Paying your monthly electric bill should be simple and straightforward. However, I know many Florida Keys residents find the process confusing and frustrating. So, I’m going to give you a helpful guide to help you understand how to pay your Florida Keys electric bill.
As someone who lives in the Florida Keys, I know the unique problems that people there have with their utilities. Our island chain is served by two main power companies: Keys Energy Services (KEYS) and Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC). Each has its own rules and procedures for fees, payment options, due dates, and other things. It can get complicated fast!.
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about paying your electric bill in the Florida Keys. We’ll cover:
- How to pay your FKEC or KEYS bill online, by phone, by mail or in person
- Understanding your electric charges and fees
- Payment assistance programs for Keys residents struggling to pay
- Setting up autopay and paperless billing for convenience
- Avoiding late fees and disconnection through on-time payment
- Comparing FKEC and KEYS payment policies side-by-side
Let’s dig in and shed some light on this murky subject!
Online Bill Pay
The easiest way to pay your FKEC or KEYS electric bill is online through each company’s website,
FKEC Online Bill Pay
- Go to fkec.com and click on “Access Your Account”
- Register for online account access if you haven’t already
- Log in with your username and password
- Select “Make a Payment” to pay your current bill
- You can pay by credit/debit card or e-check
KEYS Online Bill Pay
- Go to keysenergy.com and click on “My Account/Pay My Bill”
- Click on the orange “Bill Pay” button
- Enter your account number and service address
- Select your payment amount and method
- Pay by credit/debit card or e-check
Online payment is fast, secure, and lets you view your latest electric usage and charges. I recommend setting up an online account to access your bill 24/7.
Pay by Phone
You can also pay your electric bill over the phone using FKEC and KEYS’ automated payment systems.
FKEC Phone Payment
- Call 1-855-385-9912
- Follow the voice prompts to enter your account information
- Select your payment amount and method
- Pay by credit/debit card or e-check
KEYS Phone Payment
- Call 305-295-1000
- Follow the automated prompts to enter your account number
- Choose your payment amount and method
- Pay by credit/debit card
Paying by phone is convenient if you don’t have consistent internet access. However, you can’t view your full electric bill over the phone like you can online.
Pay by Mail
If you prefer to pay your bill via snail mail, you can send a check or money order to:
FKEC
PO Box 377
Tavernier, FL 33070
KEYS
PO Box 279038
Miramar, FL 33027
Be sure to include your payment stub to credit your account properly. Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to process. I recommend paying at least 1 week before your due date to avoid late fees.
In-Person Payment
You can also pay your electric bill in person at your utility company’s local office.
FKEC In-Person Payment
- FKEC Headquarters: 81681 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
- Accepts cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card
KEYS In-Person Payment
-
KEYS Headquarters: 1001 James St, Key West, FL 33040
-
Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
-
Accepts cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card
-
KEYS also has a payment kiosk at their Key West office accessible 24/7. However, the kiosk only accepts bills, not coins.
Paying in person allows you to talk to a customer service rep about your account if needed. But be aware of limited business hours.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you’re struggling to pay your electric bill each month, assistance is available. Qualified Florida Keys residents can receive help through:
-
LIHEAP: Provides federal funds to help low-income households pay energy bills. Offered through Monroe County Social Services.
-
EHEAP: Helps pay electric bills for low-income seniors age 60+. Also through Monroe County Social Services.
-
KEYS Cares: VOLUNTARY program that allows KEYS customers to donate $1 or more on their bill to assist needy residents.
-
FKEC Operation Round Up: VOLUNTARY program where FKEC customers can round up their bill to the next dollar to help local charities.
-
Local nonprofits: Organizations like Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and others may offer utility bill assistance.
If you’re struggling, I encourage you to explore these programs. Having your power shut off can be devastating, so get the help you need.
Automate Your Payments
Tired of remembering to pay your electric bill every month? I recommend setting up automatic payments to simplify the process.
