Complete Guide to TECO Business Energy Programs (2025)Get Up to $50,000+ in Tampa Electric Rebates
📋 Quick Reference
- • HVAC Rebates: $150-$600 per ton
- • LED Lighting: $10-$40 per fixture
- • Chillers: $400-$800 per ton
- • VFDs: $75-$200 per horsepower
- • Custom Incentives: $0.10-$0.20 per kWh saved annually
- • Energy Management: Free assessments + implementation support
- • Total Available: $10,000-$50,000+ for comprehensive upgrades
Serving 800,000+ customers in West Central Florida, Tampa Electric (TECO) offers some of the most accessible commercial energy programs in the state. With simpler applications and faster processing than other utilities, TECO makes it easy to claim rebates—yet 75% of eligible businesses never apply.
This comprehensive guide covers every TECO commercial program for 2025—from HVAC and lighting rebates to custom incentives and free energy assessments. You'll learn exact dollar amounts, eligibility requirements, and how to maximize savings through TECO's streamlined process.
💡 Real Example: Tampa Hotel Maximizes TECO Programs
Company: 120-room hotel, Tampa
Total project cost: $118,000
TECO programs utilized:
- • HVAC upgrades (8 units, 64 tons): $19,200
- • LED lighting (340 fixtures): $11,560
- • Pool pump VFDs: $1,875
- • Free energy assessment: $2,500 value
- • Federal Section 179D: $21,600
- Total incentives: $54,235 (46% of cost)
Net project cost: $63,765
Annual savings: $31,200 (26% reduction)
Payback period: 2.0 years
❄️Commercial HVAC Rebate Programs
TECO offers $150-$600 per ton for high-efficiency HVAC systems, with some of the fastest processing times in Florida (typically 4-6 weeks). These rebates cover the full spectrum of commercial cooling equipment.
2025 TECO HVAC Rebate Schedule
| Equipment Type | Min Efficiency | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC (<5.4 tons) | ≥14 SEER | $150-$300/ton |
| Central AC (≥5.4 tons) | ≥11 EER | $200-$400/ton |
| Packaged Rooftop Unit | ≥11 EER | $250-$450/unit |
| Chiller Replacement | High efficiency | $400-$800/ton |
| Heat Pump | ≥8.5 HSPF | $250-$500/ton |
💰 TECO Advantage: Simplified Process
- • Pre-approval not required for standard rebates
- • Online application takes 10-15 minutes
- • 4-6 week processing (fastest in Florida)
- • Direct deposit available for faster payment
- • Dedicated account managers for projects over $10k
Real Example: Restaurant HVAC Upgrade
Company: Full-service restaurant, St. Petersburg
Project: Replaced 4 rooftop units (12 years old → high-efficiency)
Total capacity: 32 tons
Equipment + installation: $52,000
TECO rebate: $9,600 (32 tons × $300)
Net cost: $42,400
Annual savings: $14,080 (27% HVAC cost reduction)
Payback period: 3.0 years
Application to check: 5 weeks
💡LED Lighting Rebates
TECO's LED program offers $10-$40 per fixture, making commercial lighting retrofits highly affordable. Combined with 1-2 year paybacks and minimal paperwork, this is one of TECO's most popular programs.
Interior Fixtures
- • LED troffers (2×2, 2×4): $15-$25
- • LED high-bay: $25-$40
- • LED downlights: $10-$20
- • LED panels: $15-$25
- • LED tube retrofits: $8-$15
Exterior & Controls
- • Parking lot lights: $30-$50
- • Wall packs: $20-$35
- • Canopy lights: $25-$40
- • Occupancy sensors: $8-$15
- • Daylight controls: $10-$20
Real Example: Office Building LED Retrofit
Company: 35,000 sqft office building, Brandon
Total fixtures: 280 (mix of troffers and downlights)
Project cost: $42,000
TECO rebate: $5,600 (280 × $20 avg)
Net cost: $36,400
Annual savings:
- • Energy: $16,800
- • Maintenance: $2,240
- • Cooling reduction: $1,400
- Total: $20,440/year
Payback period: 1.8 years
20-year ROI: 1,023%
See Which TECO Programs You Qualify For
Upload your TECO bill and get instant AI-powered analysis showing all available rebates and programs.
📸 Upload TECO Bill & Find Programs (Free) →✅ Free • ✅ Instant results • ✅ All TECO programs • ✅ PowerAuditor.ai
🎯Custom Incentive Programs
For projects not covered by prescriptive rebates, TECO offers custom incentives of $0.10-$0.20 per kWh saved annually. This program is ideal for unique equipment or comprehensive facility upgrades, with potential rebates of $25,000-$100,000+.
Typical Custom Projects
- • Building automation/controls
- • Process optimization
- • Industrial equipment upgrades
- • Energy management systems
- • Compressed air improvements
- • Refrigeration system overhauls
- • Combined heat & power (CHP)
- • Advanced HVAC controls
Real Example: Manufacturing Process Optimization
Company: Manufacturing facility, Plant City
Project: Compressed air system upgrade + controls
Baseline annual consumption: 1.8 million kWh
Projected annual consumption: 1.35 million kWh (25% reduction)
Annual kWh savings: 450,000 kWh
Project cost: $85,000
TECO custom incentive: $67,500 (450k kWh × $0.15)
Net cost: $17,500
Annual savings: $54,000
Payback period: 3.9 months
📊Free Energy Management Services
TECO offers complimentary energy assessments for commercial customers—a service that typically costs $2,000-$5,000 from private consultants. This free program identifies savings opportunities and helps prioritize efficiency investments.
