We're #StormWise and #StormReady

A. If you do not have power, please contact us or check out our outage map.

There are three ways to report an outage: Text OUT to 27079, call us at 877-588-1010, or report it online.

A. Even if your neighborhood is served by underground lines because the electrical lines that feed your neighborhood, including main distribution lines and transmission lines, are above the ground you may still experience a power outage during a storm.

A. Our Storm Protection Plan invests $150 million per year towards increasing reliability, and in turn lowering restoration time and costs during future storms. Many of our efforts, like our goal of converting 75-100 miles of targeted overhead lines to underground annually, are focused on protecting lines from contact with things like fallen trees that can cause lengthy outages. In addition to undergrounding targeted overhead lines, we’re strengthening power lines by replacing wood with steel and concrete, making key equipment like substations more resilient, and increasing our tree trimming schedule to protect lines. With over 6,000 miles of overhead lines, hardening our system is a big project and it takes time, but we’re committed to providing you with safe, affordable, and reliable electric service and are investing in increased reliability. Learn more here.

A. We restore electric service to health and safety facilities, including hospitals, fire and police stations, and major water, wastewater, and communication facilities. Then restore places necessary to provide essential supplies, like grocery stores. The next priority is restoring the greatest number of residential customers in the shortest amount of time. To learn more about our process, visit Power Restoration.

A. Storms can cause extensive destruction and multiple repairs may be needed on a particular line. If portions of the line are repaired, some customers may receive power while others may not. Sometimes, even customers in the same neighborhood will have different service lines. If you are on the same service line as your neighbor, you may also have damage to your meter that is interrupting electric service to your home. Damage to electrical systems caused by storms can also be sporadic.

A. After a storm, when winds are consistently under 40 mph, our crews must physically inspect and determine how much replacement equipment is needed and how many labor hours are required to make repairs. Because this is a manual process, it’s extremely difficult to provide detailed estimated restoration times (ETRs) and other information. Be assured you will not be forgotten.

A. Troubleshooters and lineworkers are skilled technicians. Each utility has the appropriate number of these people to handle the normal operations and repairs of the company's service area. When a major weather event impacts an area, the utilities across the country share people in order to restore power to as many customers as quickly and safely as possible.

A. You will not be charged if you did not have power.

A. If you encounter a downed power line, always assume it is energized, move a safe distance away (at least 30 feet) and immediately call 911, then Tampa Electric at 877-588-1010. Never drive over downed power lines or touch power lines, including anyone or anything touching the line. This includes a fence or other object the line may fall onto. The results can be deadly. Warn others to stay away.

A. No, it is extremely dangerous to drive over power lines. Driving over a downed line can cause poles or other equipment to come crashing down. If you are in a car that comes in contact with a downed powerline, stay in your vehicle and wait until the utility arrives to safely de-energize the line.

A. The odor of rotten eggs is an indicator that a natural gas line might be damaged. Immediately move to safety and call 911, then call Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747.

A. The odor of rotten eggs is an indicator that a natural gas line might be damaged. If you smell gas, immediately move to safety, and call 911, then call Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747.

A. Always avoid driving or walking through flood waters – they may be energized with electrical current and create hazardous conditions.

A. No. If you are forced to evacuate your home due to flooding, you should turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box. Always ensure your hands are dry before touching a circuit breaker and you are not standing on a wet or damp surface. During and after flooding, your home and the surrounding area may be highly dangerous due to mud deposits and debris that can still conduct electricity.

A. If your home or business is flooded, we cannot reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. Once appropriate repairs have been made by the licensed electrician, he or she will need to obtain verification from your local building inspection authority before power can be restored.