Storm Protection Plan will help utility to restore power faster to all customers after severe weather
Tampa Electric has begun to implement its Storm Protection Plan, which will strengthen the electric system to better withstand extreme weather events, such as hurricanes.
This program will mean fewer outages for customers, and shorter outages after extreme weather events.
“Investing in the future is part of our promise to do everything we safely can to keep the power on in blue skies and gray ones,” said Nancy Tower, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “It’s part of our commitment to work 24 hours a day to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to all our customers.”
Earlier this month, the Florida Public Service Commission approved the 10-year plan and costs for its first two years.
The Storm Protection Plan includes:
- Converting certain overhead lines to underground, averaging 100 to 150 miles per year.
- Trimming trees more frequently.
- Replacing remaining wooden transmission poles with concrete or steel poles.
- Making substations more resilient by raising some equipment or building flood walls.
- Installing stronger, more storm-resistant poles and improved technology along certain power lines.
Some work in the field has begun. Workers will carry Tampa Electric identification, will wear appropriate personal protective equipment and will practice social distancing during the pandemic.
To determine which lines should be installed underground, the company evaluated the areas that were most vulnerable to major storms and that would benefit the most customers in a cost-effective manner. The plan outlines improvements for the next 10 years, and it will be updated at least every three years. Customers can get more information online at www.tampaelectric.com/SPP.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 780,000 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.
