FL S1166

Defines "storm hardening" as upgraded design, construction, and maintenance practices enabling electric transmission and distribution systems to better withstand high winds, storm surges, and flooding.

Requires electric utilities petitioning for storm-recovery financing orders to identify their storm hardening plan, compliance with the plan, and overall prudence in ensuring reliable electric service in storm-impacted areas.

Mandates Public Service Commission consideration of utility prudence in storm hardening, previously received storm hardening costs, and prudent expenditure of those funds when determining reasonableness of storm-recovery costs.

Requires electric utilities to provide 15 percent discount on storm-recovery charges to customers with underground electric utility distribution lines installed at customer request and cost, and to customers in jurisdictions with ordinances prohibiting trees over 10 feet tall within 5 lateral feet of overhead utility lines.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.