At Tampa Electric, we know that providing sustainable power takes a team of skilled professionals working behind the scenes. In honor of National Tradesmen Day, we want to recognize the dedication and expertise of some of our unsung heroes, like Kyle Stalvey and Delroy Richard. Kyle and Delroy Lead Substation Electricians who play crucial roles in maintaining and building the substations that power our community. Here are their stories:
Kyle Stalvey, Lead Substation Electrician.
“As a journeyman substation electrician at Tampa Electric, my role is to build, maintain and ensure the reliability of our substations. It's a vital job that often gets overshadowed by the more visible roles, like linemen, but without our work, the grid wouldn't function as smoothly. My job involves installing transformers, breakers and performing essential maintenance to keep the power flowing to customers. I’ve been with TECO since 2018, starting at Peoples Gas before transitioning to the electric side. After four years of apprenticeship, I’ll officially be a journeyman in March 2025. It's been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I’m proud to be part of the team that helps maintain such a critical piece of infrastructure.
Growing up, my dad, a TECO subcontractor, always emphasized the importance of working for a good company, and I took that to heart. I’ve always been hands-on, learning how to fix things ourselves because we couldn’t afford to pay someone else. That foundation prepared me for this career. My job is dangerous, and safety is always at the forefront of my mind — not just for me, but for my fellow team members out here working alongside me. At the end of the day, I want to go home to my wife and kids, just like they do. For those starting out, my advice is to get in early. College isn’t the only path — if you're hands-on like me, working in a trade like this can be very fulfilling.”
Next, meet Substation Electrician Delroy Richard.
“As a Substation Electrician at Tampa Electric, I assist in the construction, maintenance and commissioning of substations. I’ve been with TECO for 5 years, starting as a Special Utility Worker in the Line Department. To become a Lead Substation Electrician, I completed a 4-year apprenticeship that prepared me for this vital role in maintaining reliability and minimizing outages. I regularly maintain equipment and respond to system disturbances.
I didn’t always plan to become an electrician, but a school job fair sparked my interest, and I became determined to excel in this field. The most fulfilling part of my job is troubleshooting system disturbances, using my training and curiosity to find the root cause of problems.
My advice to anyone interested in this field is to go for it. Stay focused, work hard, and take pride in what you do. TECO is a great place to grow, and you could be the next generation of talent it needs.”
