Powering a Bright Future Together:
Tampa Electric and the University of South Florida

In the heart of Tampa Bay, where innovation meets opportunity, Tampa Electric and the University of South Florida (USF) forged a longstanding partnership in service to the region.

Tampa Electric has been a trusted energy provider for more than a century, and USF is a world-class university with a rich tradition of academic excellence and groundbreaking research. Working together, the two have developed a partnership that spans decades and strengthens with time. USF president Rhea Law has served on Tampa Electric’s board of directors since 2017.

Shaping a Powerful Workforce

The dynamic collaboration fosters an environment where education thrives, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom. It helps cultivate a pipeline of highly skilled professionals who are equipped to tackle challenges not only within the energy sector but across diverse industries throughout the state of Florida and around the globe.

By supporting USF’s innovative educational initiatives, Tampa Electric plays a vital role in shaping a workforce that is forward-thinking, adaptable and ready to lead in an ever-changing world.

The Classroom and Beyond

A notable example is Tampa Electric’s commitment to USF’s New Bulls Scholars program, which champions the success of first-generation college students through scholarships and holistic support. Beyond this, Tampa Electric’s employees actively engage with the USF community, sharing their expertise at events like the USF Sustainability Conference and annual Engineering Expos and even directly with students in classrooms.

In 2023, Tampa Electric’s contribution to USF’s School of Engineering further strengthened the university’s ability to produce top-tier engineers. The company’s support for USF’s first International Business Forum in 2024 brought leaders together to take stock of the region’s potential as a gateway to the global economy.

A Partnership Built on Purpose

A standout of the powerhouse partnership is the TECO Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) at USF – a hub where academia and industry converge to shape a better tomorrow.

A top-tier research university, USF has long been recognized for contributing to science, technology and sustainability. Tampa Electric has a strong legacy of reliable energy delivery and a forward-thinking commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and conservation.

By combining USF’s academic expertise with Tampa Electric’s industry know-how, students and professors at CERC can tackle the complexities of delivering resilient and reliable energy.

CERC focuses on advancing renewable energy technologies, improving energy efficiency and exploring next-generation power systems. It’s a space where theoretical research can transition to practical applications that benefit the Tampa Bay community and beyond.

Tampa Electric’s “Why”

Tampa Electric’s primary commitment to the 860,000 (and growing) families and businesses it serves is to safely provide power that is reliable, resilient and sustainable. Achieving the delicate balance of these three competing priorities is a challenge the company tackles daily.

Archie Collins, Tampa Electric’s President and CEO, says many factors complicate the path to achieving that balance. One of them is the rapid growth of the Tampa Bay region.

“We must always think years ahead to proactively prepare our system for future energy demand. And how our customers are beginning to interact with our grid is in stark contrast to just 20 years ago. This requires us to rethink how we do what we do – to ensure that we are an enabler and to ensure that the customer experience is always seamless – now and into the future. We must design and improve our power system’s protection against evolving risks, including extreme weather and cyberattacks. And of course – we are committed to doing that while aiming to reduce our environmental impact,” Collins says.

A Win for Tampa Bay and Beyond

The collaboration between USF and Tampa Electric is a model for how universities and businesses can work together to solve global challenges. The partnership is a promise to educate relentlessly, innovate responsibly and serve the community faithfully.