Florida Electric Utilities Warn About Substation Hazards

FLORIDA - Progress Energy Florida and Tampa Electric have joined together to remind the public about the dangers of tampering with electric equipment.

Progress Energy Florida and Tampa Electric have seen an increase in theft and vandalism at electrical substations in their service areas in recent months. Many of the thefts involve metals, which are subsequently sold on the scrap market.

Substations contain high-voltage transmission lines and other equipment. They are hazardous areas surrounded by locked fences. Thefts from substations have resulted in injury and death - and can put surrounding communities at risk for extended power outages.

Progress Energy Florida and Tampa Electric encourage customers to exercise caution near all electrical equipment.

If you see any suspicious activity in or near a substation, report the information to the appropriate power company or to local law enforcement.

If you have information about thefts from a substation or other utility property, immediately report it to local law enforcement agencies.