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Progress Energy Florida is considering adding about 200 miles of transmission lines across nine counties to maintain reliability and to move energy efficiently to customers throughout the region and state. The lines would be 230 and 500 kilovolts (kV).
Progress Energy Florida has a legal responsibility to meet its customers' growing energy needs and to propose solutions that maintain reliable service. Our forecasts indicate that demand for electricity in our 35-county service territory will grow by more than 25 percent in the next decade. Progress Energy is in the preliminary stages of considering the construction of new -- and the expansion of existing -- transmission equipment to meet the future energy needs of the state.
Project Description
Transmission lines are planned in three main segments: from Levy County south to Hernando County, from Pinellas County east to Kathleen in Polk County, and from Levy County east to the Wildwood/Leesburg area. These proposed transmission lines could affect the counties of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pinellas, Polk, and Sumter.
The transmission lines are expected to be built on two types of structures. Typically, the single steel poles are between 90 and 165 feet tall; the H-frame (two-pole) structures about 120 feet tall. The structures would be spaced 700 to 1,300 feet apart, depending on the structure and terrain.
The project schedule calls for the new transmission lines to be operational by 2016. Easement acquisition, additional engineering and design and other milestones will occur before construction gets under way.
Benefits to the Community
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Provides electricity to meet the demands of continued growth in the region, for customers of Progress Energy and other utilities.
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Ensures more flexibility and a backup system for providing critical energy to the area.
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Maintaining a robust system for supplying and delivering electricity is integral to ensure the continued economic prosperity of the region.
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Electricity is far too important to risk service interruptions or problems with power quality due to inadequate equipment.
Land Acquisition
Progress Energy land agents will work individually with property owners to purchase easements or fee-owned land for the proposed transmission lines. These agreements will allow construction, operation and maintenance of the transmission line.
Public Outreach
Progress Energy Florida believes public participation is critical to the success of the project. The company will hold a series of informational meetings during the process. We also have initiated an innovative community outreach process called the Community Partnership for Energy Planning. The process involves a cross section of the local communities, including public officials, businesses, homeowners, environmentalists, among others. The Florida Public Service Commission also may hold public hearing as part of its review process. Progress Energy also will make information available online, as well as communicate directly with affected property owners and others throughout the process.
Schedule
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Community Input Process Begins: July 2007
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Right of way acquisition begins: Late 2008
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Line construction begins: 2012
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New lines in service: 2016
Información en Español
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