Tampa Electric is urging local residents to prepare for extended power outages from Hurricane Milton.
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Tampa Electric has mobilized more than 5,000 utility workers from as far away as Texas and Minnesota to assist in assessing damage and restoring power once the storm passes. The company anticipates adding more crew members in the coming days, marking the largest deployment TECO has ever organized for hurricane recovery.
Hurricane Milton is expected to bring heavy rains, dangerously high winds and significant storm surge, likely causing extensive damage across the region.
Tampa Electric anticipates widespread and prolonged power outages from Hurricane Milton throughout its service territory because of the forecasted intensity at landfall and the risk of a catastrophic storm surge. Residents are urged to prepare and consider backup power arrangements, especially those who rely on electricity for health needs.
Crews have been strategically positioned just outside the storm’s projected path, ready to commence work as soon as it is safe. While Tampa Electric prepares year-round for extreme weather – and despite the fact that 52% of Tampa Electric’s distribution system is located underground and therefore protected from the wind – the magnitude of Hurricane Milton is unprecedented and will cause extensive tree damage which invariably will impact overhead power lines. The company and its crews are committed to working around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
“Hurricane Milton is expected to cause significant destruction across the region, leading to a longer restoration process than we’ve experienced in the past,” said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “We urge our customers to prioritize their safety. We will get through this together, but it will require patience, teamwork and determination. Our commitment to our customers is that we will work tirelessly to restore power safely and as quickly as possible after the storm. Please stay safe.”
To report an outage, use Tampa Electric’s Outage Map, text OUT to 27079, or call 877-588-1010. Residents may notice that street and area lights are on during the day. This is an intentional measure to assist crews in identifying outages and restoring power more quickly. Customers are asked not to report these instances.
Tampa Electric encourages everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones by following important safety tips and precautions during the storm:
- If evacuating, especially due to flooding risk, the company recommends turning off electricity at the main breaker while the home is still dry. This helps protect the electrical system from damage, supports personal safety, and improves restoration time.
- Please do NOT turn off natural gas service at the meter. Natural gas appliances have safety valves that will shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.
- Unplugging or turning off non-essential electrical equipment and small appliances can protect them from power surges.
- Portable generators must never be operated indoors or in enclosed spaces, nor should they be placed near air conditioning ducts. It’s crucial to keep them dry and avoid using them in the rain; a well-ventilated outdoor area is required. Generators should not be connected to home circuits, as this can create a hazardous flow of electricity to outside lines, endangering restoration crews. Instead, appliances should be plugged directly into the generator for safe operation.
- Avoid floodwaters, as they may be energized with electrical current and present other hazards.
- Always assume downed power lines are energized. Never drive over or touch downed power lines, including anyone or anything touching the lines. Stay away and call 911, then contact Tampa Electric at 877-588-1010.
- If a rotten egg smell is detected or a broken natural gas line is seen, move to safety immediately and call 911.
For more safety information, links to Tampa Electric’s outage map and information on its restoration process, check online.
OUC also said residents should prepare for multiple day power outages in Orlando due to Hurricane Milton.
Tampa Electric (TECO), 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.
