As Threat From Hurricane Dorian Changes, Tampa Electric Keeps Eye on Weather

TAMPA, Florida, Sept. 2 -- Tampa Electric issued the following news release:

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- Tampa Electric Remains Vigilant for Potentially Severe Wind and Rain in Parts of Our Territory

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As the threat to Tampa Bay from Hurricane Dorian diminishes, Tampa Electric has released the out-of-state line workers to enable them to help other utilities in the direct path of the storm.

"Tampa Electric experts are keeping a close eye on the weather in case the storm again threatens us in coming days," said Nancy Tower, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. "We are cautiously returning to business as usual."

When the storm immediately threatened Tampa Electric's territory, the utility had requested the help of thousands of line workers and tree trimmers from other utilities.

Although the most immediate and damaging effects from Hurricane Dorian will likely avoid the Tampa Bay area, the storm's path remains unpredictable. Tampa Electric customers could still see some heavy rain and winds from the storm, which may result in power outages - especially in Polk County and eastern Pasco County. Tampa Electric's crews are prepared to work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Customers can monitor and track outages in their neighborhoods through the outage map at tampaelectric.com/outagemap. The map displays the cause, status and estimated restoration time. Tampa Electric also will use Twitter @tampaelectric to keep customers informed about outage restoration.

Tampa Electric offers customers several ways to report power outages:

* The fastest, easiest way to report an outage is to visit tecoaccount.com/outage. Make sure your email address and phone number are up to date for easier outage reporting.

* Also, enroll in Power Updates from tecoaccount.com to text outage reports or get service updates via text, phone or email.

* Residential and commercial customers may call Tampa Electric's dedicated toll-free automated power outage phone system at 1-877-588-1010 to report a power outage or electric emergency.

Tampa Electric would like to remind customers to be safe after a storm:

* Remember to keep away from downed power lines and urge others to be extremely cautious.

* Remember to use portable generators safely. Plug your appliances directly into the generator. DO NOT connect your portable generator into your home's circuits. Connecting your generator to the circuits may cause power to flow to outside lines, posing life-threatening danger to restoration crews.

* Portable generators must not be taken into homes or any enclosed space (like a garage) where deadly carbon monoxide gases could build up.

* Stay out of floodwaters, as they can hide energized power lines or put you at risk of drowning.

Tampa Electric, one of Florida's largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 765,000 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.