Hearts Caring Hands exists to serve underprivileged and underserved individuals and families throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties by helping meet physical and spiritual needs.
One of the ways we do that is through our Keep the Lights On program.
What Is Keep the Lights On?
Keep the Lights On provides FPL assistance for past-due power bills for those who meet the program requirements.
According to our current program guidelines:
You must have an active FPL account.
Assistance is available once every two years.
Assistance cannot be used for deposits that are still owed.
You must have had a viable source of income within the last year.
The screening application requires 12 months of employment history or another source of income, such as Social Security or SSDI.
The process begins with a telephone screening with Tender Hearts Caring Hands.
Don’t Wait Until the Stress Takes Over
When money is tight, it’s easy to start avoiding the problem.
You leave the bill unopened.
You tell yourself you’ll figure it out after the next paycheck.
You cut another expense and move a little money around.
But when there simply isn’t enough to cover everything, avoiding the bill doesn’t make the balance disappear.
If you have a past-due FPL bill and believe you may qualify for assistance, reach out.
You don’t need to have all the answers before making the call. The first step is simply finding out whether Keep the Lights On may be an option for you.
How to Get Started
FPL assistance through Tender Hearts Caring Hands begins with a telephone screening.
FPL Assistance Hours:
Monday–Thursday
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
By phone appointment only
Call: (850) 473-4466
Tender Hearts Caring Hands is located at:
1716 East Olive Road
Pensacola, FL 32514
Sometimes Everyone Needs a Little Help Keeping the Lights On
A past-due power bill can feel like just one more thing when you’re already carrying too much.
But you don’t have to pretend the problem isn’t there.
At Ministry Village, our mission is about more than paying a bill or meeting an immediate need. Tender Hearts Caring Hands seeks to care for people in our community physically and spiritually, reminding each person who comes through our doors that they are seen, valued, and loved.
If your FPL bill is past due, make the call and find out what your next step could be.
(Want to help make programs like this possible? Your gift to Ministry Village helps us continue meeting real needs and sharing Christ’s love throughout our community. Make a gift today and help us continue serving those who need it most.)