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 2008 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 have been installed at our H.L. Culbreath Bayside and Big Bend Power Stations, are providing 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 is upgrading 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 began in September 2008 and was complete in February 2009. Phase II construction began approximately in March 2009 and is scheduled to be in-service in April 2010. (The construction schedule is subject to material and resource availability.)
An open house with Tampa Electric company representatives was held on September 18, 2008 at the 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.
