Tampa Electric has joined Lowry Park Zoo and the University of South Florida’s Power Center for Utility Explorations on a new 15-kilowatt solar energy project at the zoo. When complete, the solar installation will generate enough electricity to power the zoo’s Treetop Skyfari sky ride and produce clean renewable energy for the electric grid that serves the community. The project, which also includes construction of a Renewable Energy Learning Center at the zoo, will provide research opportunities for USF and Tampa Electric to study the technical, economic and environmental benefits of a renewable, grid-connected photovoltaic system for Smart Grid electric power production. Read the solar project news release.
Tampa Electric has joined the City of Lakeland and the Southwest Florida Water Management District in an innovative public-private project to supply Polk Power Station with up to five million gallons of treated wastewater per day that would otherwise be discharged into Tampa Bay. The 30-year agreement will benefit the environment through the reduction of reclaimed water discharge and groundwater withdrawls for the power station, and will provide a reliable water supply for potential future generation capacity additions there. Read the news release.
On March 14, 2009, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Conservation Lands Program honored Tampa Electric’s Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) department at the Green Swamp near Dade City. EHS team members conduct ongoing habitat restoration at Newman Branch Creek in Apollo Beach, located south of the Manatee Viewing Center. This effort includes participation from volunteers including TECO Energy team members and local students, who help restore the coastal habitats while learning about the plants and animals that live in the estuary. Read more.
For more than 100 years, Tampa Electric has served its communities with reliable, economical, efficient electricity – produced and distributed with a commitment to the environment as a top priority.
Find out how Tampa Electric has become an industry pioneer with the environmentally responsible production of electricity in our environmental report.
At Tampa Electric’s environmental education facility in Apollo Beach, visitors of all ages marvel at the butterfly gardens, vibrant Florida birds and plants, and – when bay water temperature falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit – manatees! Join us when the Manatee Viewing Center reopens for its 2009-2010 season November 1, 2009.
Utilizing advanced technology, Tampa Electric’s power plants are generating electricity more efficiently, and with fewer emissions, than ever before.
