Tampa, FL — Today, the Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition (HAEC) introduced an affordable energy resolution at a Tampa City Council meeting, calling on members to pass the resolution this summer. The resolution, among other things, opposes electricity increases that financially burden Floridians and urges lawmakers to protect residential and small business consumers by passing affordable energy reform legislation next session.

Affordable energy legislation introduced in the state legislature this year failed to move. After the 2026 session ended, dozens of residents called for action on rising bills at a Tampa City Council meeting in March where the city discussed its own rising energy bills. The city is a Tampa Electric (TECO) customer. 

According to Food & Water Watch analysis, the average TECO residential bill has increased 86 percent — about $980 more annually — between December 2020 and January 2026, and 22 percent — or $375 more annually — in the last year alone. 

“Last year’s historically sweltering summer resulted in record high TECO bills. As summer approaches, Council members must stand with their constituents who will see bills catapult. While the Council can’t directly lower energy bills, they have the public platform to advocate on behalf of their constituents and promote much needed legislative change to lower bills,” said Food & Water Watch Florida Organizer Isabella Moeller. “We’re TECO customers; the City is a TECO customer. We all feel the pain, so let’s take action together.”

“As elected leaders of this city, Tampa City Council has a platform, has influence, and has a duty and a responsibility to represent their constituents,” said Alyssa White, Climate Justice Organizer with Florida Student Power. “We need leadership at the local level that is willing to stand with residents and advocate for clean and affordable energy and that should start with one of TECOs biggest customers, the City of Tampa.”

The Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition includes Food & Water Watch, Florida Rising, Florida Student Power, genCLEO, Sierra Club, Tampa DSA, Central Florida Jobs with Justice, & League of Latin American Citizens.