Beginning with August 2026 bills, the storm recovery charge will be removed one month earlier than projected, resulting in residential customer bills that are approximately 11% to 12% lower than they otherwise would have been.
Storm Recovery Charge Update
- Beginning with August 2026 bills, customers will no longer see the storm recovery charge.
- The charge is ending one month earlier than expected because storm restoration costs from the 2024 hurricane season are being recovered ahead of schedule.
- Residential customer bills will be approximately 11% to 12% lower, with estimated monthly savings for residential and small business customers of:
- About $20 at 1,000 kWh
- About $40 at 2,000 kWh
- Nearly $60 at 3,000 kWh
- Customers enrolled in Budget Billing may see the impact reflected more gradually.
- August is typically one of the hottest months of the year, and overall bills may still reflect seasonal energy use.
- As temperatures cool this fall and energy consumption declines, customers are expected to see a more noticeable impact from the removal of the charge.
About the Storm Recovery Charge
The charge was implemented to recover costs associated with restoring power following the historic 2024 hurricane season.
- The storm recovery charge began in March 2025 to recover costs associated with restoring power following Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.
- Costs were spread over 18 months to help minimize impacts on customer bills.
- Because costs were recovered ahead of schedule, the charge will end in August rather than September.
- The storm recovery charge is separate from the Storm Protection Plan (SPP). The storm recovery charge was a temporary charge to recover costs associate with restoring power after the 2024 hurricane season, while SPP supports ongoing investments that strengthen the electric system and improve resilience before severe weather occurs.
Customer Support and Bill Management Resources
Customers who need assistance managing energy costs have access to payment assistance, flexible billing options and free energy-saving programs.
Payment Assistance & Billing Options
- Paused disconnections: Tampa Electric is pausing disconnections for nonpayment through August 14, 2026, to support customers during Florida’s hottest weather and as families prepare for the back-to-school season.
- PayAssist connects eligible customers with bill payment assistance resources.
- Budget Billing helps smooth seasonal bill fluctuations by averaging energy costs throughout the year.
- Due Date Plus allows customers on fixed incomes to select a billing due date that better aligns with their financial needs.
Learn more at TampaElectric.com/PayAssist.
Programs to Help Reduce Energy Use and Lower Bills
- Prime Time Plus
- Neighborhood Weatherization
- Personalized Energy Audits
- Energy Planner
Learn more at TampaElectric.com/Save.
Tampa Electric Investments Continue to Deliver Customer Benefits
Separate from storm recovery costs, Tampa Electric continues to invest in projects that help reduce costs, improve reliability and strengthen the electric system.
- Polk Power Station upgrades are expected to save customers approximately $152 million over the life of the project.
- Three new solar facilities were completed in 2025, bringing Tampa Electric’s total to 29 solar plants. Since 2017, solar investments have reduced fuel costs and saved customers more than $430 million.
- More than 270 miles of overhead power lines have been converted to underground service, with more than half of the distribution system now underground.
- Substation upgrades include elevated equipment and flood-resistant infrastructure in vulnerable locations.
- Grid hardening and reliability projects help reduce outages, speed restoration and minimize momentary power interruptions.
- Nearly 2,500 transmission poles have been upgraded from wood to steel or concrete.
- More than 4,500 power poles have been strengthened.
- More than 1,000 automation and efficiency devices have been installed across the system.
Source: Tampa Electric Storm Recovery Charge Ends One Month Ahead of Schedule