Tampa Electric Offers New Energy-Efficiency Programs and Increased Rebates on Existing Programs to Help Customers Save Money on Energy Costs

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tampa Electric announced today that it will launch enhancements to its existing residential energy-efficiency programs. Beginning Tuesday, May 3, residential customers can learn more and sign up for programs online at tampaelectric.com/save. Business customers can sign up for two new programs and take advantage of enhancements to existing programs immediately at tampaelectric.com/business/saveenergy. Customers can also call the company at 813-223-0800 in Hillsborough County, 863-299-0800 in Polk County or 1-888-223-0800 in all other counties and out-of-state (when calling, select Home Account, then Energy Saving programs).

“In designing these new programs, we considered the growing interest community leaders and small and large customers have in energy conservation and smart and efficient energy management equipment and systems. These new and enhanced programs can help customers lower their energy bills.”

The new and enhanced programs are a result of Tampa Electric receiving approval from the Florida Public Service Commission to expand its current lineup of energy-efficiency programs for customers.

“Saving energy is important to our customers, especially during these challenging economic times,” said Gordon Gillette, president of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. “In designing these new programs, we considered the growing interest community leaders and small and large customers have in energy conservation and smart and efficient energy management equipment and systems. These new and enhanced programs can help customers lower their energy bills.”

Below is a list of Tampa Electric programs, including those that are new and enhanced.

For residential customers:

Free Energy Audits – An inspection of customers’ homes that identifies areas where they may be wasting valuable energy. The company provides three convenient audits (Online, Phone-Assisted and In-Home). Each type of audit includes a free pack of energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
Heating and Cooling – Pays an incentive up to $400 to encourage the installation of high-efficiency heating and cooling systems in existing dwellings.
Ceiling Insulation – Pays an incentive up to $350 when new insulation is added; up from the previous incentive of $200.
Window Replacement/Upgrades – Pays an incentive of $2.65 per square foot with no maximum; the previous maximum amount was $350.
Window Film – Pays an incentive up to $2 per square foot with no maximum; an increase from the previous $1 per square foot with a $200 maximum.

Wall Insulation – Pays an incentive of $0.31 per square foot with no maximum; up from the previous $200 maximum for all exterior walls.
Energy Planner – Offers lower rates for electricity 87 percent of the time. Sign up and save around 10 percent on your electric costs. Receive a free Home Energy Audit and a pack of energy-efficient CFLs when you sign up.
Ductwork – A trained professional will repair and seal leaks in your ductwork for as little at $50 (some restrictions apply).
Residential New Construction – Builders of new residential homes with central heat and air systems may qualify for enhanced rebates when installing high-efficiency equipment, and for utilizing high-efficiency building techniques in residential new construction.

Later this summer, Tampa Electric will launch two additional residential programs:

HVAC Maintenance – A new program that pays an incentive up to $75 for maintenance and tune-up of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to ensure operation at optimal efficiency.
HVAC Motor Replacement – A new program that pays an incentive up to $135 for installing a more energy-efficient motor in an existing air handler.

For business customers:

Free Energy Audits – A free program designed to increase awareness of energy use, includes a free pack of energy-efficient CFLs.
Commercial Lighting – Offers an increased incentive of $175 per kilowatt (kW) for lighting upgrades, as well as $25 for each exit sign upgrade to LED technology.
Commercial Cooling – Increased incentives for installing high-efficiency cooling systems in existing dwellings.
Commercial Duct Repair – Pays an incentive of $350 for the repair of leaking duct systems; up from the previous level of $200.
Chiller Program – Increased incentives to $175 per kW for replacing inefficient cooling equipment with higher efficiency equipment.
Standby Generator – Pays an increased incentive of $4 per kW for utilization of a customer’s emergency generation capacity during peak periods.
Energy Efficient Motors – Pays an incentive of $6 per horsepower for energy-efficient motor upgrades.
Lighting Occupancy Sensors – Offers $25 per sensor installed to control indoor lights and reduce energy costs.
Lighting Program – Earn $175 per kilowatt reduction for replacing existing lighting with new, more efficient systems.
Wall, Ceiling and Roof Insulation – A new Building Envelope program pays enhanced rebates for one or more measures.
Solar Window Film Insulation – Also part of the Building Envelope program, receive $1.25 per square foot of glass covered.
Ceiling Insulation and Wall Insulation – Two existing programs available as part of the Building Envelope program will offer increased incentives.
Energy Recovery Ventilation (new program) – A new program that pays an incentive for installing an energy-recovery ventilation system designed to reduce indoor humidity.
Cool Roof (new program) – A new program that pays an incentive up to $0.60 per square foot for the installation of a cool roof system designed to reduce heat transfer.

Commercial Load Management – Increased incentives for allowing Tampa Electric to control operation of air conditioning or specialized equipment during critical energy-use periods.
Duct Repair – Targets HVAC systems with flex-duct or duct board. Earn up to $300 when Tampa Electric seals and repairs all accessible components of an air distribution system.
Water Heating – Installing a high-efficiency water heating system can pay a rebate of $0.01166 per Btu (up to a maximum of $700). This program helps identify the heat recovery units and heat pump water heaters that will generate optimum savings.

Later this summer, Tampa Electric will launch two additional business programs:

HVAC Maintenance (Recommissioning) – A new program that pays an incentive up to $25 per ton of costs for maintenance and tune-up of HVAC equipment to ensure operation at optimal efficiency.
Electronically Commutated Motors – A new program that pays an incentive up to $180 per horsepower to retrofit and/or replace inefficient evaporator motors for HVAC or refrigeration equipment.

Solar water heater rebates for residential customers

In addition to energy-efficiency programs, Tampa Electric is currently offering a rebate to residential customers who install new solar water heater equipment. Rebates are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis; existing installations do not qualify. To get started, visit tampaelectric.com/renewable and submit a reservation.

Due to an overwhelming response from customers seeking rebates to install new photovoltaic systems at their home or business, the total of $1 million Tampa Electric made available has been completely reserved; however, customers can still submit their contact information to be notified when future funds are available.

Low-Income Program Enhancements

Tampa Electric’s existing Low-Income program will receive additional weatherization measures, such as free insulation and duct repair. The company will work closely with established organizations, such as the Centre for Women, to identify and mass-deliver free and low-cost energy-efficiency measures to qualifying neighborhoods throughout the company’s service area.

In addition, Tampa Electric also will partner with neighborhood service centers to offer free energy-efficiency packages to low-income residents who qualify for assistance with their energy costs. The packages will include energy-saving light bulbs, air filter change reminders, faucet aerators, hot water temperature check cards and more.

The company began its conservation program rebates in the late 1970s, prior to any federal or state energy conservation requirements. From 1979 through 2010, Tampa Electric has performed more than 406,000 energy audits and paid almost 405,000 rebates to customers who have participated in Tampa Electric’s energy-efficiency programs – offsetting the need to generate enough electricity to serve more than 729,801 average-size homes over a 12-month period. Tampa Electric offers several rebate programs to both residential and commercial customers.

Learn more about Tampa Electric’s energy-saving programs online:

-Residential: tampaelectric.com/save

-Business: tampaelectric.com/business/saveenergy

Tampa Electric Company is the principal subsidiary of TECO Energy, Inc. (NYSE: TE), an integrated energy-related holding company with regulated utility businesses, complemented by a family of unregulated businesses. Tampa Electric Company is a regulated utility with both electric and gas divisions (Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas System). Other subsidiaries are engaged in coal, and electric generation and distribution in Guatemala.