As part of our commitment to clean energy, Tampa Electric is significantly expanding our use of solar power. During the next three years, we plan to build 10 new photovoltaic solar projects, for a total of 600 megawatts (MW), which is enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes. When the projects are complete, nearly 7 percent of Tampa Electric's energy generation will come from the sun - a higher percentage of solar than any other Florida utility.

One of those projects, Mountain View Solar, is planned for Pasco County. The 55-MW solar facility is planned for a 350-acre site in eastern Pasco County, located on both sides of Blanton Road, south of Frazee Hill Road and to the north and west of Pasco-Hernando State College East Campus.

Tampa Electric is committed to being a good neighbor. We have listened to the Pasco community, and we have adapted our plans for Mountain View Solar to address their concerns.

Here are Tampa Electric's commitments:

• We have increased the protected area near the eagle's nest - above and beyond what is required of us.
• The 40-acre area will never be developed; it will remain preserved.
• We also will preserve the 15-acre field on the southwest corner of the project, to serve as a permanent visual buffer.
• Fencing will be installed only around the solar panels and related equipment, to avoid the preserved areas mentioned above.
• We will continue to meet with other adjoining landowners to discuss concerns about landscape buffers along Blanton and Platt roads.

These solar plants have no emissions, use no water, do not increase traffic and do not make noise.