09/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2024 10:28
Tampa Electric is making final preparations for Hurricane Helene. In advance of the storm, Tampa Electric has secured thousands of workers from more than 20 states to help restore power after the storm passes.
About 3,500 people, including line crews and tree trimmers, stand ready to help Tampa Electric restore power after the storm passes. Tampa Electric is a member of the Southeastern Electric Exchange, or SEE, which is a network of utilities that pledges mutual assistance in case of storm or other emergencies.
Crews are traveling from as far away as Colorado and Connecticut to help Tampa Electric. Most are arriving today in Central Florida and will remain outside of the storm's path until it is safe to begin working. Tampa Electric is opening up to five base camps to house and feed the utility crews while they help to restore power.
Helene is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain and damaging winds to West Central Florida starting Thursday, which could result in significant, extended power outages. Tampa Electric's crews are prepared to work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
"Helene has the potential to cause significant damage, and we are doing everything possible to prepare for a safe restoration," said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. "The safety of our customers and employees is our No. 1 priority, and I encourage our customers to prepare for extended power outages. Please stay safe."
Tampa Electric's first priority is the safety of customers and employees, and the company urges residents to follow local evacuation orders. Tampa Electric encourages all customers to complete their personal storm plans for their home or business. Visit TampaElectric.com/Storm for tips, restoration information and additional guidance. Visit your county's emergency management website to determine your flood zone, your hurricane evacuation zone, get flood depth data, flood insurance information, or help with property flood protection for residents.
Customers may experience power outages. Tampa Electric offers customers several ways to report and monitor power outages:
Tampa Electric also will use Facebook facebook.com/tampaelectric and X (formerly known as Twitter) @tampaelectric to keep customers informed about outage restoration.
Tampa Electric reminds customers to be safe after a storm:
Tampa Electric, one of Florida's largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves more than 840,000 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.