The company is recognized for the care it takes in protecting the community’s trees.
The National Arbor Day Foundation™ has recognized Tampa Electric as a Tree Line USA® utility for the ninth consecutive year for its efforts to protect the health of trees the company must trim near power lines. A tree that comes into contact with a power line can create a safety hazard and can also lead to power outages.
The Tree Line USA program is sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters. The program recognizes public and private utilities across the nation that follow practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests. To qualify for Tree Line USA status, a utility must exhibit quality tree care practices, complete annual worker training and participate in tree planting and public education.
“We are pleased to be designated again as a Tree Line USA utility,” said Bob Hamric, manager of Line Clearance and Construction Services for Tampa Electric. “It acknowledges that we effectively balance our comprehensive program, that respects the environment, with our priority to provide reliable service to our customers and the community.”
Tampa Electric encourages customers to review its online Tree Planting and Safety Guide. The company provides information on ideal trees to plant for Florida’s climate and where to plant them to minimize the chances that they will come into contact with power lines. Visit tampaelectric.com/trees to access the guide.
Tampa Electric regularly communicates with customers about how to report trees on their property in contact with or in danger of coming into contact with power lines. Customers should never attempt to trim trees near power lines. Instead, they should call Tampa Electric at 813-630-6339.
Learn more about National Arbor Day and the Tree Line USA program at arborday.org.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 730,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
