Tampa Electric Co. customers break record for energy use amid scorching temps

The sweltering heat in Tampa Bay this week is doing more than making things uncomfortable — it’s also affecting your wallet.

Tampa Electric Co. customers broke a record at 5:17 p.m. Wednesday for the most energy used at any one moment, the company said in a news release. The previous record was set on June 25, 2019, when 4,428 megawatts were consumed.

On Wednesday, customers used 4,514 megawatts.

According to the National Weather Service, the temperature at Tampa International Airport hit 96 degrees Wednesday evening, but it felt like as high as 107 degrees when factoring in humidity.

In a statement, the utility’s president and CEO, Archie Collins, said the company has enough electricity to meet demand.

To help lower your energy bill, Tampa Electric Co. recommended setting your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in summer, only using ceiling fans in occupied rooms, cleaning or replacing air conditioning filters monthly and lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees.