Customers can get support from various agencies, including TECO, at Feeding Tampa Bay.
Two days a week, Gerri Drummond and members of her customer assistance team meet face-to-face with TECO customers to offer payment options and financial assistance. The outreach sessions, held at Feeding Tampa Bay, are just one way Gerri, our supervisor of customer assistance, customer support.
Gerri and her team hear from customers facing unexpected medical expenses, family emergencies and rising household costs — all kinds of situations that can make it more challenging to manage monthly bills.
“I have cried with customers,” Gerri said. “That could be me in that person’s shoes.”
Sometimes it’s less about a bill and more about other worries.
“Sometimes what customers have to say has nothing to do with their energy bill,” Gerri said, recalling a customer who was facing empty cupboards at Thanksgiving time. With help from other agencies, Gerri’s team arranged for the customer to get holiday provisions.
“We have over 300 community action agencies in the state that work with us, and we can help connect our customers with services they may not know are available,” said Gerri.
One of the programs we often help customers connect with is LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Recently, our team supported a single mother of two school-aged children who was also caring for her mother and facing financial changes after losing her job. One of her children relies on medical equipment that must stay powered at all times.
Community outreach and full-circle services are core to Tampa Electric’s customer assistance efforts. We offer solutions that help customers stay connected and manage energy costs, including payment options, assistance programs and community resources designed to meet a variety of needs.
Bill assistance:
- Customers who need more flexibility with their bill may qualify for a payment arrangement that provides additional time to pay.
- Other options, like Due Date Plus, can help qualifying customers find a payment schedule that works better for their household.
- For more predictable monthly payments, Budget Billing helps smooth out seasonal bill fluctuations by spreading electric costs over time. The program’s more consistent payment amounts can help customers manage household expenses throughout the year.
- Customers can receive bill assistance through TECO’s Share program, thanks to donations from employees, customers and community partners – and matching funds from TECO’s shareholders.
Savings programs:
- We offer dozens of free programs and resources to help lower energy costs, from energy-saving tips and rebates to energy audits and online tools. Customers can earn monthly bill credits and receive a free smart thermostat through Prime Time Plus, or access lower rates with Energy Planner.
- Qualifying customers may receive free home improvements through our Neighborhood Weatherization program.
Unexpected challenges can happen to anyone, and we’re happy to offer support. Our customer assistance team is ready to help customers explore options and find programs that fit their needs.
Need help with your electric bill?
Visit our payment assistance page to explore available programs, learn about eligibility requirements and apply for assistance.