Tampa Electric, USF Partner with Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo to Develop New Renewable...

Tampa Electric, USF Partner with Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo to Develop New Renewable Energy Project

TAMPA, Fla.--(Business Wire)--
Tampa Electric, the University of South Florida's Power Center for
Utility Explorations (PCUE) and Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo will partner on
a project to develop, design and test a renewable solar energy system
at the zoo to be funded in part by a grant from the Florida High Tech
Corridor.

The 15-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) project can generate enough
clean energy to power the zoo's Skyfari sky ride and will be connected
to the electric grid through the zoo's main power system. The project,
which includes solar panels and an inverter, and educational displays
that will be installed at the sky ride entrance, will cost
approximately $575,000.

The joint project not only will install solar panels at the zoo,
but will also examine ways to strengthen the electric grid to handle
the reverse flow of electricity as a result of what could be a
significant increase in renewable generation from larger loads or from
a number of smaller systems. These additional loads from individual or
business renewable energy sources have the potential to affect the
reliability of electric service for neighboring customers.

"Our project seeks to deliver electric power that is not only
reliable, but also compatible with a natural environment, in harmony
with people and animals," said Alex Domijan, professor in the USF
College of Engineering and director of the PCUE. "Although the
electricity grid has been designed for a one-way transfer of power
from central station generators to consumers, with the distributed
generation system being developed at the zoo using on-site renewable
energy sources, such as photovoltaics, the grid's controls can be
adapted for reverse power flows." For more information about PCUE
visit http://pcue.eng.usf.edu.

The interactive demonstration project will allow more than one
million annual zoo visitors to find out more about solar power and
encourage its use. There has been a significant increase in customers
interested in generating their own power from renewable resources. In
2008, Tampa Electric customers added more than 110 kilowatts of solar
energy to their homes and businesses.

"All of the zoo's exhibits and programs are designed to engage and
inspire visitors to treasure the natural world and act wisely on its
behalf," said Lex Salisbury, president and CEO of Tampa's Lowry Park
Zoo. "This partnership offers a great opportunity for the zoo to lead
by example. By developing and testing a renewable solar energy system,
we hope to reduce the impact on the environment by conserving
conventional power."

This project will allow Tampa Electric and the PCUE to train a new
high-tech work force in power engineering, the only profession dealing
comprehensively with energy issues. Many of the major climate change
issues being discussed today may fit within the project framework and
these issues will be showcased at the zoo for all to experience.

"Tampa Electric is pleased to partner with USF and Tampa's Lowry
Park Zoo to study and encourage the use of solar power in our
communities," said Chuck Black, Tampa Electric President. "One of our
company's strategic goals is to engage the community while
dramatically improving Tampa Electric's environmental profile. This is
consistent with Governor Crist's challenge to develop and sustain
renewable energy resources in Florida."

About Tampa Electric

Tampa Electric Company is the principal subsidiary of TECO Energy,
Inc. (NYSE:TE), an energy-related holding company with regulated
utility operations in Florida including both Tampa Electric and
Peoples Gas System. Other subsidiaries include 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 in Guatemala.

For additional information contact Rick Morera, Tampa Electric,
ph. 813-228-4945.

About University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is among the nation's top 63
public research universities and one of 39 community engaged public
universities as designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the
Advancement of Teaching. It is one of Florida's top three research
universities. USF was awarded more than $300 million in research
contracts and grants last year. The University offers 219 degree
programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral
levels, including the doctor of medicine. The University has a $1.8
billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and
serves more than 45,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg,
Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland.

About Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

Recognized as the #1 zoo in the U.S. by Child magazine, Tampa's
Lowry Park Zoo is a 60 acre zoological garden with 2,200 animals in
natural habitats, water play areas, rides and educational shows. The
zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent
501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in
education, recreation, conservation and research. Celebrating its 20th
anniversary in 2008, the zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days) with extended hours on
select nights during the summer. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is also the
site of the TECO Energy Manatee Amphitheater. The zoo is located at
1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48).
Parking is free. Visit LowryParkZoo.com or call (813) 935-8552 for
more information.

Tampa Electric, Tampa
Rick Morera, 813-228-4945

Copyright Business Wire 2008