The delivery of reliable electricity to our customers requires Tampa Electric to regularly maintain and, as required, add to our transmission, distribution and generation system. With continued growth in our area, we must regularly monitor our system to ensure reliable service to our customers, now and in the future.
Tampa Electric announced in February that the company will install five new 60-megawatt (MW) peaking units to serve its growing service territory. The new natural gas-fired peaking units, which will be installed at our H.L. Culbreath Bayside and Big Bend Power Stations, will provide power during periods of peak customer demand in a reliable and environmentally responsible manner.
To deliver the electrical power generated by the four new H.L. Culbreath Bayside peaking units to the community, Tampa Electric needs to upgrade its transmission facilities. Existing circuits will be re-built and upgraded within the current corridor in Tampa Electric easements and in public rights-of-way. Many of the existing wood transmission poles will be replaced with steel poles of up to 95 feet in height (117 feet in height across McKay Bay). A map of the project area is attached.
The transmission infrastructure will be constructed in two phases. Phase I construction will begin approximately in September 2008 and is scheduled to be in-service in February 2009. Phase II construction will begin approximately in March 2009 and is scheduled to be in-service by December 2009. (The construction schedule is subject to material and resource availability.)
If you would like additional information about this project, you are invited to attend an open house with Tampa Electric company representatives, who will have detailed maps and displays of our construction plans and will be available to answer questions:
Thursday, September 18, 2008
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
DeSoto Park Activity Center
2617 E. Corrine St.
Tampa, FL 33605
If you would like additional information about this project, call our toll-free number: 1-877-277-4568.
