PETITION TO THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Subject: Opposition to Escalating Rate Increases by Tampa Electric Company (TECO)

To the Honorable Commissioners of the Florida Public Service Commission:

We, the undersigned customers of Tampa Electric Company (TECO) and residents of Florida, respectfully submit this petition to urge the Commission to take immediate action to protect consumers from the excessive and escalating utility rate increases approved for TECO.

Over the past several years, TECO’s customers have been subjected to repeated rate hikes that have outpaced wage growth and strained the budgets of families, retirees, and small businesses. Energy is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Escalating rates threaten the health, safety, and financial stability of our communities.

While we recognize that utilities must maintain infrastructure and cover operational costs, the current trajectory of TECO’s rate increases is unjust and unsustainable. The burden of these costs should not fall disproportionately on customers, many of whom are already struggling under the weight of inflation and rising housing expenses.

Therefore, we respectfully petition the Florida Public Service Commission to:

1. Deny or reduce future rate increases requested by TECO unless a clear, transparent, and independently verified need is demonstrated.

2. Require greater accountability and transparency in TECO’s financial justifications for any rate escalations.

3. Prioritize the protection of consumers—particularly low-income households, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses—when evaluating TECO’s rate proposals.

4. Encourage investment in cost-saving alternatives and efficiency measures to reduce reliance on repeated customer rate hikes.

We call on the Commission to fulfill its duty to safeguard the public interest and ensure that Floridians have access to affordable, reliable energy without facing unjust financial hardship. Respectfully submitted,