Complaints

This profile includes complaints for TECO Energy, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  TECO Energy, Inc.

  702 N Franklin St Tampa, FL 33602-4429

• 

  TECO Energy, Inc.

  PO Box 111 Tampa, FL 33601-0111

• 

  TECO Energy, Inc.

  PO Box 31318 Tampa, FL 33631-3318

• 

  TECO Energy, Inc.

  15779 W Dixie Hwy North Miami Beach, FL 33162-6037

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/07/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I moved to Tampa April 21st of 2025. I set up a teco account for ************************* as requested by my apartment complex. I set up for paperless billing. I did not have to pay anything at initial start up. On June 3rd of 2025 I came home to find my power had been shut off. I wasn't sure if it was an outage, but it was just my power that was shut off. I had never received any bill or notice via email or regular mail. I called the number the internet gave me off of their website. I spoke with someone and said my power was shut off and they transferred me to billing. I then made a payment using my debit card. The bank information that I originally gave was no longer active since there was not a branch in Tampa. About 45 minutes after payment my power was restored. When speaking with them on 7/3/25 they said they tried to process the payment from the bank account set up originally. I said why would you do that when I used my debit card and that bank account is closed? They have now charged that closed account 3 times resulting in $60 of fees plus an $18 dollar restore service fee. I called them on 6/30 to inquire why my bill was so high, that is when I learned that they were charging a closed bank account. They insisted I was scammed and they never received the ******** questions are 1. Why on June 3rd would they try to process an unauthorized payment if I supposedly never called them.2. If I was scammed why would my power get turned back on?None of this makes sense and when I tried to call for clarity I was countered with rude service representatives that did not try to help or even be sympathetic to the situation that as a ********** person $ 300 is alot. We went round and round and they just kept trying to push my buttons. I had to end the call. I told them I have extreme anxiety and needed to go to the hospital. He said ok then is there anything else? I just hung up. I have never dealt with such an incompetent electric company in my 30 years of living all over the U.S

  Business Response

  Date: 07/21/2025

  Following communication with the customer and a thorough investigation, ******************** has determined that the customer is responsible for all assessed fees, and the customer has since been advised.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/27/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Literally the worst electric company in *****************. Ive traveled a lot and never have I had an electric company worse than TECO. Terribly run, bad customer service, and the power shuts off any chance it gets. Storms, random outages, you name it. On top of the power randomly shutting off every other day, the amount of time it takes TECO to actually fix the problem is the highest in the country. There has got to be a way to get this company eliminated. Their monopoly is not for the good of anyone in Tampa and I dont know anyone who is happy with their services. Please find another way to ruin peoples lives TECO, we need our electricity company to be reliable.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/10/2025

  On July 2nd, the following email was sent to *** ********. 

  Dear *** ************************ you for reaching out and sharing your concerns with Tampa Electric. We understand how frustrating and disruptive power interruptions can be, especially when they're recurring. We take these concerns seriously and are committed to improving service reliability in ***************. Tampa Electric is actively investigating and working to resolve the issues affecting your community. 

  What We Know So Far 
  Our review has identified a number of momentary outages in *************** in 2025. These brief interruptions typically occur when a breaker automatically shuts off power to protect equipment. This is an intended function that also helps to prevent longer outages. 
  In addition, we identified three sustained outages since February: 
  February 20 a 5-minute outage to ensure crew safety during critical maintenance. 
  June 2 a 35-minute outage caused by a squirrel contacting a power line. 
  June 26 a 45-minute outage due to damage to equipment that controls power flow. 

