Hurricane Ike Alert: TECO Peoples Gas Urges Customers to Leave Gas on and Follow Emergency Guidelines

As TECO Peoples Gas officials continue to track Hurricane Ike, the company is prepared for any natural gas emergencies created by the storm or its aftermath. Should the hurricane hit Florida, Peoples Gas advises customers to leave their natural gas service on, even in the event of an evacuation. Customers should not attempt to turn gas off at their meters.

"The best and safest action for our customers is to follow emergency guidelines issued by the State Emergency Response Team," said Bruce Narzissenfeld, vice president of operations at TECO Peoples Gas. "Our crews are standing by to handle any emergencies created by Hurricane Ike."

There is the possibility that for safety reasons, Peoples Gas might need to turn off some customers’ service at the meter. If customers find their gas service has been shut off, they will need to call the Peoples Gas Customer Care Center at 1-877 TECO PGS (1-877-832-6747 - select option 2 for residential; select option 3 for commercial) to have service restored.

If at any time residents smell a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor, there could be a natural gas leak. Residents should leave the premises immediately and then call the Peoples Gas 24-hour Emergency Gas Leak number: 1-877-832-6747, select option 1.

Customers who suspect their natural gas appliances have been flooded or damaged due to the storm should have the equipment inspected and serviced by a qualified Gas Advantage Dealer.

State of Florida Provides Emergency Management Guidance for Residents

The Florida Emergency Information Line has been activated. Residents needing information regarding Hurricane Ike can call for information toll-free at 1-800-342-3557 between 8 a.m. and midnight Eastern Time. Additional information on Hurricane Ike and the State Emergency Response Team can be found at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Web site at www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Other helpful hints in the event of an evacuation:

-- Before evacuating, please first review the evacuation route information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management Web site (www.FloridaDisaster.org). Roads may be closed to facilitate better traffic flow.

-- Have a functioning battery powered radio to monitor emergency information.

-- Make plans for pets as they are extremely vulnerable and are not allowed at most shelters.

For more information visit www.peoplesgas.com.

About Peoples Gas

Peoples Gas System, Florida's largest natural gas distribution company, is one of the four core businesses of TECO Energy, Inc. (NYSE: TE), an energy-related holding company with regulated utility operations in Florida, including both Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas System. Peoples Gas serves approximately 334,000 customers in most of Florida’s major metropolitan areas and beyond. Other subsidiaries include TECO Coal, which owns and operates coal production facilities in Kentucky and Virginia, and TECO Guatemala, which is engaged in electric power generation and distribution and energy-related businesses in Guatemala.