TECO

If you compare your electric bill from last month to one from a few years ago, you’d probably see a jump. Our three-part investigation digs into why. The reporters tell us how they dug.

Rising electricity prices are part of a statewide trend driven by consecutive rate hikes, high energy consumption, and a system that lets investor-owned utilities pass on costs to customers.

When utilities want to raise rates or recoup costs, they have to go before the Florida Public Service Commission for approval.

Solar hasn’t necessarily been replacing Florida utilities’ fossil fuel use, the state’s consumer advocate says — it’s actually been used in some cases to bring more fuel online, expanding the grid and your electricity bills.

The suggested change came after Tampa Electric customers paid the highest June electric bills in the nation for investor-owned utilities serving over 100,000 customers.

Residents, community organizers and City of Tampa energy officials bemoaned rising electric bills during a March 26 meeting.

"Alligator Alcatraz." Guns. Social media. Legal battles about those and myriad other issues remain unresolved heading into 2026. Here are 10 big legal issues to watch for.

It calls on Gov. Ron DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott to "investigate TECO's pricing strategies and take action."

When it kicks in Jan. 1, residential customers will be paying about $5.50 more a month and $939 more annually than they did five years ago. That's an 82% increase.

Activists are upset about TECO likely getting another increase finalized this coming Tuesday as part of adjustments to the base rate hike the Florida Public Service Commission approved in 2024.

Utility regulators consider guardrails for the facilities in the FPL rate case.

About 20 Hillsborough County residents shared their concerns with increasing energy bills at a recent community meeting in downtown Tampa.