I live in Florida where we get a lot of lightning storms throughout the year and once in awhile, our power has gone down (the last one was a month ago, but only the garage freezer got tripped and was a easy fix).
 
Imagining the worst case scenario:: no AC during the summer or worse AC gets completely zapped and needs replacing (I'm thinking mostly of my 4 little ones in the house going without AC).
 
 
Is it worth getting a service like this from our power company?
 
 
Protect your major appliances from dangerous power surges
Our Surge Protection Service works at the meter to block surges before they reach your home's interior wiring, providing enhanced protection for your major appliances.

Easy installation - appointments typically not necessary

Free grounding inspection and repairs

Helps provide excellent protection for major appliances including your refrigerator, HVAC, washer and dryer.

Additional protection available for computers, TV and other electronics

Just $6.99/month* - conveniently added to your bill with a one-time installation fee of $44.95* 
https://www.progress-energy.com/florida/home/products-services/surge-protection/index.page
 

I could be wrong but it seems that what you need for full home surge protection would be better spent on auxilary power (IIRC includes surge, not Serge, protection).

bapu
I could be wrong but it seems that what you need for full home surge protection would be better spent on auxilary power (IIRC includes surge, not Serge, protection).

Do you mean like a generator (auxiliary power)?

It sounds inexpensive, but 6.99 x 12 x 10 = 838.80 over ten years for a "service" that is really just the installation of a device to break the circuit. Units that do this sell in the range of $200.00, and even if you pay an electrician to install it you should be able to save money doing that. It will not provide continuous power, just possibly protection of attached equipment. 
 
Check your homeowner's insurance policy. Often these cover damage of this type due to lightning. Some may exclude other sources of surges exterior to your home. The most common cause of external surges is actually downed power lines, and your utility will generally deny recompense for these unless it is clearly their negligence. And 80% if surges originate inside your home and are not effectively blocked by a service entrance protector.

I'd call them and say... "Aren't I supposed to be getting an even, steady voltage from the pole anyway.. you DICKS?!"... then maybe fart in the phone if they get persnickety.
 
They've been deregulating power service up here slowly but surely but it's still mostly Gov controlled. Not sure about FL but it almost sounds like the furnace clowns (which is a free for all and they constantly try to sell my mum on stupid "services" at her place she doesn't need) who just want to get their foot in the door to make a bunch of "recommendations" and sign you up for various "premium service plans".
 
If you know a trustworthy electrician in the area (like a buddy who doesn't want to see you get screwed) I'd ask them first what it's all about. If they are licensed they'll know the code and what the providers are up to. They might point you in a better direction like doing stuff on your own that isn't going to sap money from you every month and may even add to the value of your home.
 
Sorry... just sounds skeevy but I don't trust any of these utility services anymore. Especially independent providers. They're only a slight step up from door to door vacuum salesmen but shroud themselves in the "legitimacy" of being a power company.
 
You know who might know, kind of, is Herb. He seems honest and has likely encountered this type of scheme.
 
Cheers.

slartabartfast
It sounds inexpensive, but 6.99 x 12 x 10 = 838.80 over ten years for a "service" that is really just the installation of a device to break the circuit. Units that do this sell in the range of $200.00, and even if you pay an electrician to install it you should be able to save money doing that. It will not provide continuous power, just possibly protection of attached equipment. 

That's probably my biggest dilemma.....the protection for my large appliances....namely the HVAC. Just curious....shouldn't these units that breaks the circuit, cut off any surges to the major appliances? Therefore, the appliances shouldn't get affected by the lightning?

Beepster
I'd call them and say... "Aren't I supposed to be getting an even, steady voltage from the pole anyway.. you DICKS?!"... then maybe fart in the phone if they get persnickety.
 
They've been deregulating power service up here slowly but surely but it's still mostly Gov controlled. Not sure about FL but it almost sounds like the furnace clowns (which is a free for all and they constantly try to sell my mum on stupid "services" at her place she doesn't need) who just want to get their foot in the door to make a bunch of "recommendations" and sign you up for various "premium service plans".
 
If you know a trustworthy electrician in the area (like a buddy who doesn't want to see you get screwed) I'd ask them first what it's all about. If they are licensed they'll know the code and what the providers are up to. They might point you in a better direction like doing stuff on your own that isn't going to sap money from you every month and may even add to the value of your home.
 
Sorry... just sounds skeevy but I don't trust any of these utility services anymore. Especially independent providers. They're only a slight step up from door to door vacuum salesmen but shroud themselves in the "legitimacy" of being a power company.
 
You know who might know, kind of, is Herb. He seems honest and has likely encountered this type of scheme.
 
Cheers.

+1 Beeps
I agree on all parts (except for the farting and name calling part)

Heheh. Wise. I may be feeling a little saucy today thus the dicks and phone farting.
 
;-)

When I had my panel replaced, I sort of researched it and decided the $100-$200 for a protector at the panel was worthwhile, though like any surge protection it only protects what it protects.
 
But I don't see what the $6.99/month is for.

drewfx1
When I had my panel replaced, I sort of researched it and decided the $100-$200 for a protector at the panel was worthwhile, though like any surge protection it only protects what it protects.
 
But I don't see what the $6.99/month is for.

I'm also inclined to get one of these $100 - $200 units......still don't know much about it.
 
I'm guessing the $6.99 they collect from all us victims covers this:
 
"If our device fails as the result of a surge, you will be reimbursed for the costs to repair or replace your damaged appliance at fair market value."