Tampa Electric's residential rates vary based on your rate plan and usage level. Here's what you need to know about TECO's 2026 rates.
Standard Residential Service (RS)
The default rate plan for most TECO customers uses tiered pricing:
- Effective rate range: 14-18 cents per kWh
- Average effective rate: 16.2 cents per kWh (including all charges)
This rate includes base energy charges, fuel costs, and various surcharges. The tiered structure means your first block of usage is cheaper than additional usage.
Time-of-Use Option (RSVP-1)
TECO offers a voluntary time-of-use plan with variable rates:
- Off-peak rate: As low as 10 cents per kWh
- Peak rate: Up to 25 cents per kWh
- Best for: Customers who can shift usage to off-peak hours
How TECO Compares to Other Florida Utilities
| Utility | Average Rate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa Electric | 16.2¢/kWh | 14-18¢ |
| FPL | 15.5¢/kWh | 13-18¢ |
| Duke Energy FL | 14.5¢/kWh | 12-17¢ |
TECO's rates are slightly higher than some Florida utilities, partly due to storm recovery investments in the Tampa Bay area.
Understanding Your Effective Rate
Your "effective rate" is your total bill divided by total kWh used. This is the most accurate way to compare costs because it includes all charges.
Calculating Your Effective Rate:
Take your total bill amount (before taxes) and divide by your kWh usage:
Example: $180 bill ÷ 1,100 kWh = 16.4 cents per kWh
A typical TECO customer using 1,000-1,500 kWh monthly should see an effective rate between 15-17 cents per kWh in 2026.