Affordable energy legislation introduced during Florida’s 2026 legislative session failed to move forward, prompting Food & Water Watch to urge Tampa City Council to support the Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition's affordable energy resolution ahead of the 2027 session.
According to a Food & Water Watch analysis, the average residential bill for customers of Tampa Electric Company increased 86%, or about $980 more annually, between December 2020 and January 2026. The organization also reported bills increased 22%, or approximately $375 more annually, in the last year alone.
Isabella Moeller, Tampa Bay Organizer for Food & Water Watch, said state lawmakers failed to pass three affordable energy reform bills during the session.
One of the bills endorsed by Food & Water Watch was Senate Bill 1532, introduced by Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith. The bill would have required the Public Service Commission to implement measures aimed at improving transparency and accountability. It also sought to prevent public utilities from recovering certain costs from ratepayers and would have required the commission to ensure allowable returns on equity for public utilities did not exceed a certain cost threshold. The bill failed to pass the Senate on March 13.
"Living in one of the hottest states this is a human right and necessity. No one should have to worry about turning their AC on in the warmer month," Moeller said.
Last year alone, TECO customers receive four rate increases.
According to TECO, residential and small commercial bills increased by $8.80 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours in January 2026. The company also stated the storm surcharge is expected to end in September 2026, decreasing bills by about $19.95 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours.
“While this specific storm recovery charge is being taken off bills in September, it’s not straying from the fact that TECO customers are still paying some of the highest energy bills in the nation and that was just one rate increase out of the three that were approved last year,” Moeller said. “Again, as has been shown over the past several years, there’s just going to be another rate increase in the future.”
Moeller said the Public Service Commission is supposed to help keep electric bills affordable for average ratepayers, but she believes the commission has failed to do so. Because of that, organizers are now calling on Tampa City Council to help bring more attention to the issue.
“We have a whole year now to organize around this issue and apply pressure to state legislators to prioritize affordable energy reform,” Moeller said. “Having Tampa City Council involved will be another voice advocating for affordable energy bills and leadership for constituents concerned about this issue.”
Moeller acknowledged City Council does not have direct control over utility rate increases, but said local leaders can still support collaborative efforts pushing for reform.
In March, the organization hosted a public forum about rising electric bills that drew around 50 attendees looking for action. A few weeks later, more than a dozen residents spoke during a Tampa City Council Meeting urging officials to support affordable energy reforms. Organizers also rallied outside Sen. Jim Boyd's office in recent weeks.
“As elected leaders of this city, Tampa City Council has a platform, has influence, and has a duty and a responsibility to represent their constituents,” said Alyssa White, climate justice organizer with Florida Student Power in a press release. “We need leadership at the local level that is willing to stand with residents and advocate for clean and affordable energy and that should start with one of TECOs biggest customers, the City of Tampa.”
Moeller said additional events and organizing efforts are planned to give residents more opportunities to speak out about increasing electric bills.
“Something needs to be done about this and at the end of the day this is the question we are asking,” Moeller said. “Folks feel lost and disappointed.”
She said rising electric bills are not a new issue and have impacted residents for years.
In 2025, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution opposing a proposed rate increase plan from Florida Power & Light , although the four-year settlement was later approved, according to multiple reports. In West Tampa, residents and activists also participated in a "Burn the Bill" demonstration alongside U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor protesting TECO rate hikes.
Moeller said Food & Water Watch and coalition partners plan to continue advocating for affordable energy reforms while preparing for the 2027 legislative session.
The Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition includes Food & Water Watch, Florida Rising, Florida Student Power, genCLEO, Sierra Club, Tampa DSA, Central Florida Jobs with Justice and League of Latin American Citizens.
At this time, Tampa Bay Observer is waiting for a response from TECO.