How to Pay Your TECO Energy Bill in Tampa

How to pay your TECO Energy bill online

TECO Energy (Tampa Electric Company) lets you pay your bill through their website, by phone, or in person. The fastest way is online at teco.com. Go to the "Pay My Bill" section, enter your account number (on your bill), and choose to pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The payment posts the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. ET on a business day.

You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment. If you want to set up recurring payments or view your account history, you can register for a free online account. This takes a few minutes and uses your account number and service address to verify your identity.

TECO charges no fee for paying online with a bank account (checking or savings). Paying with a debit or credit card carries a fee that varies depending on the payment processor, usually between $1.50 and $3.95 for most bills.

Key Takeaways

• Pay online at teco.com with a debit card, credit card, or bank account without creating an account.
• Bank account payments are free; credit and debit card payments include a processing fee of $1.50 to $3.95.
• Payments made before 5 p.m. ET on business days post the same day; weekend and holiday payments post the next business day.
• You can also pay by phone at 1-888-TECO-411 (1-888-832-6411) or in person at a TECO payment center or authorized retailer.
• Set up automatic recurring payments through your online account to avoid missing a due date.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call TECO at 1-888-832-6411 (1-888-TECO-411). A representative will take your payment information over the phone. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Phone payments also carry a processing fee for card payments but are free for bank account payments.

If you prefer to mail a check or money order, write your account number on the back and send it to the address printed on your bill. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them early if your due date is approaching. Do not send cash through the mail.

In-person payment locations

TECO has payment centers in the Tampa Bay area where you can pay in cash, check, or money order. The main payment center is located in downtown Tampa, and there are several satellite locations throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. You can find the nearest location and hours on teco.com under "Pay My Bill."

Payments made in person during business hours post the same day. Bring your bill or account number so the cashier can explore the payment to the correct account. Some authorized retailers (like certain grocery stores and check-cashing services) also accept TECO payments; check teco.com for a current list.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments (also called autopay) withdraw money from your bank account on your due date each month. To set this up, log into your online account at teco.com, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Autopay." Choose your bank account and confirm the amount. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your account.

Autopay is free when you pay from a bank account and removes the risk of late fees if you forget to pay. If your bill amount varies month to month (as most electric bills do), TECO will deduct the current amount due each cycle. You will still receive a bill so you can see what you are being charged.

What to do if your payment does not post

If you paid online or by phone and your account still shows a balance after the posting date, log into your account or call 1-888-832-6411 to confirm the payment went through. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed, the payment may have been declined due to insufficient funds or incorrect account information.

If a payment was declined, TECO will send you a notice. You can try paying again using a different payment method. If you paid by mail or in person and it has been more than 10 business days, contact TECO to verify the payment was received and applied to your account.

Late fees and disconnection notices

TECO charges a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date shown on your bill. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill. If your bill remains unpaid 30 days past the due date, TECO will send a disconnection notice warning that service may be shut off.

If you receive a disconnection notice, contact TECO when ready. You may be able to set up a payment plan or arrange a later payment date. Paying the full amount owed before the disconnection date will stop the service from being cut off. If your service is disconnected, you will need to pay the full balance plus a reconnection fee to restore power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my TECO bill with a prepaid card?

Yes, you can use a prepaid card online or by phone as long as it has a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. The payment will be processed as a card payment and will include the standard processing fee.

What happens if I pay after my due date?

A late fee will be added to your next bill. The amount depends on your bill total. If payment is 30 days late, TECO will send a disconnection notice. Paying the full amount owed before the disconnection date will prevent service from being shut off.

How do I know if my online payment went through?

You will receive a confirmation number when ready after submitting payment online. Log into your account within one business day to see the payment posted. You can also call 1-888-832-6411 to confirm the payment was received.

Can I change my due date?

Yes. Log into your online account, go to "Billing & Payments," and look for the option to change your due date. TECO offers a range of dates to choose from. You can change your due date once per year, or contact customer service to request a change outside the annual window.

What if I cannot pay my full bill right now?

Contact TECO at 1-888-832-6411 to discuss a payment plan or extension. TECO may be able to spread your payment over several months. If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask about programs that may help with your bill.