Tampa Electric’s power plant workers keep the lights on and energy flowing, ensuring our community stays powered and connected. This week, we’re excited to celebrate these essential team members with our inaugural Heroes of Energy Generation campaign — a week-long appreciation event filled with team member spotlights.
Throughout the week on Tampa Electric’s social media accounts, we’ll shine a light on the real-life heroes behind our power plants with video spotlights that offer a closer look at their roles and the incredible impact they make every day. We’re thrilled to feature stories from Shelley Penny, Ron Poindexter, Eric Richardson, Jesse Wilson and Steve Wyatt as they share their experiences and passion for powering our community.
These spotlights represent the dedication of all our power plant heroes. Every worker, from engineers to operators and technicians, plays an essential role in powering our community, and this celebration is for all of them.
Shelley Penny – The Architect of Reliability
Shelley is the strategist behind asset reliability across generation- driving the development of assetplans that keep critical equipment such as HRSGs, turbines and generators (the heart of our power stations) running at their best. By fostering collaboration across teams, she’s transformed the way TECO manages its assets, creating a stronger, more unified approach. Without her, the business would lack a coordinated strategy that ensures long-term reliability and cost-efficiency. Her proudest achievement? Helping Tampa Electric achieve a record-breaking year in loss control, proving that teamwork and planning are the ultimate superpowers.
Ron Poindexter – The Master of Metal
For 37 years, Ron has been the backbone of Big Bend Power Station plant maintenance, ensuring every boiler, turbine and critical component remains in peak condition. As a Mechanic Certified Welder, his hands-on expertise keeps the plant running smoothly and ensuring reliable energy for our community. Without Ron and his team, the plant’s essential systems wouldn’t operate efficiently, making his craftsmanship vital to our mission. His decades of dedication prove that true heroes don’t wear capes — they weld, repair and keep the lights on for West Central Florida.
Eric Richardson – The Problem-Solver
With 29 years at TECO, Eric has been a steadfast force in power generation, first as an IGCC Process Specialist and now as a Superintendent of Operations (SPO) for the Alpha Team at Polk Power Station. He leads with a commitment to safety, training and efficiency – ensuring Polk Power Station runs smoothly and reliably. Without his team, the plant wouldn’t generate the electricity that powers our communities. His greatest pride comes from helping others solve problems — whether it’s troubleshooting a tough issue or celebrating victories together, he knows that true leadership is about lifting others up.
Jesse Wilson – The Solar Sentinel
Jesse is on the front lines of renewable energy, troubleshooting and repairing solar fields to keep clean energy flowing. His work doesn’t just power homes — it saves customers money and drives sustainability forward. As a proud member of Solar Operations, Jesse ensures that every repair leads to more energy production, proving that small fixes make a big impact. With a team that makes every day exciting, he stands as a hero of the future, lighting the way for a greener tomorrow.
Steve Wyatt – The Watchful Protector
As a Superintendent of Plant Operations (SPO) at Bayside Power Station, Steve ensures the safe and efficient monitoring of unit generation. With his leadership, his crew navigates high-pressure, high-temperature environments, preventing risks and ensuring smooth energy production. His commitment to safety and teamwork makes him a true guardian of the plant – always looking out for his team like a family. “We spend more time together here than with our families,” he says, emphasizing the bond and trust that fuels their success.
Don’t forget to visit Tampa Electric’s social media accounts this week to like and share our power plant video spotlights and posts. Let's come together to show appreciation for our power plant team members during this exciting celebration!
