First, the power goes out. And later, the bill comes due.
As Florida suffered through hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, Irma and Michael during the past three years, millions of people were left in the dark. Each time, utilities had to mobilize crews to get the electricity back on and to rebuild expensive power systems and equipment.
Utilities have long been able to recoup storm-restoration costs from customers. Typically, it has been done by tacking on a few extra bucks to customers’ monthly bills until the utilities are made whole.