A Tampa Electric lineworker updates equipment as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a reliable electric system.
From homes and schools to local businesses and community spaces, reliable electricity powers the moments and places that matter most every day.
That's why we're making smart, targeted investments across our electric system.
“When we make decisions about our electric grid, we start with a simple question: How will this benefit our customers?” said Chip Whitworth, vice president of Electric Delivery at Tampa Electric. “Whether it’s improving service reliability, strengthening storm resilience or helping manage costs, that’s the lens we use.”
Preparing for Storms
Tampa Electric has been raising critical equipment off the ground in low-lying areas to help protect it from floodwaters.
Severe weather is one of the biggest causes of power outages. Storm-related flooding can damage electrical equipment, while high winds and falling trees can knock down and even destroy poles and power lines.
To reduce those risks, we’re raising critical equipment in flood-prone areas to help protect it from rising water during storms. This can help prevent damage that leads to longer outages and costly repairs.
We're also strengthening the system against high winds. In recent years, we've converted more than 270 miles of overhead power lines to underground, enough to stretch from Tampa to Jacksonville. In fact, more than half of our electric distribution power lines are now underground. We’ve also replaced or reinforced about 7,000 poles to better withstand severe weather.
What it means for you: An electric system that can better withstand storms and supports faster and lower-cost power restoration when outages occur.
Upgrading and Modernizing the Grid
Recent improvements to our Polk Power Station enhance the reliability of our electrical system and keep customer costs lower than they otherwise would be.
Behind the scenes, we're continually upgrading equipment and adding new technology to improve service for customers.
One example is a recent upgrade at our Polk Power Station. We modernized Unit 1, one of the plant's power-generating units, with new equipment and controls, allowing it to respond more quickly to changing energy needs. Additionally, the unit can now operate on either natural gas or a backup fuel source when needed, supporting reliable service. Our Polk Power Station Unit 1 project is expected to save customers about $152 million over its lifetime.
Another example is our project to modernize Big Bend Power Station’s Unit 1. Completed in 2023, this enhancement is expected to save customers about $700 million over its lifetime. Big Bend Unit 1 is the most efficient unit in Tampa Electric’s power-generating fleet. This upgrade means we’re avoiding fuel costs for customers while generating more power with lower emissions.
“Our power plant modernization projects allow us to respond to changing energy needs while maintaining reliable service for customers,” said Carlos Aldazabal, vice president of Energy Supply at Tampa Electric. “By upgrading equipment and controls, we're improving efficiency, which reduces costs over the life of these facilities. Making these investments today also helps us avoid higher costs in the future, as labor, materials and equipment become more expensive over time.”
We're also investing in grid modernization. Advanced technology helps us identify potential issues before they cause outages, such as a fallen tree affecting a power line. It also gives crews better visibility into system conditions and, in some cases, allows problems to be addressed before customers experience an outage. When outages do occur, crews can respond more quickly and efficiently.
What it means for you: Avoided fuel costs, fewer power interruptions and faster restoration when outages do happen.
Expanding Solar Energy
Solar plants, some with battery energy storage to retain solar-generated power for later use, are an integral part of our energy mix.
Solar energy is an important part of Tampa Electric's energy mix and long-term strategy to provide reliable, cost-effective power.
In 2025, we opened three new solar plants, bringing our total to 29.
As we add more solar energy to our system, we use less traditional fuel to generate electricity. That helps reduce fuel costs on customer bills. Through July 2026, solar energy has helped save customers more than $430 million.
What it means for you: Less use of traditional fuels, helping reduce the impact of fuel cost changes on your electric bill.
A System Built for Today and Tomorrow
Whether we're strengthening the grid for storms, upgrading systems and equipment or expanding solar generation, every investment is guided by the same goal: meeting our customers’ needs by delivering safe, reliable electricity while helping keep costs as low as possible over time.
By planning for today's needs and tomorrow's challenges, we're building a stronger, more resilient electric system to support the people, businesses and communities that count on us every day.