  What Were Doing 
  To address these issues and improve reliability, were taking the following steps: 
  Conducting comprehensive inspections of local electric distribution equipment the week of June 30, including infrared scanning to help identify root causes and prioritize repairs or upgrades 
  Performing maintenance on our transmission and substation systems 
  Accelerating tree trimming and vegetation management in the area 
  Installing deterrents to help prevent future outages caused by birds and squirrels 

  We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance the reliability of your electric service. If you have questions or need assistance, please dont hesitate to reach out. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/06/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My electric bill with **** has remained consistently high despite significant changes in my household since my divorce on February 2. 2025 Previously, I shared my home with my ex-wife, daughter, and son, and we often kept both air conditioning units set to 73F. But since living alone, I have adjusted my usage significantlymaintaining my downstairs AC at 78F, using the shower solely for myself, and refraining from using the stove. Additionally, I was out of the house and state for the entire month of April.Despite these changes, my electric bill does not seem to reflect any of the reductions in usage. I have reached out to Teco multiple times, cooperating fully with their requests, including meeting with their audit personnel and spending hours on the phone to explain my situation. Each time, I was informed that there were no issues with the service, yet troubleshooting had not been thoroughly conducted. An energy analysis provided by **** also indicated that there was nothing unusual with my electrical components.I appreciate your attention to this matter, as it is important for consumers to receive accurate billing that reflects their actual usage. Thank you for your support.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/11/2025

  I spoke with Mr. ****** to explain the meter test results. I stated the meter was tested on 05/10/2025 and tested at ***** percent. I then took the readings from the test and calculated the daily consumption prior to the energy audit and after the energy audit and informed him that his daily consumption had gone down two kWh per day.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/30/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I live in a gated community in Tampa, a light pole went down the beginning of October 2024. I called many times over the months and every time I heard the same thing, they will send a email to the supervisor to call me. They came about 2 months ago and took the pole never brought it back with a new light. They gave me different numbers same story, I'll have the manager call you. It is the end of May 2025, no call back, no light.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/11/2025

  Following the receipt of Mrs. ********* inquiry, I research that the light pole was out of stock causing the delay. On May 29, 2025, the work request was assigned to a Tampa Electric Contractor, who proceeded to get underground locate for other utilities (Frontier, Charter) and after conformation the light pole has been installed. The installation has not been completed due to the light fixture being on back order. Once received the light fixture will be installed.   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/29/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I had an account with **** that I closed in June 2024. Once the account was closed, we were meant to be refunded our deposit. I have contacted them at bare minimum 1-2x a month in regards to the check that they claim is being returned to them. I have provided them my new address in ** every single time I have contacted them and they continue to mail the letter to the service address which is in *******, and is being returned to them. I have exhausted all of my options, speaking to the post office, managers at ****, and countless customer service reps. *** have assured me that they have corrected the issue but now 11 months has passed and I still have yet to receive my money back. At this point, the money owed should have grown as the deposit should be in an interest baring account and I will be seeking the full amount plus interest. I have asked if they could provide the payment via ACH and also offered to pick up the check in person and have been denied both requests. The issue is due to a complete lack of professionalism on their part and an outrageous amount of negligence. Please assist. Service address: ************************************************ Current/Mailing address: ********************************************** Account Info: ********* ****** DOB: ********** Last 4 SSN: 6296 Phone number: ************* email: ***********************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/11/2025

  I have spoken with Mrs. ****** and was able to arrange for the refund she had not received to be direct deposited into her banking account.  She has my direct telephone number should she need any further assistance. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/20/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My fianc opened an account with Tampa Electric in April 2025 (account number ************************* and had her credit pulled so that they would waive our deposit since I did not qualify. They sent her a confirmation email saying that the deposit was waived. Tampa electric then closed out her account and kept mine open (which had the deposit I waived). They were supposed to close out my account and keep her account opened. Now ******************************************* refuses to refund our deposit. This is an extremely unethical business practice. My account number is ************ and would like my deposit refunded.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/20/2025

  Tampa Electric has spoken with the customer and has reached a resolution with the customer. 
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/20/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/20/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  For several months now, myself and neighbors submitted countless reports to Teco regarding streetlight thats not working. **** keeps closing the cases and open new ones when we call to inquire. The last case was closed again and the technician reported light ok. Light is not ok and hasnt been working for several months now! Photo attached. Below are some of case numbers we received.Address: Between ***** and ******************************************************************. Cases: ******* ******* ******* ********** ********** Pole number received from Teco: **********

