08/06/2026
Letter to the Editor published in the Tampa Bay Times by our volunteer Moji calling on Tampa City Council and Senate President-Elect Jim Boyd to take action on affordable energy!
Tampa residents have felt some slight relief from the summer heat this past week, but daily showers do not change the fact that our summers keep getting hotter and more intense, making running the air conditioning a necessity. Yet, it’s becoming increasingly unaffordable to do so because my electric bill has risen so high.
For that reason, I recently joined the Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition for a peaceful demonstration outside of Tampa Electric’s headquarters to demand an end to TECO’s excessive rate hikes and urge our local elected officials to take action on affordable energy. However, we were asked to leave the property and weren’t allowed to speak to community members about how they have been impacted by rising electricity costs.
TECO tries to paint itself as the benevolent utility, but when our bills keep rising and they won’t even listen to our concerns, it’s clear the financial wellbeing of their customers is not of top priority. Which is why our elected officials need to stand with us when our communities are struggling with skyrocketing bills and monopoly utility companies are raking in record profits off our hard-earned money. Tampa City Council could fight for affordable energy solutions and demand action from our state lawmakers on affordable energy reform. We have Senate President-Elect Jim Boyd who can ensure affordable energy reform is prioritized next session.
All of the solutions are there. Our decision makers just need to finally stand up and act.
Here’s what readers are saying in Wednesday’s letters to the editor.
