Lightning, TECO partner to bring the 'power play' back to the community

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Electric and TECO Peoples Gas announced today that they are partnering to cover the monthly utility bills for people around the Tampa Bay community who have applied through the Share program.

The Lightning, along with TECO, are committed to helping the Tampa Bay community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Each week, seven recipients will be chosen to have their monthly energy bill paid through this initiative. In total, 91 households will be selected for the "Community Power Play" program over the course of the next several months. TECO has been a long-time partner of the Lightning, serving as the presenting partner for the team's power play for home games at AMALIE Arena. Bringing the energy of the "power play" back to the Tampa Bay community is essential right now.

"We are excited to team-up with TECO on this great initiative during this difficult summer," CEO Steve Griggs said. "The Lightning is fully committed to helping the Tampa Bay community during this pandemic and we are thrilled to help out 91 families pay for their TECO bills, with 91 signifying our team captain Steven Stamkos, our leader."

"While so many folks continue to face financial hardship, Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas appreciate the chance to work together with the Lightning to support the community in such a powerful way," said Nancy Tower, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. "Giving back is part of the fabric of both TECO and the Lightning, and that's what makes this such a strong partnership. We're thrilled the team included our customers in their efforts to support the community during such challenging times."

The Share Program is a partnership between the Salvation Army and TECO to support customers in need with paying their bills during these difficult times. TECO has already contributed more than $500,000 to the program this year to help those in need. For more information about the program, please visit www.TampaElectric.com/Share or www.PeoplesGas.com/Share.