TECO customers set energy record as heat index soars past 100 degrees

TAMPA, Fla. - For two consecutive days, Tampa Electric reported breaking energy usage records, a spokesperson said Thursday. 

According to a TECO spokesperson, customers set a new record for summer electricity use at 5:37 p.m. Wednesday, with 4,754 megawatts. That surpassed the previous hourly record of 4,640 megawatts, which had been set a day earlier.

"The extreme heat does put some pressure on our equipment and on the system as a whole. But rest assured, we have enough electricity to handle the load," said Cherie Jacobs, a TECO spokesperson.

Temperatures across the Bay Area hit 96 degrees on Tuesday with a heat index of 110 degrees, which tied the temperature record set on that day in 1987, according to the National Weather Service.

Extreme temperatures are causing people to crack up their A/Cs. 

At peak usage, the amount of energy consumed was roughly equal to 500 Taylor Swift concerts happening at the same time, TECO reported.

TECO said it will not disconnect any customers for unpaid bills through at least Aug. 20. For most residential customers, bills are highest in July, August and September. As the weather becomes milder later in the year, bills tend to drop.

"Summertime is when your electricity bills are going to be the highest because weather is the biggest driver of your energy use," Jacobs said. "Earlier in the year, Tampa Electric did raise bills about 10 percent. But since then, in the summer months, we've seen record-breaking heat and humidity, and it's spurring air conditioners to work extra long and extra hard."

Jacobs said, because TECO uses a shared power grid with Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light, energy officials don't expect the kind of widespread blackouts that have impacted other states.

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Tampa Electric gave these tips for customers to try to save money:

• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher
• Only use ceiling fans in occupied rooms
• Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to 120 degrees
• Check air conditioning filters each month, and replace as needed

Duke Energy added these recommendations:

• Avoid using your washer/dryer and dishwasher during the high demand hours of 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Use microwaves and cooktops instead of electric ovens, which use more energy
• Turn off any unnecessary appliances, unused plug-ins and lights