TAMPA BAY, Fla. — TECO said there was a system error, so 16,000 of its 80,000 budget billing customers will now have higher monthly payments.
Instead of having highs and lows, the Budget Billing program “averages” a customer’s annual expenses to even out the bill over the course of the year.
Although the total energy used was correctly calculated, the monthly “average payment,” according to TECO, “did not include the entire year.” “.
TECO claimed it made a payment calculation error in the notice it sent to Pat Hargraves and other budget billing clients in August. It included only 11 months’ worth of bills on average rather than a year’s worth. The mistake led to a deferred balance that was unusually high for some budget billing customers.
Hargraves said her bill went up $100 a month. Pat Fisher, a different TECO budget billing customer, told ABC Action News that her monthly bill increased by $200. Both were curious as to how a month’s worth of incorrect calculations could total $1,200 to $24,000 in a single year.
ABC Action News questioned TECO regarding how they calculated the amounts. The increase in bills was caused by a number of factors, according to TECO.
TECO spokesperson Cherie Jacobs stated, “All of those things are in addition to the 1 month’s use that was excluded from the calculation.”
Semi-retired Hargraves told ABC Action News that she simply could not afford an additional $100 per month. We connected her with TECO, who stated that they assist customers who are struggling by extending a two-year grace period for payment of the deferred balance.
For those who qualify, there is also a payment assistance program. Affected customers can call TECO at 888-223-0800. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
To make a payment, you may use this official links below:
Contact
https://www.tampaelectric.com/contact/
Customer Care ; Toll-free. (888) 223-0800 ; Hillsborough. (813) 223-0800 ; Polk. (863) 299-0800 ; For Business. (866) 832-6249 ; TTY. 711
Contact Us
https://account.tecoenergy.com/Home/ContactUs
Customer Care ; Toll-free. (888) 223-0800 ; Polk. (863) 299-0800 ; For Business. 866 TECO BIZ.
FAQ
What is TECO Tampa customer service number?
Phone: Call 813-635-1500 on weekdays from 8 a. m. to 5 p. m.
How do I contact Tampa Electric?
- Toll-free. (888) 223-0800.
- Hillsborough. (813) 223-0800.
- Polk. (863) 299-0800.
- For Business. (866) 832-6249.
- TTY. 711.
Can I pay TECO with credit card?
Is it possible to pay with a credit or debit card? A: You can use Quick Pay to make a one-time credit card payment online or by calling 1-866-689-6469. Your credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee by our payment vendor, and the charge will show up as TECO/Peoples Gas on your statement.
How do I reconnect my TECO?
Arrange for service reconnection. To arrange for your water service to be turned back on, please contact the Utilities Call Center at (813) 274-8811 during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm).