Tampa Electric to aggressively increase its energy-efficiency efforts

(08/07/2009)

Tampa Electric began promoting energy efficiency in the late 1970s, before any state legislation required electric utilities to engage in conservation activities. Since that time, it has emerged as a national leader in the area of energy-efficiency accomplishments by reaching a recent performance level in the 96th percentile nationally. The company’s overall energy-efficiency and conservation efforts have reduced the need for more than three 180-megawatt power plants. The aggregate energy savings from all programs have been enough to power over 600,000 homes for one year.

Tampa Electric has filed with the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) the company’s proposed energy-efficiency goal of 200 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the next 10 years – an increase of 70 percent over the company’s current goal. To achieve this aggressive goal, the company plans to enhance several of its current 27 customer programs and explore new program opportunities for all customer sectors: residential, commercial and industrial.

“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,” said Chuck Black, president of Tampa Electric. “With this goal, Tampa Electric remains committed to not only continuing its national prominence in the area of conservation but also to exploring new programs that can meet the needs of a growing, diverse customer base that maintains a greater consciousness of energy costs than ever before.”

Tampa Electric has been expanding its renewable energy programs for residential and business customers. The company currently enables its customers to purchase a portion of their electricity from renewable sources, including for one-time events. In March, the company announced its intent 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, along with 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 (kW) of electricity for the electric grid and serve as an educational tool for students and the community.

The FPSC will rule on Tampa Electric’s energy efficiency goal proposal in the coming months. Implementation of programs will begin in early 2010. Through this recent filing, Tampa Electric expects to continue its leadership in the area of energy efficiency.

Related categories:  Eco-friendly Power generation   Solar power and photovoltaics