The Tampa Electric Rate Plan Nobody Talks About
TECO offers different rate structures, and most Tampa homeowners are on the default flat rate. But switching to time-of-use pricing — combined with a smart thermostat — can save 15–25% on your cooling costs. Here's how.
How Time-of-Use Works With Your AC
Time-of-use pricing charges more during peak demand (typically 2pm–7pm in summer) and less during off-peak hours. A smart thermostat can "pre-cool" your home to 72°F before peak rates kick in, then let it drift to 76°F during expensive hours. Your home stays comfortable because the thermal mass of your house holds the temperature for hours.
The Pre-Cool Strategy
- 11am–2pm: Smart thermostat cools home to 72°F at off-peak rate
- 2pm–7pm: Thermostat raises to 76°F — AC barely runs during expensive peak
- 7pm onwards: Back to normal schedule at off-peak rate
- Result: 60–70% less AC during peak hours = 15–25% monthly savings
Real Tampa Example
$280/month TECO bill → Switch to time-of-use + ecobee pre-cool scheduling → $195/month. That's $1,020/year saved with zero equipment changes. Add a smart thermostat ($249) and the investment pays back in 3 months.