Storm Cost Recovery Surcharge
Storm Cost Recovery Surcharge (SCRS)
The Road to Recovery
Talquin’s service territory has experienced a number of severe weather events in recent years, including Hurricane Debby (2024), Hurricane Helene (2024), Winter Storm Finn (2024), Winter Storm Enzo (2025), and the May Severe Storm/Tornadoes (2024). These storms caused extensive damage to our infrastructure, knocking out power lines, damaging poles and transformers, and disrupting service to Members. While crews worked tirelessly to restore power safely and efficiently, Talquin incurred $8 million in expenses that can not be reimbursed through federal or state disaster programs.
Non-reimbursable expenses cover a wide range of critical recovery efforts, including replacing damaged equipment such as poles, cables, and transformers; bringing in volunteers from aiding organizations; and providing temporary housing, base camps, and meals for the crews working around the clock to restore power.
About the SCRS
The storm recovery charge is a necessary bill component that will help recover non-reimbursed expenses resulting from recent severe weather events. This charge will appear on your monthly bill as a separate line item.
Storm restoration costs will be recovered over 12 months to reduce the impact to Members.
Storm Cost Summary & Collection
| Storm Name | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2024 Winter Storm Finn | $642,592.78 |
| 2024 May Severe Weather | $3,723,010.77 |
| 2024 Hurricane Debby | $1,890,000.78 |
| 2024 Hurricane Helene | $15,969,489.77 |
| 2024 Debby/Helene Vegetation Contract (est.) | $5,736,866.67 |
| 2025 Winter Storm Enzo | $287,288.67 |
| Total Cost | $28,249,269.44 |
Storm Cost Recovery Total: $8,000,000
Amount collected: *Begins 06/01/2025
Collection amounts will be updated monthly as collection assessments are finalized.
Member FAQs
-
What is the Storm Cost Recovery Surcharge (SCRS)?
The SCRS is a temporary charge added to electric bills to help Talquin recover storm-related costs that were not reimbursed by FEMA or other sources. It covers essential equipment like poles, cables, transformers, as well as temporary housing, basecamps, and meals for personnel.
-
Why is this charge necessary now?
Between 2024 and early 2025, Talquin’s service area was hit by an unprecedented series of storms that caused widespread and costly damage. While we have always prepared for and responded to storms, this level of impact, combined with over $8 million in unreimbursed expenses, is unlike anything we have seen before.
As a cooperative, we do not generate profits. The SCRS allows us to recover these essential costs without impacting our long-term financial stability or raising rates for all Members.
-
How will the SCRS affect my monthly bill?
The surcharge on Residential Rate (RS) is $0.00942 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
For a typical residential Member using 1,000 kWh per month, this will result in an additional $9.42 per month on the electric bill.
-
How long will the SCRS be in place?
The SCRS is projected to appear on the electric bill for 12 months, from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. It is designed to recover only the unreimbursed storm-related costs and will end once those costs are covered.
-
What exactly do the costs cover?
The unreimbursed storm recovery costs cover a wide range of critical needs that made it possible to restore power safely and efficiently after the storms. These include:
- Replacement of essential infrastructure such as poles, wire, transformers, and other damaged equipment.
- Labor costs for mutual aid assistance from other cooperatives and contractors.
- Right-of-way clearing and debris removal to access damaged areas.
- Temporary housing, basecamps, and meals for restoration personnel working in the field.
These costs reflect the full scope of what it takes to get the lights back on after severe storms and ensure the system remains safe and reliable for all Members.
-
Has Talquin ever charged this fee before?
No. This is the first time Talquin has implemented a Storm Cost Recovery Surcharge. While we have responded to storms in the past, the combination of five major events in rapid succession and over $8 million in unreimbursed costs has made this charge necessary.
-
Do other electric utilities use a similar charge?
Yes. According to the Florida Public Service Commission, several utilities in the state, including FPL and Duke Energy, are currently charging a storm recovery fee.
-
How will this impact my account if I have multiple electric meters?
The SCRS will apply per electric meter. If you have multiple electric meters (e.g., for a home, barn, or outbuilding), each meter will have its own SCRS. Water services are not affected and are not subject to this charge.
-
Will this become a permanent charge?
No. The SCRS is temporary and will automatically expire after 12 months. It is not a permanent increase to your electric rate.
-
How can I reduce the impact of this charge on my bill?
Energy efficiency can help lower your monthly usage and reduce the overall impact of the SCRS. We offer tips for saving energy on our website HERE: https://www.talquinelectric.com/resources/living-efficiently/
-
What if I have more questions?
We’re here to help. If you have questions about the SCRS or how it will affect your account, please contact Member Services for more details by emailing MemberFeedback@TalquinElectric.com or calling 850-627-7651.