TECO Update: Energy Bill Assistance Available

TECO is reaching out to our customers to ensure as many as possible are aware of available federal assistance funds. If they qualify, we are strongly encouraging them to apply as soon as possible.  The funding is available through Florida Commerce to help income-qualified customers with their energy bills. They may be eligible for assistance from the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) depending on their household income or participation in other state benefit programs.
 
If they would like to be considered for this energy bill assistance, we can help by sharing their Tampa Electric or Peoples Gas account information with Florida Commerce, who determines eligibility.
 
To proceed, they must first authorize TECO to share their information, including account status and history, such as shut-offs/disconnects and past-due balances. Their authorization will be in place for twelve months from our receipt. We will process authorizations while funds remain available.   
 
How to Apply 

• Complete this Tampa Electric - consent form  or  Peoples Gas – consent form  authorizing us to share account information with Florida Commerce.

• Customers must use the same name, service address, and account number listed on your Tampa Electric or Peoples Gas account.  

• TECO will share the information you provide in the consent form with Florida Commerce. We may also share information regarding the history and status of their account. 

• Funding eligibility assessments are generally concluded within 60 days. 

• It is important that customers continue making payments on their account during this assessment period. 

• If they are eligible for credit toward their energy bill, they will be notified by text or email.

• If they are NOT eligible, they will NOT receive an update. If they are eligible, TECO will be notified of the amount to credit their account, and TECO will apply the credit upon receipt. 

• Please note that Florida Commerce is a state agency, and any information they agree to share through this process may be subject to Florida's public records laws. 

• Applying does not guarantee approval.
• Funds are limited – once they are depleted, the application form will be closed.