What does the street lighting rate cover?
The residential street lighting program is the sole funding source for the cost of Tampa Electric Company, Inc. (TECO) providing street lighting service to street lighting districts throughout unincorporated Hillsborough County.
Why are the rates increasing?
Although the rates were last adjusted during the Fiscal Year 2022, the cost for service has continued to rise due to increases in cost and other factors associated primarily with the lighting service provided by the County's electric provider, TECO.
Annual rates are increasing to recover increased street lighting utility costs currently paid to TECO, which represents 95% of the total cost of operation and maintenance for the Program. The increases are directly associated with the FPSC-approved (Florida Public Service Commission) rate adjustments implemented on Jan. 1, 2023, and April 1, 2023, which are not being recovered in the current Program rates.
Additionally, other rate adjustments were made for any street lighting district that is now 100% converted to LED light fixtures as a part of TECO's LED Fixture Conversion Program.
How much are the rates increasing?
The overall average rate increase is approximately 12%. Approximately 80% of street lighting districts are increasing by 10% or less. Some neighborhoods may experience a larger than average increase due to the special lighting characteristics and needs of their district. These neighborhoods include: North Lake Village, Keystone Grove Lakes, Lakeside Grove Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Crippenwood III, Lake Julia, Lakes Of Keystone, Regency Park, Wyndham Lakes, Westchase, Canterbury Subdivision, Hunter's Glen & Hunter's Glen II, Peterson Road Area, Memory Lane Subdivision, Camelot Woods, Phase 2, Arbor Ridge, Lumsden Pointe, Crosstown Center, Countryway Blvd, Regency Corporate Park, Dumont Estates Subdivision, Ambassador Dr / Paula Dr, Watson Glen Phase 2, Shell Point Manor, Rocky Creek Estates Phase I & II.
Rates and increase amounts vary by street lighting district depending on the number and type of lights and equipment provided by TECO, as well as the characteristics of the roadways. Rate adjustments are also made for street lighting districts as TECO converts to LED fixtures.
How were the new rates calculated?
Street lighting utility costs paid to TECO by the County represent 95% of the total cost of operation and maintenance for the Program. As a result of the FPSC-approved (Florida Public Service Commission) increase, overall Street Lighting Program revenue will need to be increased by approximately $1 million to meet the utility rate obligations, replenish reserves, and other expenditure requirements. Rates for each of the street lighting districts are calculated based on the number and type of lights and equipment provided by TECO, as well as the characteristics of the roadways.
When will the increase take effect and how will I pay for it?
Property owners will see the new rate reflected on their property tax bill issued in November 2023.