Best Practices – Community

Practice: TECO has a program for customers called Medical Watch. Medical Watch does not guarantee uninterrupted electric service, but does identify to customer when there will be planned service interruptions. They also contact people prior to disconnection due to non-payment. The objective of the Medical Watch program is to encourage customers to notify TECO of their situations so special procedures can be implemented if they are dependent on electric powered medical equipment to sustain life. Participants are responsible for backup equipment and power supply. This program is available in Hillsborough (813-225-5051) and Polk County (863-298-6051) and for other counties people would call (888-223-0800).

Another program allows people to pre-register with a local response team. This team provides aid to persons during evacuations and with shelter needs. TECO has this program in Hillsborough (813-307-8063), Polk (863-298-7027), Pasco (727-847-8137), and Pinellas (727-464-3800) Counties.

Who Benefits? Persons who are dependent on life sustaining electric powered equipment and those needing assisting during evacuation.

How? Check with your local electric company for programs offered.