What's Included (Free)
- • On-site energy audit
- • 12-month usage analysis
- • Equipment efficiency review
- • Rate schedule optimization
- • Customized savings report
- • Rebate eligibility assessment
- • ROI calculations
Eligibility
- • TECO commercial account
- • Monthly demand ≥50 kW (typical)
- • Available for most industries
- • No cost, no obligation
- • Typical assessment: 2-4 hours
- • Report delivered within 2 weeks
Real Example: Free Assessment Identifies $42k Savings
Company: Auto dealership, Tampa
TECO assessment findings:
- • Wrong rate schedule → Switch to TOU saves $8,400/year
- • 180 lighting fixtures eligible for LED rebates → $18,200/year savings
- • HVAC units past prime efficiency → $12,800/year potential savings
- • Demand charge opportunities → $2,600/year savings
Total annual savings identified: $42,000
Assessment cost: $0 (free TECO service)
Implementation timeline: Phased over 18 months
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I get in total TECO rebates?
TECO commercial customers can receive $10,000-$50,000+ depending on project scope. A typical comprehensive upgrade (HVAC + LED + controls) receives $15,000-$30,000 in TECO rebates, plus another $10,000-$25,000 in federal tax credits. PowerAuditor.ai analyzes your specific bill and identifies all available programs, showing exact dollar amounts for each.
How does TECO compare to Duke Energy and FPL rebates?
Processing speed: TECO is fastest (4-6 weeks) vs Duke/FPL (6-10 weeks).Rebate amounts: Generally lower than Duke but similar to FPL.Application simplicity: TECO has the easiest process—no pre-approval needed for standard rebates. Best advantage: TECO's free energy assessments ($2,000-$5,000 value) are more comprehensive than Duke/FPL equivalents.
Do I need pre-approval before starting my project?
For standard rebates (HVAC, LED, VFDs), NO pre-approval required—apply after installation. For custom incentive projects over $25,000, pre-approval is REQUIRED. TECO's streamlined process makes this easier than other utilities.PowerAuditor.ai tells you which category your project falls into and provides the correct application path.
Why is TECO's processing faster than other utilities?
TECO has dedicated commercial energy specialists who handle rebate applications full-time, vs shared resources at other utilities. They also use automated verification systems for standard rebates, reducing manual review time. For projects over $10k, you get an assigned account manager who expedites processing.
Can I stack TECO rebates with federal tax credits?
Yes! TECO rebates stack with Solar ITC (30%),Section 179D ($1.80/sqft), and manufacturer rebates without reduction. Example: $100k project gets TECO rebates + federal credits + manufacturer promotions = often 50-60% total cost recovery.PowerAuditor.ai identifies all stackable incentives.
Should I get a free TECO energy assessment?
Absolutely! It's a $2,000-$5,000 value at no cost. The assessment identifies savings you might miss and prioritizes projects by ROI. Even if you already have efficiency plans, TECO engineers often find additional opportunities. Pro tip: Upload your bill to PowerAuditor.ai first to compare findings and ensure you capture every opportunity.
What if I have multiple TECO locations?
Great news! You can claim rebates at each location independently—there's no company-wide cap. Many businesses implement a pilot program at one location, measure results, then roll out to others using proven savings data. TECO offers volume discounts on assessments for multi-location customers.
How does PowerAuditor.ai help with TECO programs?
PowerAuditor.ai streamlines the entire TECO rebate process:
- • Upload TECO bill → Instant program eligibility analysis
- • Identifies ALL rebates you qualify for
- • Calculates exact dollar amounts
- • Compares TECO vs Duke vs FPL (if you have multiple locations)
- • Provides application documentation checklist
- • Shows federal tax credit stacking opportunities
- • Estimates custom incentive eligibility
- • Flags free energy assessment availability
Your TECO Programs Action Plan
Here's how to maximize TECO rebates and programs:
Upload Your TECO Bill to PowerAuditor.ai
Get instant AI analysis showing all TECO programs you qualify for, exact rebate amounts, and free assessment eligibility.
Request Free TECO Energy Assessment
Schedule a complimentary on-site assessment ($2,000-$5,000 value). TECO engineers will identify additional opportunities and provide detailed ROI calculations.
Apply & Collect Your Rebates
Complete projects, submit simple online application, receive rebate check in 4-6 weeks. TECO's streamlined process is the fastest in Florida.
Start Claiming Your TECO Rebates Today
Tampa Electric customers save $25M+ annually through efficiency programs. Don't miss YOUR share.
✅ Free • ✅ Instant • ✅ All programs • ✅ PowerAuditor.ai
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Read More →Find Every TECO Program You Qualify For
Upload your Tampa Electric bill and get instant analysis of all available rebates and savings opportunities.
📸 Upload TECO Bill (Free Analysis) →✅ Free • ✅ Instant • ✅ All programs • ✅ PowerAuditor.ai