It’s official — summer has hit Tampa Bay.
As locals in the Riverview area ourselves, heat, A/C units struggling to keep up, and most of all, those dreaded electric bills are part of our normal.
In our home, we’ve seen our electric bill nearly double in just a few weeks. Like many of our neighbors, we’ve been scrambling for ways to cut costs. We’ve tried it all — blackout curtains, extra fans, the works.
Our A/C units are only a couple of years old. What’s the deal? Doesn’t newer mean more efficient and lower electric bills?
Maybe, maybe not.
So we started looking for additional resources that might offer some relief for ourselves and the many homeowners in Tampa Bay facing the same problem.
Good news: If you're a Tampa Electric (TECO) customer, you may be missing out on a great opportunity — the Prime Time Plus program.
On the surface, it’s pretty straightforward.
You allow TECO to temporarily manage certain electrical equipment during periods of peak demand, and in return, you receive monthly bill credits, a free smart thermostat, and additional savings opportunities.
Sounds like a no-brainer, right?
Prime Time Plus is TECO's demand-response program.
When you enroll, Tampa Electric can briefly pause power to certain equipment during periods of unusually high electricity demand.
Eligible equipment includes:
Importantly, TECO isn't shutting off power to your home.
Your lights stay on.
Your outlets continue working.
Your refrigerator doesn't stop running.
Only the enrolled equipment may be temporarily interrupted.
In return, homeowners receive monthly bill credits and can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year.
For many families, it's an easy way to reduce energy costs.
Of course, Prime Time Plus isn't the only way to lower your electric bill. If you're looking for additional ways to reduce energy costs this summer, check out our guide on saving money on your power bill, where we cover practical tips homeowners can implement right away.
For many homeowners, the answer is yes.
The program offers meaningful savings and helps reduce demand on the electrical grid during peak usage periods.
For most people, the brief interruptions are a small tradeoff for the monthly savings.
That said, before adding new equipment to participate in programs like Prime Time Plus, it's always a good idea to make sure your home's electrical system is prepared for it.
Because the smartest homeowners aren't just planning for today's needs.
They're planning for what's coming next.
The homes that are prepared for those changes will have more options, fewer surprises, and a safer electrical system.