Notice to customers who pay by check by mail

Beginning in March 2005, FPL will implement a new process for depositing payments received in our payment processing center.

This means that all eligible consumer checks will be converted to electronic debits for bank clearing. If your check is converted in this way, the payment will be debited against your bank account, possibly the same day it is received.

Checks will no longer be returned with monthly bank statements, but the statements will reflect the check numbers, the dates cleared and show FPL as the payee.

This method is more efficient than depositing paper checks and will help us in our ongoing efforts to provide you with quality service at the lowest possible price.

Should you have questions regarding this matter, please Contact Us.

FAQ

Q. How does converting a check to an electronic debit work?

A. In FPL’s payment processing center, your check is scanned by electronic equipment to get the information necessary for bank clearing. FPL then sends the electronic file to our depository bank, rather than the paper check.

Q. Why is FPL doing this?

A. To reduce expenses. Banks clear electronic items for significantly less than the cost to clear paper items. Keeping operating costs as low as possible helps us deliver our product at the lowest possible cost to you.

Q. Do I have to do anything differently when I make my payment?

A. No. However, since checks are processed electronically and checks are not returned, you may wish to consider enrolling in the FPL Automatic Bill Pay program. This will eliminate the need to write a check and use a stamp to mail it. Enrolling in FPL E-Mail Bill also offers a convenient e-mail bill reminder.

Q. Will I get my check back with my bank statement?

A. No. Since the actual paper checks are not deposited to the bank, they cannot be returned in your statement. Your bank statement will reflect the check number, the date paid and will show FPL as the payee.

Q. If I don’t get my check back, what happens to it? Will this compromise the security of my banking information?

A. Once your check has been processed and cleared through the banking system, the check will be shredded in a secure area at our payment processing center. This process actually increases the security of your banking information since the paper check never leaves our site and is not handled again manually.

Q. What if I need a copy of my check for some reason?

A. When FPL processes your check, an image of the check is captured and stored for two years. If you need a copy, you simply call our customer service department and one will be sent to you.