TECO leaders to ask the state to approve rate hike in 2025 and beyond

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Leaders for Tampa Electric Company (TECO) will make their pitch to the Florida Public Service Commission on Monday afternoon as to why they should be allowed to raise utility rates, against the wishes of many customers.

The rate increase would mean about a $20 per month jump in 2025, a $10 per month increase on top of that in 2026 and a $5 per month increase on top of those two in 2027.

These increases would impact more than 800,000 TECO users across Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco and Pinellas Counties — and those users are fired up.

“It’s a really difficult thing to watch our bills go up,” said Brooke Ward. “And have to figure out, how am I going to fit this into my budget?”

Customers rallied against TECO’s proposal two months ago, before a state meeting in Brandon.

But TECO said this increase would improve service.

“It would reduce the number and length of power outages,” said Cherie Jacobs. “It would help reduce restoration time after severe weather such as hurricanes, but also reduce fuel costs.”

The utility added that it is trying to use solar power to reduce fuel costs. TECO said it has more free customer programs to help reduce energy than any other utility in the state, and it can connect people who are struggling to pay their bills with financial resources.

Monday’s meeting starts at 1 p.m. in Tallahassee. TECO said it expects the state to have a decision on the proposed rate increase by November.

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