Regulators approve utility storm costs

Jim Saunders  News Service Florida While trying to cushion the blow for Tampa Electric Co. customers, state regulators approved proposals by Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida to collect more than $1.55 billion to cover hurricane-related costs and replenish storm reserves. Customers of both utilities will start to see higher bills in March as Tampa Electric and Duke primarily recover money they spent to amass crews and restore power when three hurricanes hit the state in 2024. W