Both FKEC and KEYS offer auto-pay through their websites. Here’s how it works:
- Login to your FKEC or KEYS online account
- Go to your payment settings
- Select auto-pay and choose your payment method
- Your bill will now be paid automatically each month
With autopay, you don’t have to worry about missing a payment and incurring late fees. Just be sure the funds are available in your linked bank account/credit card when your bill is due.
I also suggest going paperless with electronic billing. You’ll get your statement electronically rather than by mail. Less clutter and better for the environment!
Avoid Late Fees
Nothing’s worse than getting slapped with a late fee on your electric bill. Luckily, avoiding late charges is simple if you pay on time every month. Here are some tips:
- Mark your due date on your calendar so you remember
- Pay as soon as you receive your bill – don’t wait until the due date
- Set up autopay or reminders to pay your bill every month
- If you’ll be out of town, pay early or schedule your payment in advance
According to FKEC and KEYS:
- Your bill is due upon receipt
- Late fees apply if not paid by the due date
- Both charge late fees around $10 on residential accounts
Save yourself the stress and pay on time, every time. Set reminders if needed to stay on track.
Avoid Disconnection
Along with late fees, the ultimate consequence of a past-due electric bill is service disconnection. Nothing’s worse than having your power shut off!
Here’s how FKEC and KEYS handle disconnections for non-payment:
FKEC Disconnection Policy
- Bill is due upon receipt
- Disconnection notice is sent if not paid by due date
- Account may be disconnected anytime after 15 days past due
- Reconnection fee of $30 applies after disconnection
KEYS Disconnection Policy
- Bill is due 21 days after mailing
- Disconnect notice is sent 15 days after due date
- Account may be disconnected 25 days after due date
- Reconnection fee of $30 (residential) or $50 (commercial)
Bottom line – don’t let your account get severely past due or you’ll face disconnection. Communicate with your utility if you anticipate payment issues. And see if you qualify for bill assistance programs if you’re struggling.
FKEC vs KEYS Bill Pay Comparison
Since the Florida Keys has two electric companies, their payment policies differ slightly. Here’s a quick comparison of KEYS vs FKEC electric bill pay:
| Billing Feature | KEYS Policy | FKEC Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Online Bill Pay | Available | Available |
| Pay By Phone | Available | Available |
| Due Date | 21 days after mailing | Upon receipt |
| Late Fee | $10 (residential) | $9.71 (residential) |
| Disconnection Policy | 25 days past due | 15 days past due |
| Reconnection Fee | $30 (residential) | $30 |
| Payment Locations | Key West & Big Pine Key | Islamorada & Key Largo |
As you can see, the companies have minor differences in their payment policies. But both offer the convenience of online, phone, mail and in-person payment options.
Understanding these policies allows you to avoid penalties and stay current on your electric bill. Please reach out to KEYS or FKEC directly with any additional questions on billing or payment.
Let’s Review
Paying your
Monthly Electric Bill: Frequently Asked Questions
How is my monthly electric bill calculated?â
There are several components that comprise Keys Energy Servicesâ (KEYS) monthly electric bill.
If you are a residential customer, they include: the Energy Charge; the Power Cost Adjustment; the Customer Charge; the Storm Surcharge and the Gross Receipts Tax.
If you are a small commercial customer, they include: the Energy Charge; the Power Cost Adjustment; the Customer Charge; the Storm Surcharge, the Sales Tax and the Gross Receipts Tax.
If you are a large commercial customer, they include: the Energy Charge; the Demand Charge; the Power Cost Adjustment; the Customer Charge; the Storm Surcharge, the Sales Tax and the Gross Receipts Tax.
All customers are charged a Storm Surcharge.
What is KEYS Energy Charge (also referred to as the Base Rate)?â
The Energy Charge is a fixed charge and is the cost to provide service to customers.
The Energy Charge for each class of customer is:
- Residential â $0.1107 per kilowatt-hour* (kwh)
- Small Commercial â $0.1287 per kilowatt-hour (kwh)
- Large Commercial
- $0.1287 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for the first 5,000 kwh
- $0.1069 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for all additional kwh
- Large Commercial Primary â $0.0965 per kilowatt-hour (kwh)
What is the Demand Charge?
