- The storm recovery charge is ending one month sooner than expected
- Bills will be 11% to 12% less than what customers would have otherwise paid
- The reductions will become more noticeable as temperatures drop this fall
Starting in August, Tampa Electric customers will no longer see the storm recovery charge on their bills, a full month ahead of schedule. As a result, bills will be 11% to 12% less than what customers would have otherwise paid. Customers should keep in mind that August is typically one of the hottest months of the year, so overall energy use and bills often run higher.
"We know summer bills can be challenging, and customers will benefit from this charge ending a month earlier than originally projected," said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. "Every dollar matters, especially during the hottest months of the year. As temperatures drop this fall and energy use declines, customers will notice even greater reductions in their monthly bills."
Residential and small business customers will save about $20 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), $40 per 2,000 kWh and nearly $60 per 3,000 kWh. Customers who participate in the Budget Billing program will see a more gradual change.
Understanding the Storm Recovery Charge
Tampa Electric began collecting the storm recovery charge in March 2025 to recover the cost of restoring power after the record-breaking 2024 hurricane season, including hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. The company spread those costs over 18 months to minimize the impact on customer bills. Because those costs are being recovered ahead of schedule, the charge will end a month early, lowering bills starting in August instead of September.
The storm recovery charge is separate from ongoing investments in grid hardening and storm protection projects that strengthen the electric system and improve resilience before severe weather occurs.
Tampa Electric Investments Deliver Customer Benefits
Tampa Electric continues to make strategic investments that deliver long-term value for customers by reducing costs, improving reliability, and strengthening the electric system against severe weather.
Recent improvements include:
- Polk Power Station Upgrades: Tampa Electric recently completed improvements at Polk Power Station that enhance reliability and support a balanced fuel portfolio. The upgrade is expected to save customers about $152 million over the life of the project.
- Solar Energy Expansion: In 2025, Tampa Electric completed three new solar facilities, bringing the company’s total to 29 solar plants. Since 2017, the company's solar investments have reduced fuel costs and saved customers more than $430 million.
- Underground Power Lines: In recent years, Tampa Electric has converted more than 270 miles of overhead power lines to underground service. Over half of the company's distribution system is now underground.
- Substation Upgrades: Tampa Electric has upgraded substations across its service area, including raising critical equipment and installing flood-resistant infrastructure in vulnerable locations to help protect the electric system from storm surge and flooding.
- Grid Hardening and Reliability Projects: These improvements help reduce outages, speed restoration, and minimize momentary power interruptions.
- Upgraded nearly 2,500 transmission poles from wood to steel or concrete.
- Strengthened more than 4,500 power poles.
- Installed more than 1,000 automation and efficiency devices.
Bill Payment Help and Customer Support
Customers who are having trouble managing their energy bills are encouraged to contact Tampa Electric as soon as possible. The company offers flexible payment options and can help connect eligible customers with programs that provide additional assistance. Learn more about available support options at TampaElectric.com/PayAssist.
In addition, Tampa Electric offers several free programs to help customers manage their energy use and lower their bills year-round. These include:
- Prime Time Plus – A small device installed in the home pauses energy to enrolled devices such as pool pumps occasionally during peak demand periods, earning the homeowner hundreds in savings per year.
- Budget Billing – Smooths out payments to avoid spikes during peak usage periods.
- Due Date Plus – Enables customers on fixed incomes to select when their payments are due.
- Neighborhood Weatherization – Provides energy-efficient LED light bulbs, hot water heat pipe insulation wraps, low-flow showerheads and related products to reduce qualifying customers' energy usage.
- Personalized Energy Audits – Tampa Electric will review a customer's consumption and recommend tips for saving energy.
- Energy Planner – Helps customers lower their rates by shifting electrical usage to times when electricity costs less.
To learn more or enroll, customers can visit TampaElectric.com/Save.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 870,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc. (NYSE: EMA)