  Business Response

  Date: 05/22/2025

   Tampa Electric Company has communicated with the customer and investigated her concerns regarding the streetlight. After further investigation we found the information provided was incorrect. The streetlight that was not working was repaired. Mrs. ***** apologized and said she was completely satisfied with the outcome and response of her complaint. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/23/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/12/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  see Attached document

  Business Response

  Date: 05/22/2025

  Tampa Electric Company has made several attempts to speak with this customer to discuss their concerns but have been unsuccessful. Voice messages were left requesting a return call.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/29/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Teco Energy is upgrading the underground power lines in our neighborhood. During the drilling process the crews were driving through my yard and leaving the equipment sitting on my property without warning or permission. They were literally digging up my shrubs out of the ground and driving over flower beds. I later find when Teco was digging up the shrubs they busted up my irrigation lines beneath the ground. I confronted the crew installing the lines and they claimed landscapers would follow up correcting all the damage cause by their equipment. I never heard back from the digging crew and when calling Teco they state the manager for that area would call me back and he never does. I was required to spend my own money and time repairing the damage they did to my property. Three rose bushes were destroyed, 20 of irrigation line was replaced and required 8 hrs labor. How is this allowed or even legal!!

  Business Response

  Date: 04/29/2025

  I spoke with Mr. ****** and he stated shortly after he wrote the BBB, TEC contractor arrived to make repairs to the damaged sprinkler system. He stated in the conversation with the contractor, he stated he would reimburse for the damaged plants and irrigation pipes. Mr. ****** gave him the receipts and was satisfied with the contact.

  
  I provided him with my direct telephone number and advised him if the refund is not received in a reasonable timeline to call me directly and I would address it with the appropriate *************** research the refund.   
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/30/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  Yes.  I had waited two weeks for the damage to be repaired and thought it wasn't going to happen.  Attempted to make contact but never received a return call.  Not two hours after filing my complaint they showed up to complete the repairs.  Wish you could delete this complaint as Teco Energy was very polite and respectful of my frustration.  I was in a hurry as we're in the middle of a drought and needed the irrigations lines repaired quickly to continue watering my yard.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/18/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Yesterday morning, a technician by the name of ***** ***** stopped by the property I own unannounced. There was no emergency at hand.I have provided two links below to the videos on my doorbell camera to part of this interaction.With the entitlement of an 1800s dictator, this man approached me as if I owed him something or needed to do what he wanted me to without explanation. Last I checked, I'm adult and not a newborn.Apparently, there is an initiative to replace the meters here in ************ and ours needed to be swapped out.That's interesting, because I was never alerted of this... ever. According to the attached screen shot after a quick ****** Search, "Customers will receive a letter indicating when installers will be in their area, and a technician will attempt to notify them before the meter is replaced, which will involve a brief interruption of electric service, according to Tampa Electric.'A letter indicates written communication. When this man knocked on my door, he didn't apologize for interrupting my workday (Yes, I'm an adult with a full-time job who works from home and was currently on an important meeting) or calmly explaining what needed to be done.I asked him pretty relevant questions and he responded in an annoying, entitled, classless, and disgusting tone, as if I had no right to ask someone why they need to install monitoring technology on my property without written notification.I told him to come back with written communication to verify what this process was and he left.He then comes back again and tells me has to replace my meter again and turns his back to me as I again, request written **************** wife then called Teco and was met with more disgusting, entitled attitude. I'm sure you have the *************** companies approach my door daily. Links to videos:********************************************************************************** **********************************************************************************

  Business Response

  Date: 04/30/2025

  Tampa Electric visited the premise to confirm the meter reading. Once the technician arrived it was determined the meter needed to be changed. The technician unsuccessfully attempted to connect to the meter. *** meter service supervisor attempted to speak with the customer to advise of the change out but was unsuccessful and a voice message was left requesting a return call. The customer returned the call and left a voice message stating he received notification for the meter change out. A different technician has been assigned to complete the change out.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/01/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******