Today, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a rate schedule for Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) customers, that will have the average residential customer using 1000-1250 kWh/month paying $9-13 more each month, starting in January, with subsequent increases in 2026 and 2027. The PSC approved TECO’s rate hike earlier this month, despite widespread opposition and PSC staff recommendations to reduce the rate hike.

TECO customers can expect further bill increases in the new year, thanks to TECO’s upcoming storm recovery cost request. The utility is seeking to recover $365-425 million for costs related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which could potentially add another $30-40/month to bills if recovered over a 12 month period. TECO customers’ fuel charge will increase by 10% in June 2025. TECO also expects the cost of natural gas, which makes up the majority of their energy generation, to increase 35.8% percent over the next three years.

In response to today’s vote, Food & Water Watch Southern Region Director Jorge Aguilar issued the following statement:

“This latest rate hike is proof that in DeSantis’ Florida, corporations take precedence over communities. Governor DeSantis’ Public Service Commission is raising energy prices that will hurt Florida families and wreck our climate, while corporate utility executives and shareholders pocket massive profits.

“This fight is only beginning as more rate hikes requests are expected in 2025. Given that opposition to fossil fueled corporate rate hikes is stronger than ever, we need local and state officials to push back against DeSantis’ dangerous pro-corporate agenda. Our elected leaders must protect Floridians from skyrocketing energy bills by rolling back anti-consumer laws and enacting climate resiliency programs. It’s time our elected officials put community need ahead of corporate greed.”