Power Profile October 2025: Kandi Floyd

Help us inform, inspire, and motivate the next generation of workforce talent by sharing your education and professional background please.

I currently serve as the Director of External Affairs at TECO Peoples Gas, a role I’ve held since January 2022. My journey with TECO Energy, a holding company of several energy-related companies, began nearly 30 years ago in 1995 when I started in regulatory affairs in an administrative position at Tampa Electric Company. A majority of my career has proudly been with Peoples Gas where I’ve worked in a variety of departments including Marketing & Transportation, Energy Conservation, Regulatory & External Affairs, all of which have helped shape my professional path. 

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead numerous impactful projects that required working closely with various internal business units and external partners. Several highly visible projects included leading multiple company rate proceedings, managing energy conservation initiatives that benefit our customers, and partnering to shape legislative strategies for the natural gas industry. One of my proudest achievements was envisioning, obtaining approval from the Florida Public Service Commission, and then implementing a statewide accelerated replacement program for cast iron, bare steel, and plastic pipe infrastructure. This initiative was amongst the first in Florida and has helped replace aging infrastructure to reduce risk and improve safety for our customers and the public. 

In addition to my work at TECO, I was honored to serve as the first female president of the Florida Natural Gas Association, and I currently continue to serve on the Board. During my tenure, I contributed to strengthening and advancing the natural gas industry throughout Florida, including supporting key legislative initiatives and enhancing areas such as the mutual aid assistance program. 

Your career with TECO Energy and the various subsidiaries spans over decades. Is there a lesson to share with future employees about staying with one company and what inspired your decisions in that regard? 

 Growing up in the Tampa Bay area, TECO Energy was a familiar name in my household and was respected with its deep community roots. In my family, commitment in the workplace, dedication and longevity with a company was highly valued as a sign of success, so, I naturally saw TECO as an excellent place to work. As time went on, my colleagues became like a second family. That supportive atmosphere has become the most rewarding part of my career. 

Also, I have come to understand over time that longevity in a company, or in an industry, is what allows you to build strong, lasting relationships. Those relationships become the foundation for everything: collaboration, innovation and shared success. My advice to future employees would be to build those connections intentionally. Be passionate. Learn the industry. Have a strong work ethic, keep commitments, communicate and collaborate! 

Building relationships has helped me advance the issues that I have been passionate about, such as the replacement of aging infrastructure that I previously mentioned. In 2010, following my attendance at a NARUC conference, I became aware of nationwide infrastructure replacement programs that were being implemented after the tragic natural gas pipeline incident in San Bruno, CA. This experience heightened my commitment to the issue and challenged me to engage more proactively in association committees and network with other utilities to learn and share insights and best practices from other states on how to strategically implement this in Florida. That work mattered deeply to me—it was about safety, reliability and responsibility to the communities we serve. 

As we think about natural gas as an efficient affordable clean energy supply, what additional policy considerations are appropriate to ensure adequate supply and resiliency? 

In Florida, we’re fortunate to have both a supportive regulatory and legislative environment, and that’s been critical to what we’ve been able to accomplish so far. As natural gas continues to play a critical role in providing efficient and affordable energy, maintaining that supportive policy landscape will be key.

Natural gas is increasingly at the forefront of conversations around economic development, reliability and resiliency, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters where natural gas becomes essential for back up power generation and in other uses such as Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in applications at our Florida Ports. As developments and technologies continue to emerge throughout the state, natural gas infrastructure is crucial. It is particularly important that we understand the needs to ensure that pipelines and facilities are planned and constructed to meet rising demand – meaning making investments in infrastructure early and synchronizing plans to be ahead of the need from new communities and buildings that are being developed. Achieving this level of forward-thinking planning requires conversation, education and coordinated efforts among utilities, regulators, and policymakers.  

We’ve also seen the importance of preemption legislation. In other parts of the country, local bans on natural gas have created uncertainty for both consumers and developers. However, I’m so proud that Florida took a proactive approach and our legislature recognized the benefits of natural gas as a fuel choice – to maintain options for affordable energy, improved reliability and efficiency. It’s important that we continue that dialogue and close the gaps when threats emerge.
 

What advice would you give that 3rd year college student looking for a career in energy? 

 Find a mentor, find your purpose and stick to your core values. I grew up planning a career in nursing, specifically as a flight trauma nurse, and planned my educational path accordingly. I completed emergency medical technician training and began preparations for paramedic school. However, through clinical experiences and working in the field, I discovered that it was not the right fit for me. This realization taught me an invaluable lesson: new opportunities often present themselves when you remain open-minded about your career direction.  

The energy sector is constantly evolving, highly innovative, and plays a vital role in our everyday lives and communities – it provides purpose and it’s at the heart of many things we do. While a career in energy was not originally part of my plans, joining TECO allowed me to embrace new challenges and develop professionally. I found a mentor early in my career who provided valuable insights into the industry and helped me discover a meaningful sense of purpose.  

Finally, this industry presents numerous career opportunities for people with different skills and backgrounds, offering meaningful work along with chances to learn and grow. It’s helpful to build a wide range of abilities, like strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. When participating in discussions, try to suggest solutions and think strategically—these skills are purposeful with any career. Also, take time to understand the business, get involved, and ask questions. Starting in a position that teaches the fundamentals of the business can be very beneficial, as these experiences often lead to even greater opportunities. Above all, stay passionate about wherever your career journey takes you.