Large non-residential customers are billed for their demand for electricity along with the kWh used. Demand is measured in kW. The demand is the highest amount of electricity required at any one given time. Billing Demand is not applicable to residential and small commercial customers.
The Demand Charge for Large Commercial Customers is:
- $0.00 per kW- First 20 kW
- $12.50 per kW- All additional kW
The Demand Charge for Large Commercial Primary Customers is:
What is the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) Charge?
The actual cost of power does not always match the cost of power built into the Energy Charge. Â When power costs fluctuate above or below the cost recovered by the Energy Charge (currently $62.20/1,000 kwh), KEYS passes the increase/decrease along to customers via the PCA.â
What determines the PCA rate?
KEYS purchases all of its power from the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA). Power costs from FMPA fluctuate month-to-month with the cost of energy and with the âtrue upâ from the previous month. Â Your power comes from a variety of generation sources, including natural gas, coal, nuclear and solar. Â As a result, the PCA does not directly correlate to change in any specific fuel market.
Who sets the Energy and PCA charges?
The Utility Board sets the rate structures of both the Energy Charge and the PCA. The Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC), which regulates all electric utilities in Florida, then reviews and approves the rate structure. The Energy Charge is set by the Utility Board following Public Hearings, and the PCA is set by KEYSâ General Manager & CEO based on past, present and projected power costs.
What is the Customer Charge?
The Customer Charge is a fixed amount charge to recover costs incurred regardless of energy consumption. These costs include operation and maintenance costs of transmission and distribution systems, tree trimming, meter reading and customer service.
The Customer Charge for each class of customer is:
What is the Storm Surcharge?
The Storm Surcharge is a $1.35 charge per 1,000 kWh of consumption assessed to all customers monthly to fund KEYSâ Disaster Reserve and Mitigation Fund. By resolution, the Disaster Reserve and Mitigation Fund was established to fund liabilities incurred as a result of a disaster, such as a hurricane.
What are Gross Receipts Taxes?
A 2.56-percent tax on the gross receipts of electric, gas, and telecommunications utilities in the State of Florida and is recovered from all customers, regardless of tax-exempt status. Gross Receipts Tax revenues are used for public education capital outlay funding (chapter 12B-6, Florida Administrative Code).
What can I do to reduce my monthly electric bill?
Take steps to conserve energy and reduce your consumption, log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the âGrowing Greener Every Dayâ icon for ideas to get started.
*A kwh is a common unit of electric energy consumption, and the basic unit of electric energy. For example, ten 100-watt light bulbs burning for one hour use one kilowatt-hour.
How to Sign Up for Electronic Debit Program
To sign up, you can submit the Authorization Form online, by mail, or visit our office.
The following forms are available online. You may type directly into the form fields from your computer, then submit, save and/or print the form.
If you would like to request a paperless monthly energy bill, please complete the following form and select the SUBMIT REQUEST button. You can also call one of our customer service representatives at (305) 295-1090 or stop by our offices at 1001 James Street, Key West, to request to go paperless. Once processed, you will begin receiving your monthly energy bill via e-mail.
If you want to access the customer portal, please create your online profile/account today!
âThank you! If you have not received a confirmation email from KEYS within one business day, please contact KEYSâ Customer Service at (305) 295-1090 to ensure receipt.Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. If it continues, please reach out to KEYS customer service.First NameLast NameEmail Address Account Number*Service Address*Best Number to Reach MeThank you! If you have not received a confirmation email from KEYS within one business day, please contact KEYSâ Dispatch Center at (305) 295-1010 to ensure receipt.Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. If it continues, please reach out to KEYS customer service.First Name*Last Name*Email Address Account Number*Service Address*Best Number to Reach MeThank you! If you have not received a confirmation email from KEYS within one business day, please contact KEYSâ Customer Service at (305) 295-1090 to ensure receipt.Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. If it continues, please reach out to KEYS customer service.
You can pay your bill securely online HERE.
