- Customers who need help with their electric bill have several options available
- Payment arrangements and financial assistance can provide support when unexpected expenses arise
- Free programs and tools can also help customers use less energy and save over time
Tampa Electric recently lowered monthly electric bills by 11% to 12% by removing the storm recovery charge early. And the company has requested another decrease to take effect in January, to reflect lower natural gas prices, which regulators will consider next month.
Lower bills don’t erase the financial pressures many families are facing. When an unexpected expense or a change in circumstances makes it hard to pay an electric bill, Tampa Electric wants customers to know help is available.
Every customer’s situation is different. Whether someone needs more time to pay, help finding financial assistance or practical ways to lower their energy use and future bills, Tampa Electric is ready to help them sort through the options.
“We know that sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, and even people who have always been able to manage their bills can suddenly find themselves needing a little help,” said Karen Sparkman, vice president of Customer Experience for Tampa Electric. “We want our customers to know they don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re struggling, please reach out. We’ll listen, help you understand the options available, and connect you with resources that may help. Sometimes having someone there to help you find the next step can make all the difference.”
Need a Little More Time?
Customers who need additional time to pay their bill may qualify for a payment arrangement, which provides added flexibility to pay a past-due balance over time.
To request a payment arrangement, simply complete the online request at TECOAccount.com or call 888-223-0800.
Need help paying your bill?
Tampa Electric’s customer assistance team can explain available bill-assistance programs, payment options and community resources, and help each customer find options that fit their individual circumstances.
TECO’s Share program helps pay utility bills for eligible customers facing unexpected circumstances. It’s funded by donations from TECO employees, customers and community partners, and Tampa Electric shareholders match those donations up to $500,000 each year. Every donated dollar goes directly to helping customers, while community partners administer the program and determine eligibility.
How you can lower future electric bills
Tampa Electric offers dozens of free tools, programs and resources to help customers use less energy, and save money over time, including:
- Prime Time Plus, provides automatic monthly bill credits that can add up to hundreds of dollars per year, and a free smart thermostat with mobile app access.
- Budget Billing, which provides more predictable monthly payment amounts.
- Online energy tools, which allow customers to compare historical energy use and identify opportunities to save.
- Customizable account notifications to help customers stay informed about their bills.
- The Neighborhood Weatherization program, which provides free home improvements for customers in qualifying neighborhoods.
Learn more about Tampa Electric’s assistance options
Tampa Electric’s customer assistance team can help customers explore electric bill assistance, payment extensions and community resources that fit their needs.
Not sure where to start? Start with us. You don’t need to know which program to ask for or have it all figured out before you call. Our customer assistance team will listen, explain your options and help find a path that fits your situation. To get started, call 888-223-0800 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or visit TampaElectric.com/PayAssist.
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)