Cold Weather Can Spike Energy Use — Tampa Electric Can Help You Stay...

Cool winter weather across the Tampa Bay area can mean higher electric bills as heating systems work harder, and customers spend more time indoors. Tampa Electric is offering ways to help customers stay in control of their energy use - and support for anyone who may need extra assistance.

Extended cold snaps can trigger increased electricity use: heating systems run longer to keep homes comfortable, shorter days lead to more lighting, and cooler weather keeps families inside. These natural changes in household behavior can cause bills to rise.

"Colder weather can be uncomfortable and unexpected for many families, and we know it can also affect monthly bills," said Karen Sparkman, vice president of customer experience for Tampa Electric. "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. We are committed to supporting our customers with compassion, simplicity and meaningful solutions."

Tampa Electric encourages customers to consider these steps during colder weather:

• Adjust the thermostat gradually by raising the temperature a few degrees at a time. Big temperature jumps can activate supplemental heat strips on your unit, which use a lot of electricity and can significantly increase your energy bill.
• Use a programmable thermostat to match the temperature with daily routines, such as while residents are sleeping or away from home.
• Use zone heating when possible, to focus energy use on occupied areas.
• Seal air leaks around doors and windows to help retain warm air.

Winter is also a good time for customers to consider scheduling a free home energy audit to identify efficiency improvements ahead of peak summer cooling season. Audits can help pinpoint opportunities to reduce future energy use, such as insulation improvements, leaky ducts or equipment upgrades.

Additional bill relief is expected later this year. The storm-related recovery charge currently included in monthly bills is scheduled to drop off in September, which is expected to result in lower bills this fall and provide meaningful savings for customers.

Support for Customers Who Need Help

Tampa Electric understands that higher winter energy use can be challenging for some households.

If you are struggling to pay your bill, Tampa Electric is here to help. Customers are encouraged to contact the company to explore payment options or financial assistance programs.

The Share program assists customers who are struggling, providing direct relief to help people pay their energy bills. The program is administered by Metropolitan Ministries, the Salvation Army and the Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, and it is funded by the generosity of employees, customers, community partners and Tampa Electric shareholders.

"No one should ever feel alone when they're worried about their bill," Sparkman said. "If customers are facing financial challenges, we encourage them to reach out to us early. Our customer service professionals are here to listen, walk customers through support options, and to connect them with resources that can truly make a difference."

Please visit TampaElectric.com/PayAssist for more information about these and other assistance programs.

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.