What’s Happening with Electric Bills

Nobody likes seeing their electric bills go up. Any increase can be difficult, and we want you to know how we can help if you need it. We also want to show you what we’re doing to deliver the reliable electricity you depend on while keeping your bills as low as possible.

Like in many areas across the country, local electric costs are rising due to several factors, including stronger storms, record heat and the cost of modernizing an aging electric grid. Our investments are designed to deliver reliable electricity for the region while controlling long-term fuel and operating expenses. Here’s what that means for you—and how we’re working to make a difference.

2026 Bills – What to Expect

In January 2026 

• Residential/small commercial bills increase by $8.88 per 1,000 kWh based on these changes:
  • Base rate: +$5.51
  • Fuel: +$1.66
  • Other charges, including tax: +$1.71
• Commercial/Industrial bills increase 2% to 10%, depending on usage 

 In September 2026 

• Residential/small commercial bills decrease by $19.95 per 1,000 kWh (big drop because the storm surcharge ends).

Help for Customers

We know any increase in costs can be difficult, and we're ready to help if you need it.

Residential Customers

We offer a variety of options to assist you, including flexible payment plans, our Share program and free, energy-saving programs to help lower your bill. We also partner with community organizations that provide services and resources to help in times of need.

Learn More

Business Customers

We offer a variety of bill payment options, flexible payment plans and dozens of free energy-saving programs and tools. We also partner with organizations that provide essential services and resources to support businesses during times of need.

Learn More

Details About the Changes

For Residential and Small Business Customers

How Your Dollars Make a Difference

Your rates support a strong, reliable energy future. We invest the money wisely to improve efficiency and avoid unnecessary costs in our operations.

When Rate Increases Were Approved (2024 – 2027)

In 2024, we requested base rate adjustments for 2025–2027 to fund these critical investments. The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) responded by approving key projects with the following associated base rate increases:

• 2025: $185.9 million
• 2026: $86.6 million
• 2027: $9.1 million

The 2026 and 2027 increases fund projects placed in service during 2025 and 2026. Ahead of the 2026 and 2027 adjustments, we file required documentation with the PSC. These filings do not request additional funds. Instead, they account for our completion of PSC-approved projects and show our calculations for the upcoming year’s rates for each customer rate class.

For example, in September 2025, we filed an accounting for 2026 rates that aligned with the PSC-approved $86.6 million. Simultaneously, we filed our standard annual clause adjustments, including fuel costs for 2026. The PSC approved these changes, confirming that our documentation was appropriate and that price changes should proceed.

Rates Versus Bills

There are key differences between electric rates and bills. Here are details about each.

• Rates are the prices charged per unit (kWh) of electricity.
• Bills reflect your total charges, which include rates, fees and how much electricity you use.
• Your energy use and efficiency and seasonal weather can significantly impact your bill, and we want to help you lower energy use (and costs) where possible.
• In Florida’s hot climate, bills tend to be higher because air conditioning increases energy use.
• Tampa Electric’s rates are below the national average.
• Detailed nationwide electric rate information is available on the United States Energy Information Administration’s website.

Understanding the Charges on Your Bill

We offer details to explain the charges on your Tampa Electric bill. For more information, including a video tutorial and a description of what each charge pays for, visit our Understanding Your Bill page.

How Rates Are Set

To ensure fair and reasonable rates for customers, investor-owned utilities, like Tampa Electric, are regulated by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). When we need to adjust the prices you pay, we make a formal request to the PSC. The PSC then holds public hearings on the proposed changes, allowing customers’ voices to be heard. Ultimately, the PSC determines the amount we charge, and that decision is based on the PSC’s examination of our costs to provide safe and reliable electric service, along with the opportunity for the company to earn a reasonable return on our capital investments. 

Current and Past Rates

To keep you informed of price changes, we notify you in your billing statements. Below is a list of these.