UPDATE: Tampa residents are set to stage a significant protest against TECO’s recent rate hikes, with a “Burn the Bill Rally” scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. The rally will take place at the Dr. Walter Smith Library & Museum and is expected to draw local leaders and frustrated citizens alike.
The protest comes in response to TECO’s decision to raise electricity rates, which have reportedly become some of the highest in the United States. Residents are voicing their outrage, as many are now forced to choose between keeping the power on or affording essential groceries. This year alone, TECO’s 830,000 customers in Florida have seen monthly bills increase by $29 to $38 due to two consecutive hikes earlier this year.
U.S. Rep Kathy Castor, D-Florida, will be in attendance, alongside environmental advocate Walter L. Smith II and other community leaders. They are expected to address the dire impact these rate increases have on local families, emphasizing a growing crisis where energy costs outstrip household budgets.
TECO has defended its rate increases, attributing them to necessary repairs following damage to its power grid from the 2024 hurricanes. A TECO representative stated, “To reduce the impact on customers’ bills, the costs were spread out over 18 months.” The company claims that once these costs are fully recovered, residential bills for 1,000-kilowatt-hour (kWh) users will decrease by approximately $20 in September.
In a bid to support struggling customers, TECO has allocated $2 million to its Share program, which is administered through organizations like Metropolitan Ministries, the Salvation Army, and the Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg. This initiative aims to assist those in financial distress and address the growing energy affordability crisis.
TECO emphasizes its commitment to helping residents manage their energy costs through programs like Budget Billing, designed to provide predictable monthly payments and mitigate seasonal spikes. The company also offers a Due Date Plus program to assist fixed-income customers whose payment schedules may not align with billing due dates.
Despite these initiatives, the anger among residents continues to mount, with many expressing frustration that TECO has not done enough to shield its customers from the financial strain of rising energy costs. The number of people affected by these hikes is staggering, prompting community leaders to call for immediate action.
As the protest approaches, residents are urged to join the rally to voice their concerns and demand accountability from TECO. Local leaders will highlight not only the financial burden imposed by high electricity rates but also the broader implications for community well-being.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds and community members mobilize to advocate for fairer energy pricing and support for vulnerable families.
