Paying your utility bill on time is important to avoid late fees and service interruptions. If you are a Tampa Electric (TECO) customer, you have several convenient options to pay your bill. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the various ways you can pay your TECO bill, so you never miss a payment.
Pay Online
The easiest and most convenient way to pay your TECO bill is online through TECO’s website or mobile app
On the TECO Website
You can make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments on TECO’s website. TECO offers the following online payment options:
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Pay Now By Credit/Debit Card or Digital Wallet: Make an instant one-time payment using your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. A convenience fee applies.
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Pay Now From Your Bank Account Securely connect your bank account to make instant one-time payments directly from your checking or savings account No convenience fees
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Auto Pay Enroll in automatic monthly payments directly from your bank account so you never forget a payment Free to enroll and no convenience fees
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Bank Bill Pay: Use your bank’s online bill pay service to schedule TECO payments. Confirm with your bank on any fees.
Paying on TECO’s website is quick, secure, and helps avoid late fees. Be sure to have your account number handy when making a payment.
On the TECO Mobile App
In addition to the website, you can download the TECO app on your iOS or Android device to pay your bill on the go. The app allows you to make one-time payments via credit/debit card, bank account, or digital wallet. You can also view billing history and enroll in paperless billing.
Pay by Phone
If you prefer to speak to a representative, you can pay your TECO bill over the phone by calling toll-free 1-866-689-6469. TECO accepts credit/debit card and digital wallet payments over the phone. Similar to online, a convenience fee will apply to phone payments.
Pay by Mail
Paying by mail is easy if you prefer sending a paper check or money order. Simply mail your payment to the remittance address printed on your TECO bill. Be sure to include your account number and mailing stub. Allow 5-7 business days for your mailed payment to post to your account.
Pay In Person
You can pay your TECO bill in person at an authorized payment location near you. TECO has partnered with companies like Publix, Winn-Dixie, CVS, Walmart, and Ace Cash Express for in-person payments. Some things to note about in-person payments:
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A convenience fee applies, usually around $1.50 per payment.
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Payment kiosks are available 24/7. If paying with a teller, check their operating hours.
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You will need your TECO account number to complete the payment.
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Debit/credit cards and cash are accepted. No personal checks.
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Payment posts to your TECO account on the next business day.
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Receipt will be provided as proof of payment.
You can find a list of in-person payment locations on the TECO website. I recommend confirming operating hours and payment methods before visiting a pay location.
Pay by Same-Day Phone Payment
In a real pinch? TECO offers same-day processing for phone payments made Monday-Friday, excluding holidays. To utilize this option, you must call before 5 p.m. EST and pay with a credit/debit card. Your payment will be credited to your account that same day. The regular convenience fee applies.
Only use this method as a last resort, as the convenience fee can add up quickly. But it’s a nice perk if you missed the payment deadline and need your payment to process immediately.
Enroll in Budget Billing
To make payments more predictable, TECO offers Budget Billing which averages your costs over a 12 month period. This helps avoid the fluctuation of high and low payments each month. To qualify, you need at least 12 months of billing history at your service location. Learn more about Budget Billing on TECO’s website.
Qualify for Payment Extensions
TECO understands circumstances sometimes make it impossible to pay your bill on time. If you’re facing financial hardship, you can call TECO’s billing department at 1-888-223-0800 to discuss a payment extension or arrangement. This can help avoid disconnection while you get back on your feet.
Some common payment arrangements include:
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Deferred Payment Plan – Allows extra time to pay an outstanding balance
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Amortization Agreement – Spreads balance over multiple months by adding a portion to your regular monthly bills
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Promissory Note – Formal agreement to pay unpaid balance by an agreed upon date
TECO wants to keep you connected. Contact them as soon as possible if you anticipate falling behind on payments.
Seek Bill Payment Assistance
For business customers impacted by COVID-19 or other financial hardship, TECO can connect you with federal and local bill payment assistance programs. Some resources include:
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Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
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State and local business grants
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Payment matching programs that match a portion of what you can afford to pay
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Non-profit organization funds like United Way and Salvation Army
More bill assistance programs and resources can be found on TECO’s website. I recommend applying as soon as possible if you are struggling to cover essential utility expenses.
In Summary
Bill Tutorial Video for Tampa Electric
FAQ
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