TECO Promises Upgrades At Older Substation

Published: Jun 18, 2007

TAMPA - After complaints from Tampa Heights residents and business owners, Tampa Electric Co. has agreed to upgrade a rundown electrical substation.

TECO will spend $60,000 to install an 8-foot, chain-link fence, add sod and plant jasmine vines to cover the black vinyl fence, spokesman Rick Morera said. TECO will also move the fence 2 feet back from the property line on all sides.

Plans call for work to start soon and be completed within 30 days.

TECO estimates the substation at Woodrow Avenue and Plymouth Street was built in the early 1950s on about 42,000 square feet. The substation reduces the voltage of electricity before it reaches homes and businesses.

John Hudson, who has a real estate office in Tampa Heights, called TECO in March to complain about the substation. At first, he said, an official told him the company couldn't help. So Hudson got residents, business owners and community activists to pitch in and got pledges to pay for a new, taller fence.

Things changed after a TECO representative met with Hudson in April.

Jose Patino Girona