Save with monthly bill credits and a free smart thermostat
Earn automatic monthly bill credits that can add up to hundreds of dollars per year when you enroll eligible equipment in Prime Time Plus. It’s free, and you’ll also get an ENERGY STAR® smart thermostat to help you save even more.
Enrolling is Easy
Log into your account, select Prime Time Plus, and answer a few qualifying questions.Or, call 813-275-3909 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What you get
With Prime Time Plus, you save with automatic monthly credits on your electric bill. It can add up to hundreds of dollars per year depending on the amount of eligible equipment you choose to enroll. You’ll also get a free ENERGY STAR® smart thermostat with mobile app access, to help you easily save more by managing your energy use. You can learn more about smart thermostat benefits on our blog.
How it works
We’ll install a small device on eligible equipment you choose to enroll, such as heating and cooling systems, water heaters, pool pumps and Level 2 electric vehicle chargers. During rare times of high electricity demand on the power system, power to enrolled equipment may be temporarily paused. By participating, you automatically get credits on your electric bill every month, even if no power pauses occur. Only the specific equipment you enroll is affected – never your lights, outlets or the rest of your home.
What to expect
Prime Time Plus may briefly interrupt power to enrolled equipment during rare times of peak electricity demand. Your equipment will automatically resume normal operation afterward.
These pauses:
- Typically last an hour or less
- Tend to happen only a few times per year, if at all
- Affect only the equipment you’ve chosen
Prime Time Plus began in 2024, and power pauses have been rare. For example, in 2024, power was paused for a total of three hours, and in 2025 it was just 30 minutes.
Note: it’s impossible to predict when or if a power pause will occur.
Why Prime Time Plus exists
Prime Time Plus helps lower electricity demand on the grid, which can help keep energy costs down for everyone by delaying the need for new power plants and reducing fuel use.
Minimum of 400 kWh/mo. delivered consumption required to receive credits.
Smart Thermostat and App
Adjust your temperature settings anytime—from your smart thermostat (left) or mobile device (right). |
The ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostat you’ll receive at no cost lets you adjust temperature settings, set flexible scheduling, receive usage reports, reminder alerts and more, whether you’re at home or away.
Heating and Cooling Monitoring
- Smart Alerts notify you when your system may need service.
- Service Reminders tell you it’s time for routine maintenance or service.
- Usage Reports provide monthly system information.
Other popular features
- Smart Home Compatible because it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings smart home platforms.
- Humidity Control helps you stay comfortable with humidification/dehumidification control.
- Circulating Fan helps maximize comfort and balance temperature throughout your home by increasing air circulation.
- Keypad Lockout lets you maintain total control by disabling changes made by others at the thermostat.
- Temperature Limits prevent others from adjusting temperatures too high or too low.
The smart thermostat offers access to a mobile app that lets you manage your heating and cooling while at home or away. At the time of your installation, the Prime Time Plus installation expert will assist you with acquiring the app and demonstrating how to use it.
Helpful videos |
Installation
On installation day, our licensed contractor will replace your existing thermostat with a Prime Time Plus smart thermostat. In addition, a small control device used to communicate with your water heater, pool pump and/or Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charger (if available) will be installed. The control device is usually placed in the garage, utility room or a closet. Installation is free and takes about two hours to complete.
The control device includes small LED lights that illuminate when power to your water heater, pool pump and/or EV charger is paused. |
A Tampa Electric Prime Time Plus expert will accompany the installation contractor. They will take time to demonstrate how to use the smart thermostat, assist you with downloading the free app and make sure you’re comfortable using the devices.
User Resources
Here are tools that will help you make the most of Prime Time Plus.
Wi-Fi Connection Step-By-Step
Create Schedules Tutorial
Thermostat Tutorial
Requirements
The following equipment qualifies for Prime Time Plus
Heating and Cooling – Centrally ducted electric heating and cooling, or centrally ducted electric heating. A Wi-Fi Internet connection and an IOS or Android mobile device are required.- Water Heater – An electric tank water heater is all it takes.
- Pool Pump – Most pool pumps qualify. However, there are some variable-speed pumps with internal timer controls that may not qualify.
- Electric Vehicle Charger – only hardwired Level 2 electric vehicle chargers qualify.
Prime Time Plus is not available to customers who participate in our Energy Planner program.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. It’s impossible to predict extreme weather conditions. If there is extremely high demand, enrolled equipment can be powered off one or more times throughout the day or night. A power pause typically lasts one hour or less, though longer pauses are possible.
A.
- Heating and cooling – a maximum of 134 hours per year
- Water heater – no maximum
- Pool pump – a maximum of 134 hours per year
- Electric vehicle charging (Level 2) – a maximum of 134 hours per year
A. Yes. When your equipment's power is paused, you’ll receive a message on your thermostat and in the app. If you've opted in to receive email notifications, you can also receive an email.
A. The smart thermostat will display a message when your heating and cooling system is off. When your pool pump and/or water heater are off, an LED light will illuminate on the control device.
A. If a power pause would cause an inconvenience, you can opt out in advance. For example, if you plan to have guests on Friday and don’t want a power pause that day, you can opt out by calling Tampa Electric’s Energy Management Services at 813-275-3909 at least one business day advance. You cannot opt out on the day of a power pause or once it begins.
A. No. One opt-out per year will not affect your monthly bill credits. However, if you opt out more than once in a year, your monthly incentive will pause until your next participation in a control event or the end of the current season, whichever comes first. The Prime Time Plus summer season is May through October and winter is November through April.
A. Your timers will be unaffected by Prime Time Plus.
A. Your monthly electric bill will reflect the credits you earned during the prior month of service.
A. Yes, Prime Time Plus is available to all residential customers regardless of housing type. If you rent, we encourage you to notify your landlord and receive permission. Renters who sign up for Prime Time Plus will select an option verifying their landlord is aware and has granted permission to install Prime Time Plus at the residence.
A. You must use a minimum of 400 kWh each month to qualify for Prime Time Plus.
Tampa Electric’s Prime Time Plus – It’s Easy to Save!
Additional Resources
- Program Overview
- Energy-Efficiency Tips
- Cost to Operate Appliances
- Energy Efficiency Bill Insert
- Energy Planner Brochure
- Prime Time Plus Brochure
Ask for Identification
All Tampa Electric team members and contractors are required to carry photo identification cards. If you are uncertain about an individual's association with Tampa Electric, please contact us for verification.