Tampa Electric files plan to protect customers from data center costs
Tampa Electric filed a proposed tariff with the Florida Public Service Commission that would require future data centers and other large-load customers to pay for the electric infrastructure and some system costs they require. The plan, prompted by a Florida law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is intended to prevent existing customers from subsidizing new high-power facilities and remains subject to commission approval.
Tampa Electric has asked the Florida Public Service Commission to approve a tariff requiring future data centers and other large-load customers to cover the infrastructure needed to serve them, along with some broader electric-system costs. The filing follows a data center law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that was designed to protect ratepayers from costs associated with large new facilities.
Tampa Electric spokesperson Cherie Jacobs said the utility does not currently serve any large-load customers but is seeing interest in potential future projects. Residents across Tampa Bay have raised concerns about grid capacity and possible increases in utility bills. Duke Energy has submitted a similar tariff and said it currently has no large-load client in Florida; the commission could decide on Tampa Electric's proposal late this year or early next year.