Tampa Electric Can Help You Cut Energy Costs

With energy costs remaining higher than many customers would like, Tampa Electric recognizes the importance of helping households to manage monthly bills in ways that fit their needs and budget.

Saturday is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, and Tampa Electric is highlighting a range of tools, programs and energy-saving tips available to customers - many at low or no cost. Even small adjustments can help to reduce energy use over time.

Here are 10 smart, practical ways to power up your savings all year long.

Tweak Your Habits

Some of the most effective energy savers are also the simplest. Turn off lights and unplug appliances when they're not in use. Keep your thermostat at the lowest comfortable setting in winter - or the highest in summer. If you want personalized recommendations, complete an online energy audit or schedule a free in-home audit to pinpoint exactly where you can save.

Switch to LED Bulbs

LED lighting is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. These bulbs use up to 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. The result is lower energy use and fewer replacements.

Use Power Strips

Many electronics use electricity even when they're turned off. These phantom loads may be small individually, but they add up over time. Plug devices into a power strip so you can shut them off completely when not in use. Tampa Electric's energy calculators can help you see how much you could save.

Install a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat learns your schedule, manages temperatures efficiently and can save the average household about $180 per year. Tampa Electric also offers a $22 rebate on qualifying Energy Star® models, boosting your savings even further.

Choose Energy Star® Appliances

When it's time to replace appliances, efficiency matters. Energy Star® units can cut energy use by about 13%. To estimate your potential savings, try Tampa Electric's appliance calculator before you buy.

Cut Water Heating Costs

Heating water accounts for a significant portion of home energy use. Lowering your water heater's temperature, insulating the tank or simply using less hot water can meaningfully reduce monthly costs without sacrificing comfort.

Upgrade Windows

Inefficient windows can allow up to 25% of your energy to slip away. If a full replacement isn't in the budget, consider adding window film on west- and south-facing windows to help block heat and reduce cooling costs.

Consider a Heat Pump Upgrade

Heat pumps offer a highly efficient way to heat and cool your home, potentially saving you up to 40% on climate control. Tampa Electric provides a rebate to help offset the cost of upgrading.

Weatherize Your Home

Air leaks force your heating and cooling system to work harder than necessary. Sealing gaps around doors, windows and ductwork keeps conditioned air where it belongs. You may even qualify for free weatherization services through Tampa Electric's Neighborhood Weatherization program.

Boost Your Insulation

Proper insulation is essential for year-round comfort and efficiency. With the right insulation levels, homeowners can reduce heating and cooling costs by about 15%. Tampa Electric offers a pre-approval rebate to help support your upgrade.

Saving energy in 2026 doesn't require major investments or complicated projects. With a few intentional changes, you can enjoy a more efficient home and lower monthly bills.

Tampa Electric, one of Florida's largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 870,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.