Tampa Electric’s primary responsibility is the safe delivery of reliable electricity to our customers. This requires us to regularly maintain and, as required, upgrade our electrical system.
As part of Tampa Electric’s Storm Hardening Plan filed with the Florida Public Service Commission, the company will initiate a pilot project designed to test the electric system’s ability to withstand extreme winds on the circuit serving St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.
St. Joseph’s Hospital was chosen because it is one of Tampa Electric’s critical customers. A Level II Trauma Center and a state-approved Pediatric Trauma Referral Center, the hospital is important to people both in and beyond the communities we serve, making it critical that it receives reliable electricity. Additionally, the hospital’s inland location helps ensure that it would be less affected by a storm surge from a hurricane or tropical storm, potentially enabling it to help more people after a weather emergency.
The pilot project involves upgrading electrical transmission and distribution equipment to the National Electrical Safety Code extreme wind construction grade. This includes replacing approximately 30 existing poles with equipment designed to withstand an equivalent wind speed of 135 mph. The project will not require the addition of new poles.
The St. Joseph’s circuit upgrade, which is shown on the attached map, is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. The circuit in this storm hardening project is approximately one mile long.
If you would like additional information about the project, please call 813-630-6286.
