Utility Costs Snapshot: Pinellas County & Florida vs. Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania (2026)
If you’re budgeting a move (or comparing ownership costs for a second home or investment property), utilities matter—especially electricity in Florida, where A/C can be your biggest monthly variable.
Below is a clear, homeowner-friendly comparison using the latest U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) state-by-state residential electricity price data available as of Feb. 27, 2026 (data month: December 2025, released Feb. 24, 2026).
Pinellas County: What most homeowners will see
In Pinellas County, most residents are served by Duke Energy Florida, with Tampa Electric (TECO) serving parts of Pinellas County (their service area includes parts of Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco and Pinellas).
A 2026 headline for Duke customers in Pinellas
Duke Energy Florida has announced/received approval for significantly lower bills beginning March 2026, with about a $44 decrease per 1,000 kWh compared to February 2026 (driven largely by storm-related cost recovery changes rolling off).
Real-life takeaway: If your household uses ~1,000 kWh/month (common in Florida), that’s meaningful seasonal relief heading into spring/summer.
State-by-state electricity price comparison (residential)
Average residential electricity price (cents per kWh): December 2025 (latest EIA release)
| State | Avg. residential price (¢/kWh) | What that looks like at 1,000 kWh/month* |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 15.02¢ | ~$150/month |
| Michigan | 19.53¢ | ~$195/month |
| Pennsylvania | 20.08¢ | ~$201/month |
| New York | 27.39¢ | ~$274/month |
*These are energy-only math examples (price × usage). Your actual bill includes fixed monthly charges, riders, and taxes, and your usage can swing widely with heating/cooling.
What this means in plain English
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Florida (including Pinellas) is materially cheaper per kWh than MI, PA, and especially NY on average.
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Even when Florida’s rate per kWh is lower, summer bills can still climb because A/C drives higher kWh usage.
Why the “same-sized house” can have very different utility bills
A few practical factors that often matter more than people expect:
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Usage (kWh) is the #1 driver in Florida. Two neighbors can have wildly different bills based on thermostat settings, insulation, windows, and HVAC age.
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Service territory matters in Pinellas. Duke Energy Florida serves much of the county, but TECO also serves parts of Pinellas—so the “Pinellas average” depends on exactly where the home is.
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Seasonality differs by state.
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Florida: big summer A/C load
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Michigan/Pennsylvania/New York: heating season can dominate (especially if electric heat, heat pumps, or supplemental electric)
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Quick homeowner tips to keep Pinellas electric bills predictable
If you’re buying or owning in Pinellas County, these are the upgrades/choices that typically pay off:
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HVAC age + efficiency (SEER2 rating): biggest lever for Florida comfort + cost.
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Attic insulation & duct sealing: often a high ROI fix.
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Smart thermostat + realistic schedules: reduces “all-day cooling.”
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Shade and window treatments: cheap comfort wins in sunny rooms.
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Ask for 12 months of utility bills before you buy: it’s one of the best “true cost” checks.
Local Pinellas note (for buyers)
When I’m helping buyers in Dunedin/Clearwater/Palm Harbor/Safety Harbor, I recommend confirming:
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Which electric utility serves the address (Duke vs TECO)
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Typical monthly kWh for that specific home (past bills)
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Any recent HVAC, roof, window, or insulation updates (these show up in comfort and utility costs fast)
Considering a move? I would love the opportunity to utilize my knowledge and skills to help you purchase your Florida home!!