Tampa residents and community advocates are pressing city leaders to publicly oppose rising electricity rates from Tampa Electric Company (TECO), as the utility’s bills continue to climb faster than its customers can keep up.

The issue came into focus during a March 26 Tampa City Council meeting, where city energy officials revealed that despite investing in solar power for several government buildings, the savings were far smaller than expected. The City of Tampa used 9.3% less energy last year, but saved only 1.2% on energy costs. Officials had projected $1.8 million in savings compared to fiscal year 2024; instead, the city saved $296,193.

Carl Camis Rosado, the city’s energy efficiency manager, said the gap was largely eaten up by higher TECO bills, pointing to rate increases, fees, storm surcharges, and fuel costs as the culprits.

Residential customers are feeling the same pressure. According to the Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition, residential TECO bills increased 86% between December 2020 and January 2026, amounting to roughly $980 more per year.

TECO pushed back on that framing. A company spokesperson said comparing today’s bills to 2020 overstates the increase because TECO temporarily lowered rates during the pandemic. Using December 2021 as a baseline — when the residential rate was $118 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours — the current rate of $177 reflects a 33% increase over five years. The spokesperson added that the rate is expected to drop to $157 in September when storm recovery charges expire.

During public comment, speakers urged council members to challenge the Florida Public Service Commission, the state body that approves utility rate increases. Two bills considered by Florida lawmakers that would have reined in utility company profits did not pass during the recent legislative session.

The Tampa City Council did not take action on drafting a resolution directed at state leaders to protect ratepayers from future rate increases.

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