Whether you're Uncle Sam or Auntie Em, everything you spend helps keep the economy moving. ...more

February 6, 2009

Homeowner Michael Martin says a 25 percent increase in his Progress Energy bills will hit him hard. He says the electricity bill for his 1,500-square-foot home could increase $75 to $150 a month, depending on how much he uses. ...more

February 5, 2009

President Barack Obama, seeking to broaden the appeal of his signature initiative, said Saturday that a proposed $825 billion package of spending programs and tax breaks is critical not only to turn around the economy but also to rebuild the nation for a new era. ...more

January 25, 2009

From water-stingy toilets and electricity sparing appliances to flooring and siding made from sustainable materials, the housing industry this week rolled out a trove of new green products it hoped would lure homebuyers back to the market. ...more

January 24, 2009

Tampa Electric Co. performed an energy audit last week at Hillsborough County's jails, which in recent months have sought ways to save money on energy bills. The audit yielded positive results, although some ideas generated by the audit had been in the works, Col. Jim Previtera said. ...more

December 23, 2008

While other builders are pulling back and even closing shop as a result of the tough economic times, Ashton Woods Homes is reporting an increase in the number of sales and is in a growth mode. ...more

November 26, 2008

For years, the Housing and Education Alliance has helped prepare low-income residents to buy their first home, teaching a mandatory class for anyone seeking down-payment assistance. ...more

November 16, 2008

TAMPA State regulators are expected to decide today whether Tampa Electric Co. and Progress Energy can raise electric bills next year to cover higher costs for oil, natural gas and other fuels used to generate electricity. Under TECO's proposal, bills would increase about 12 percent beginning in January. The cost of 1,000 kilowatt-hours would rise from $114.38 to $128.44. ...more

November 12, 2008

Congress expended a lot of energy debating how to solve the energy crisis before running off for summer recess for five weeks. It ended up accomplishing nothing. Now Congress is back and seemingly ready for more of the same. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will present an energy bill next week that would expand offshore drilling. But Republicans rejected the legislation on the basis of the outlines Pelosi released Tuesday. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., will hold hearings today with an eye to bringing energy bills to a vote sometime next week. But don't expect anything to happen. ...more

September 15, 2008

Not many strategies are available at the local level to fight back fast against the rising price of gasoline. One change that could be done right away, with immediate impact, is to switch to a four-day week. ...more

June 15, 2008