When paying your bill by mail, please send it to the address listed below:
For those customers who are not comfortable paying their bills online, KEYSâ TELELINK telephone system lets you pay your monthly bill securely by phone whenever it is convenient for you. Call (305) 295-1000 to get started. Please note that applicable Transaction Fee charges will apply.
Help KEYS maintain your current account information. The TELELINK system works best when the telephone number you are calling from to report an outage or pay your bill by phone is the same as the one that is reflected in your account.
Keys Energy Services offers you a fast and easy way to pay your monthly electric bill. The Electronic Debit Program automatically deducts your electric bill from your checking/savings account or credit/debit card monthly. You save the time of preparing your monthly payment and sending it in.
You can authorize Keys Energy Services and your bank to automatically debit the amount of your electric bill from your checking or savings account. Each month, the money is transferred from your account to our account about 2 business days before the due date on the bill.
You can also authorize Keys Energy Services to debit the amount of your bill from your credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express). Please note that applicable Transaction Fee charges will apply.
Youâll know the program is in place on your account when you see the statement âDo Not Payâ in the PAYMENT TYPE field on your bill.
To be eligible for the Electronic Debit Program, your account must be free of any returned items for insufficient funds for the last 12 months.
Additionally, for those customers signing up for residential electric service, if you sign up for the Electronic Debit Program simultaneously, your initial deposit fee will be waived.
How to Sign Up for Electronic Debit Program
To sign up, you can submit the Authorization Form online, by mail, or visit our office.
The following forms are available online. You may type directly into the form fields from your computer, then submit, save and/or print the form.
KEYS will accept your payment by check, money order, cash, or major credit card when you visit KEYSâ offices at 1001 James Street. FREE customer parking is available off Grinnell Street on the buildings north (back) side. Please note that applicable Transaction Fee charges may apply.
- Monday 8:00a-5:00p
- Tuesday 8:00a-5:00p
- Wednesday 9:00a-5:00p
- Thursday 8:00a-5:00p
- Friday 8:00a-5:00p
In addition to paying your bill online or by phone, you can pay using our bill pay kiosk or payment drop boxes. Click here for more information on the bill payment kiosk. Payment drop boxes are available for your convenience at 1001 James Street or in front of the Shops of Ships Way in Big Pine Key. You may drop your payment stub and check or money order in the drop boxes 24 hours a day. Cash should not be deposited.First Name*Last Name*Business NameService Address*Account Number (Found on Billing Statement)*Best Number to Reach Me*Email Address (Optional)
For customers who are having difficulty paying their monthly energy bill, the following programs and agencies may provide some assistance â pending qualification.
KEYS offers a Senior Citizenâs/Disabled American Veteranâs discount. To find out if you are eligible for this discount, visit https://www.keysenergy.com/discount/ or contact KEYSâ Customer Programs department at (305) 295-1080.
Monroe County Social Services may be able to help if you are having trouble paying your energy bill. They administer LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and EHEAP (Elderly Home Energy Assistance Program). To find out if you are eligible, call (305) 292-4408. This program is open to income-qualified families and individuals who need help paying their utility bills, depending on funding availability. To find out if you are eligible, call (305) 292-4408 or visit their website at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/146/Community-Support-Services. Please click here to access the LIHEAP Application Packet.
Non-profit Agencies:
- Aids Help: Call (305) 296-6196
- American Cancer Society: Call (800) 227-9954
- Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys: Call (305) 294-7300
- Catholic Charities: Call (305) 292-9790 in Key West
- Domestic Abuse Shelter: Call (305) 294-0824
- Salvation Army: Call (305) 294-0478
- St. Paulâs Episcopal Church: Call (305) 296-5142
Please note that all agencies have different and specific qualification criteria.
Keys Energy Services is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. If you require any functionality or specific accommodation which you find is not immediately provided for on the website, please contact us so that we may promptly address your individual needs.
Need help paying your electric bill?
FAQ
How do I pay my Florida Keys electric by phone?
Who provides electricity for the Florida Keys?
When did the Florida Keys get electricity?
How much is electricity in Key West?