The Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) has approved cost recovery factors for the 2026 Gas Utility Access and Replacement Directive (GUARD) program of Florida Public Utilities Company (FPUC).
The GUARD program, which received initial approval in 2023, is intended to speed up the replacement of problematic natural gas pipelines and facilities. It also aims to move mains and service lines from areas that are hard to access, such as rear easements, to safer and more accessible front-lot easements.
Projects under GUARD are selected based on risk assessments conducted through FPUC’s Distribution Integrity Management Program and by an independent contractor. The focus is on areas considered high-risk or with significant consequences if issues arise. According to the FPSC, “All projects are designed to enhance the safety and reliability of FPUC’s natural gas distribution system.”
For 2026, the commission set a total GUARD revenue requirement at $10.18 million. This amount includes $42,599 carried over from under-recovery in 2025. The approved recovery covers expenses such as depreciation, fuel-line extensions needed for meter relocations, customer notifications, and property taxes.
Starting January through December 2026, residential customers using 20 therms per month will see their GUARD surcharge rise to $5.20 per month from $2.22 in 2025.
FPUC expects to invest about $24.9 million in GUARD-related improvements during 2026. These efforts will contribute to a cumulative qualified investment of $110.5 million for the program. Planned projects include replacing outdated pipes—such as Aldyl-A pipes—and relocating infrastructure from rear-lot easements to street fronts across Palm Beach, Seminole, Polk, and Volusia counties.
FPUC provides service to around 33,100 retail customers in its Northwest and Northeast Divisions.
