TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

TECO To Provide Green Energy For The Super Bowl

ADVERTISEMENT

By RUSSELL RAY | The Tampa Tribune
and RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 17, 2008

TAMPA - Super Bowl XLIII will be powered with electricity made from renewable resources in Florida, Tampa Electric Co. said today.

The utility said it has an agreement with the Tampa Sports Authority to supply all Super Bowl activities with solar power and power made from wood waste. It will be generated by solar arrays in Tampa and a biomass plant near Belle Glade in South Florida.

"All of the energy is being produced in the state of Florida. Therefore, all the benefits stay in the state," said Howard Bryant, regulatory affairs manager for TECO.

The deal will take 187,000 kilowatt hours of power produced from coal and natural gas off the grid, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 3.7 million pounds, Bryant said.

In addition to using it on game day, Feb. 1, renewable power will be used during the five-day NFL Experience festival, which precedes the Super Bowl and includes more than 50 interactive games and attractions.

The deal was made possible by a program recently approved by state regulators that allows TECO to temporarily provide customers power made with renewable resources.

Anyone holding a Super Bowl party or any event within TECO's service territory can purchase a block of renewable power for the event, Bryant said.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870 or rray@tampatrib.com.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT