Medically Essential Service Program

What Does The Medically Essential Service Program Provide?

This program provides Lakeland Electric customers with reasonable prior notice of power interruption due to scheduled service maintenance. In turn, customers enrolled in the program are allowed time to secure backup power for their medical equipment.

What Services Are Not Offered By The Medically Essential Service Program?

In the event of emergency power failures due to natural causes or unforeseen system problems, the program cannot provide prior notification. In these situations, it is the customer's responsibility to have a power backup system for their medical equipment, as well as an action plan for proceeding to the nearest medical facility.

In addition, the program does not exempt customers from service disconnection if they do not keep payment arrangements or if they fail to provide information or re-validate their participation in the program when requested by Lakeland Electric.

How Do Customers Qualify For The Medically Essential Service Program?

If you are a Lakeland Electric customer whose life-sustaining equipment is dependent on electrical service, you can qualify for your program. Here's How:

  • First, you must obtain verification from your physician regarding your medical condition, type of equipment and length of time the equipment is needed. Examples of qualifying equipment include: oxygen concentrator, heart monitor, controlled medication, and controlled atmosphere. We will ask that your physician fill out a validation form. Information on receiving a form can be obtained via e-mail or call (863) 834-1555.
  • Once the completed form is received and reviewed for eligibility, you will be able to participate in the program within 48 hours. Lakeland Electric will maintain a record of your power needs, and your account will be identified by a white seal with a red medical symbol on your electric meter.
  • Each year, Lakeland Electric will send a validation form to you, requesting your current medical status to ensure that our records are current and that the Medically Essential service is still required.
  • When you no longer require life-sustaining equipment, simply call Lakeland Electric at (863) 834-1555, and we will remove your account from the program.

Request Form

Download Medically Essential Service Request Form

You must obtain verification from your physician regarding your medical condition, type of equipment and length of time the equipment is needed.

Examples of qualifying equipment include: oxygen concentrator, heart monitor, controlled medication, and controlled atmosphere. We will ask that your physician fill out the linked validation form.

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