Frequently Asked Questions

A. Our current base rate settlement agreement concludes at the end of this year. Since our last increase in 2013, we have delivered on a disciplined, well-planned strategy that has improved reliability, increased overall customer satisfaction and kept bills low. In fact, Tampa Electric bills actually dropped 3 percent over the past eight years. Also, through enhancements to our power plants and investments in solar, we have reduced carbon emissions by 50 percent since 2000 and reduced coal use by more than 90 percent with more progress ahead. These operational and financial benefits show our long-term approach is what positions us well for success.

We are committed to continue being our customers' trusted energy-solutions partner now and into the future. To fulfill that commitment, we are investing in the production of more clean, green energy, driving reliability with the modernization of our plants and electric grid – which is essential as the population in West Central Florida grows exponentially – and making it easier and faster for customers to do business with us, when and where they want.

We consider it our responsibility and privilege to continue delivering the value our customers deserve, and that means planning for the long-term, making investments now that create a better energy future. Continuous improvements are necessary to keep delivering these benefits over time – by modernizing our plans and making them more efficient, we can continue to keep customers' bills low and more predictable as well as reduce carbon emissions further.

A. This increase will light the way for a brighter future. These funds will be invested in significant improvements to reduce carbon emissions with major projects that transition our power plants away from coal to lower carbon-emitting fuels and generate more renewable energy. This helps improve fuel generation efficiency, lowering fuel costs on customer bills, as well as reduce carbon to an amount equal to the removal of more than 1 million cars from local roadways by 2023. We will also improve reliability while staying at pace with the demands of a growing population, offer energy-efficiency programs that save customers money and benefit the environment, offer improved outage detection and restoration capabilities through smart technology, replace streetlights and area lights with smart LED technology throughout our service areas and make digital enhancements that give the customer more convenience and choice.

A. We are seeking an initial increase of $280 million to $295 million, with small, incremental additions as the company builds solar plants and completes upgrades to existing power plants. If approved, the proposed rates for 2022 would be only 4 percent higher than they were in 2009 – and nearly 20 percent lower when adjusted for inflation. . Those bills would remain among the lowest in Florida and well below the national average. The proposed increases for commercial and industrial customers will be available later this spring.

A. We empathize with our customers who are still experiencing the effects of a pandemic-impacted economy. We did consider the timing, and our current rate agreement expires on Dec. 31, 2021. To continue delivering the value our customers deserve, we must plan for the long-term, making investments now that create a better energy future. By modernizing our plants and making them more efficient, as well as expanding solar generation, we not only reduce carbon emissions, we also produce fuel savings that will keep your bills lower and more predictable over time. We are empathetic to customers who are facing hardships, which is why we developed programs and partnerships to offer utility bill payment support for those in need. It is important to remember that rates would not change until 2022, which will give the economy time to recover. Our bills would also remain among the lowest in Florida and well below the national average.

A. Yes, we are empathetic to customers who are facing hardships, which is why we developed programs and partnerships to offer utility bill payment support for those in need. Whenever possible, Tampa Electric offers flexible payment extensions for many customers, allowing them more time to pay their bills.

With funds from shareholders, TECO donated $1 million to customers in need through bill credits and another $1 million to COVID-19 relief in 2020, including $500,000 to the Share program, which is administered by the Salvation Army.

The Share program helps customers in need pay their electric or natural gas bills. To determine whether you qualify to receive assistance as a Share recipient, please contact your local Salvation Army office. If you'd like to donate to the program, every dollar donated goes directly to helping a neighbor in need. No portion of your contribution is used for fundraising or administrative costs. For every contribution made, Tampa Electric will match it dollar-for-dollar.

To help save energy and money, Tampa Electric offers about 40 energy-efficiency programs and money-back rebates to help customers. For a comprehensive list of available programs and rebates, please visit our Save Energy section.

A. If circumstances make it impossible to pay your electric bill by the date due, Tampa Electric will discuss the possibility of granting a payment extension. Certain guidelines apply. To request a payment arrangement, please log in to tecoaccount.com and click on Your Account, followed by Payment Options to complete our payment arrangement request form.

A. If you or someone you are caring for needs advice or financial assistance with their electric bills, the following organizations may be able to help:

• Florida 2-1-1 Network
• Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP)
• FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program
• Share
• Additional resources are available on our payment support page

A. Currently, Tampa Electric's residential customers pay $105.25 for 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month. That is the second-lowest bill among Florida's investor-owned utilities. Even if this increase is approved as filed, our bills would remain among the lowest in the state and well below the national average. Since our last rate request, Tampa Electric's residential customer bills have remained stable, dropping by $3.

A. Tampa Electric offers about 40 energy-efficiency programs and money-back rebates to help customers save on their electric bill. A free energy audit will help you understand how better to save energy around your home. For a comprehensive list of available programs and rebates, please visit our Save Energy section.

A. Unlike your neighborhood pizza restaurant or retail store, regulated electric utilities must go through a formal process to change the amount they charge their customers, which can take about a year. The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates the electric industry, including ensuring fair and reasonable rates for customers. The PSC has final say on the amount Tampa Electric can charge customers, and it is based on the company's prudent costs to provide reliable and safe electric service, along with providing a reasonable return on its capital investment. In this case, the formal PSC hearing will occur in November, and the PSC decision is expected by the end of the year.

A. Customers may speak at Tampa Electric's service hearings, which are expected to be scheduled this summer. Customers also may contact the PSC directly by calling 1-800-342-3552, by e-mail at contact@psc.state.fl.us, or online through the PSC Contact Form.