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TECO Wants To Cut Charge, Raise Rates

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By MICHAEL SASSO

msasso@tampatrib.com

Published: February 28, 2009

TAMPA - Tampa Electric customers hit with a big increase in their electricity fuel charges last month may see that charge rescinded.

On Friday, Tampa Electric announced it will ask the Florida Public Service Commission for permission to lower the charge on its customers' bills starting in May.

A typical customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity would see his bill fall about $13 a month.

The decrease - if approved - would offset a previous increase in customers' fuel charges. Starting last month, Tampa Electric raised the fuel charge by about $11.75 on the same 1,000-kilowatt-hour home.

The company is lowering the charge because the cost of fuel it uses to generate electricity, such as natural gas and coal, did not spike over the winter as it usually does. Also, the company was able to lock in fuel prices for the balance of 2009, company President Chuck Black said in a statement.

At the same time it seeks to lower customers' fuel charges, Tampa Electric wants to raise another component of their bill - base electricity rates - by about $10 a month for a 1,000-kilowatt-hour home.

If approved, that increase would also take effect in May.

TECO hasn't raised base rates since 1992. TECO serves 667,000 customers in Hillsborough County and portions of Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties.

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at (813) 259-7865.

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