TECO customers are petitioning for legal action against the company due to significant bill increases in March 2025. The petition on Change.org accuses TECO, also known as Tampa Electric, of price gouging, stating that energy costs have “skyrocketed,” while Florida’s median income has only seen a “slight increase.” Many customers have seen their bills jump by over $100, leading to financial strain. TECO previously increased rates in 2025, and another rate hike was approved by the Florida Public Service Commission in November, meaning TECO customers will start paying $5.51 more each month at the beginning of next year.
A Food and Water Watch analysis estimated that the average TECO customer’s bill will soon be 82% higher than it was five years ago. In a statement, TECO said recent increases in energy costs in the Tampa Bay area have largely been tied to a “temporary storm recovery charge from the historic 2024 hurricane season.” “Due to the extensive damage from Helene and Milton, we were forced to utilize external resources, so we could bring power back to households and local businesses faster,” the company said. “That charge reflects the extraordinary costs of restoring power quickly and safely after those unprecedented storms, and it is scheduled to come off bills in September 2026.” The company offers assistance programs for customers struggling to pay their bills.
