By Ivan Penn, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A city tax on utility bills for Tampa residents will increase starting Nov. 1, adding $1.89 a month to the average customer's electric costs.
City government increased the fee it charges Tampa Electric to place equipment on city property such as road rights of way from 4.6 percent to 6 percent. Those costs are passed on to customers.
The increase in the so-called franchise fee applies only to customers who live within Tampa city limits.
The $1.89-a-month charge is based upon 1,000 kilowatt hours of usage. Those who use more than 1,000 kilowatts will pay a proportionally higher amount.