Tampa Electric Offers Bill Help, Energy-Saving Tips Amid Cold Weather

Utility company provides advice to customers on reducing energy use and accessing financial assistance during winter months.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:55pm

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As colder weather increases energy usage in the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Electric is offering customers tips to manage their electric bills, including adjusting thermostats gradually, sealing air leaks, and scheduling free home energy audits. The utility company also encourages customers struggling to pay their bills to contact them about payment options and financial assistance programs like the Share program.

Why it matters

With rising energy costs and increased heating needs during the winter, Tampa Electric's guidance can help customers in the region save money and stay warm without overly burdening their budgets. The utility's proactive approach to providing energy-saving tips and financial assistance resources demonstrates its commitment to supporting the local community.

The details

Tampa Electric's vice president of customer experience, Karen Sparkman, stated that the company's goal is to help customers understand their energy use and provide tools, programs, and resources to manage costs. Some of the key recommendations include gradually adjusting thermostats, using programmable thermostats, focusing heating on occupied areas, and sealing air leaks. The utility also encourages customers to schedule free home energy audits to identify efficiency improvements. Additionally, a storm-related recovery charge is scheduled to end in September, which is expected to result in lower utility bills for customers in the fall.

  • The colder winter weather in the Tampa Bay area is increasing energy usage.
  • The storm-related recovery charge is scheduled to end in September 2026.

The players

Tampa Electric

A utility company that provides electricity services to customers in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

Karen Sparkman

The vice president of customer experience for Tampa Electric.

Metropolitan Ministries

A non-profit organization that administers the Share program, which provides direct relief to help customers with energy bills.

Salvation Army

A non-profit organization that administers the Share program, which provides direct relief to help customers with energy bills.

Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg

A non-profit organization that administers the Share program, which provides direct relief to help customers with energy bills.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to help customers understand what drives their energy use and to share tools, offer customer programs and provide resources that can help them manage costs with confidence.”

— Karen Sparkman, Vice President of Customer Experience (Tampa Electric)

“No one should ever feel alone when they're worried about their bill.”

— Karen Sparkman, Vice President of Customer Experience (Tampa Electric)

What’s next

The storm-related recovery charge is scheduled to end in September 2026, which is expected to result in lower utility bills for customers in the fall.

The takeaway

Tampa Electric's proactive approach to providing energy-saving tips and financial assistance resources during the colder winter months demonstrates the utility's commitment to supporting its local community and helping customers manage their energy costs with confidence.