With prices rising from the gas pump to the grocery store, consumers are facing financial strain. In this time when record-high natural gas prices are affecting power bills, Tampa Electric is working to manage the impact on customers.
"We recognize and acknowledge the unique economic challenges our customers and communities are facing," said Archie Collins, president and CEO of Tampa Electric. "Our focus on creating value is unwavering, and we are committed to working with you to overcome the challenges of rising global energy prices – just as we have for 125 years.”
The company has filed updated projected costs for 2023 for fuel, capacity charges, new solar plants and the Big Bend modernization project with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). If the PSC approves the requests as filed, the typical residential customer’s monthly energy bill would increase by about 11 percent, or $14.20, to $146.86 for 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of use, from the $132.66 customers pay today. Commercial and industrial customers would see an increase between 8 percent and 12 percent, depending on usage.
Even with the change, the bill would remain below the national average and among the lowest in Florida. The PSC will vote on the request in November, and the adjustment to bills would begin in January.
This adjustment is the first of two steps. The company expects another increase in early 2023, to reflect uncollected fuel costs for 2022. The company is phasing in the increase to ease the transition and to reduce the impact on customer budgets. The company will share specific details with customers as soon as they are available.
To ease the strain of higher energy bills, Tampa Electric is working directly with customers. To help customers during this time, the company has:
- Created a dedicated Customer Assistance team to connect eligible customers with financial assistance and to ensure they get the help they need.
- Contributed $2 million to help qualified customers pay past-due bills.
- Streamlined the application for certain financial assistance programs and reduced paperwork.
- Worked with thousands of customers to provide payment arrangements and waive certain fees.
- Reduced this year’s fuel costs by more than $100 million because of our investment in clean, renewable solar power.
- For commercial customers, the company provides energy conservation programs and energy audits to help use energy more efficiently.
The company is exploring additional customer assistance solutions, and continues to focus on smart, meaningful investments that provide ongoing benefits to customers. The company is committed to working closely with regulators and our community partners to find creative solutions that provide relief for our customers.
Tampa Electric provides more energy-saving programs than any other utility in the state to help customers manage energy costs. Customers can learn more and sign up at tampaelectric.com/save (residential) and tampaelectric.com/bizsave (business). A variety of appliance calculators also are available online to help customers pinpoint opportunities for savings.
Tampa Electric understands some customers are experiencing financial hardship and wants to help. The company partners with many community agencies to offer programs that support customers in need and offers flexible payment arrangements. More information on resources and programs can be found online at tampaelectric.com/updates.
If you need help paying your electric bill:
- Call us, we can help set up a payment plan and connect you to the Customer Assistance team for additional support, if eligible.
- Call 211, you can connect with other financial assistance programs available through our community partners, including the Share program.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 800,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
