What are transmission lines?

Transmission lines are high-voltage facilities that transport large amounts of electricity from power plants to communities. They are generally supported by tall structures (taller than the distribution lines along streets and in neighborhoods). The transmission system is a network of transmission lines that crisscross the state and links Florida's utilities with utilities in neighboring states, to ensure a reliable electric system.

Would a new power plant require new transmission lines?

Just as the state needs new sources of electric generation to meet significant population and usage growth, we also need to expand the transmission system to ensure a continuous, reliable supply of electricity for the region.

Any new baseload power plant in Florida would require an expansion of the electric transmission system to deliver large amounts of power from plants to communities. The specific transmission system expansion plan would be determined if and when a decision is made to move forward with building a new plant.

What is the nature of the transmission expansion needed to support the Levy County plant?

Progress Energy maintains a system of about 5,000 miles of transmission lines in Florida. The company evaluates transmission system capabilities and needs continually to ensure that the system provides a reliable means of moving energy to where it's needed, in all kinds of weather and under all kinds of challenging scenarios. No decision has been made to move forward with a nuclear plant. Open house meetings are being held in areas where transmission lines to support the project could possibly be located. The exact nature of transmission upgrades associated with the possible Levy County plant will be determined over the next year.

What is Progress Energy's process for siting and building transmission lines?

Progress Energy's process for siting and building transmission facilities (conducted in conjunction with the Florida Public Service Commission) provides an objective means of evaluating numerous criteria, and includes significant public input. The company's objective in siting transmission lines and other facilities is to meet its responsibility to ensure service reliability while minimizing impacts on individual property owners and communities to the extent possible. If and when the decision is made to move forward with building a plant in Levy County, Progress Energy will share information about transmission needs and will seek input from property owners and others throughout the process.