TECO

The decision comes as two rate increases for Tampa Electric customers kick in this month.

Commissioners will review a drafted letter to the Public Service Commission at Tuesday's land use meeting, where a public comment period will not be available.

Hawaiians had the highest monthly electric bills in 2022 paying on average $210.26 a month. In contrast, Utah’s residents paid the least at $84.97.

A collaboration of at least 10 advocacy organizations in Florida have launched a campaign to mobilize the Hillsborough County Commission to push back against rate hikes driven by fossil fuel prices.

On March 7, the Florida Public Service Commission is expected to decide whether or not to approve rate hikes from Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida because of rising natural gas costs and expensive storm preparations.

Under the proposals, the increases would mean around 20% higher electric bills for Duke customers and about 10% for TECO customers.

Bills will go up for many customers of Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric, FPL and Florida Public Utilities. They likely will increase again in the spring because of high costs of natural gas used to fuel power plants.

The Florida Public Service Commission approved proposals by companies including Duke Energy and Tampa Electric.

The TECO Manatee Viewing Center opens again to the public on Nov. 1.

The Public Service Commission approved the plans but expressed concerns about how the costs could impact future utility bills.

Florida Power & Light, the largest utility in the state, has nearly 16,000 workers in 24 staging areas. Tampa Electric has about 3,000 workers from a dozen states poised to help restore power after the storm passes.

Electricity costs increased nationally for the fourth consecutive month in August, according to the Consumer Price Index released on Tuesday.