Tampa Electric (TECO) will host a community conversation tonight as part of its Spotlight Tampa Bay Sustainability Series. The event, held in partnership with the Tampa Bay Times, will focus on hurricane impacts and TECO’s future projects to fortify its power grid and enhance restoration efforts after major storms.

The forum comes in the wake of Hurricane Milton, which left nearly 70% of TECO’s customers—about 600,000 households—without power at its peak in October.

Community Concerns on Energy Sustainability

The Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition, active since early 2023, has been advocating for more sustainable and equitable energy solutions. The coalition comprises over a dozen organizations united to challenge utility rate increases and promote energy reforms.

Brooke Ward of Food and Water Watch, a coalition representative, criticized TECO’s dependence on fossil fuels, citing its contribution to volatile energy costs passed on to consumers.

“Tampa Electric could expand its grid with more solar capacity, invest in batteries over power plants, and collaborate with local businesses and the county to install rooftop solar systems,” Ward said. “Unfortunately, TECO hasn’t pursued these opportunities, largely due to state policies that incentivize continued reliance on fossil fuels.”

TECO’s Response

Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to TECO for comment, but a spokesperson stated that no one was available due to scheduling conflicts this week.

Event Details

Tonight’s forum will begin at 6 p.m. at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center in Tampa. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion about storm resiliency and the future of sustainable energy in the region.

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(Image credit: WFLA)