Tampa utility seeks OK for efficiency plan

“These are challenging times for everyone, and we know our customers are keenly aware of their energy bills and are looking for ways to save,” Tampa Electric President Chuck Black said in a release.

The company plans to enhance several of its current 27 customer programs and explore new program opportunities for residential, commercial and industrial customers, it said.

Tampa Electric began promoting energy efficiency in the late 1970s prior to a legislative mandate.

Company executives said Tampa Electric is now a leader in the area of energy-efficiency accomplishments by reaching a recent performance level in the 96th percentile nationally. The companyÂ’s overall energy-efficiency and conservation efforts have reduced the need for more than three 180-megawatt power plants, the release said. The aggregate energy savings from all programs have been enough to power over 600,000 homes for one year.

In March, Tampa Electric said it intended to purchase the energy output from a proposed 25-megawatt solar facility to be constructed in Polk County, with production expected to begin in 2011.

In 2008, Tampa Electric, the University of South Florida and Lowry Park Zoo announced plans to launch a new, two-part renewable energy project at the zoo that will generate 15 kilowatts of electricity for the electric grid and serve as an educational tool for students and the community.

Implementation of energy saving programs will begin in early 2010 if approved by the Public Service Commission.

Tampa Electric is the principal subsidiary of TECO Energy Inc., an energy-related holding company. Other TECO subsidiaries include Peoples Gas System, TECO Coal, which owns and operates coal production facilities in Kentucky and Virginia, and TECO Guatemala, which is engaged in electric power generation and distribution and energy-related businesses.