Tampa Electric has submitted its projected fuel and related costs for 2026 to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). The filing outlines anticipated changes in customer bills, with an expected increase during the first part of the year, followed by a decrease after storm recovery costs are collected next summer. According to the company, a typical residential bill for 1,000 kilowatt-hours is projected to drop by about $20 in September.
“Energy is a big part of our lives, and Tampa Electric is working to bring energy to you as efficiently as possible,” said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “We remain focused on delivering affordable and dependable energy today, while preparing our system to meet the needs of tomorrow.”
If approved by the PSC, residential customers using 1,000 kwh per month would see their bills rise by 5.3 percent—or $8.88—to $176.89 per month starting in January. Commercial and industrial customers could see increases ranging from 2 percent to 10 percent. The PSC will consider these requests at a hearing beginning November 4.
Fuel charges account for about one-fifth of a typical residential electric bill and are passed through without markup or profit. These charges are determined based on both projected costs for 2026 and actual expenses from previous years.
To manage fuel expenses, Tampa Electric employs several strategies such as optimizing its generating fleet’s efficiency and purchasing power from other companies when it benefits customers.
A significant portion of the rate change stems from a previously approved base rate adjustment that covers new energy storage facilities, resiliency improvements, and two completed solar plants intended to reduce long-term fuel costs. Since 2017, solar initiatives have saved Tampa Electric customers more than $350 million in fuel expenses.
Electric bills typically fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonal changes in demand—higher during Florida’s hot summers when air conditioning use peaks, and lower during milder spring and fall months.
Tampa Electric serves over 860,000 customers across West Central Florida as a subsidiary of Emera Inc., which is headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
