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Public comments welcome regarding proposed transmission line routes in Polk County, Fla.
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New substation, transmission lines will improve reliability for customers served by Duke Energy Florida, area utilities
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Increasing demand for electricity, improving reliability and ensuring a resilient system during storms are driving Duke Energy to build a state-of-the-art substation at the Osprey Energy Center in Polk County, Fla., as well as 54 miles of new connecting transmission lines.
Florida’s energy demand is expected to grow by an estimated 10 percent in the next decade.
The company plans to construct a new transmission substation at the Osprey Energy Center and two new 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines.
Once constructed, the new infrastructure will improve reliability for customers served by Duke Energy as well as other area utilities, including Lakeland Electric and Tampa Electric Company.
The new infrastructure will directly connect the Osprey Energy Center to the company’s existing high-voltage electric transmission system.
The proposed location for the new substation will be on the Osprey Energy Center site.
- The new Kathleen 230-kV transmission line will extend from the Osprey Energy Center approximately 30 miles west to the existing Kathleen substation.
- The new Haines City 230-kV transmission line will extend from the Osprey Energy Center approximately 24 miles east to the existing Haines City East substation. The routes for the two new lines have not yet been determined.
Duke Energy is in the beginning stages of selecting routes for the transmission lines. At this time, preliminary routes have only been identified in order to seek input from the public. The specific preferred routes will be determined at a later date, following public input and further evaluations.
"Input from neighbors and communities is one of the most important steps in this transparent process,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy Florida president. “Our team welcomes all input and looks forward to incorporating feedback from the public as we develop a specific route recommendation."
The company invites the public to attend informational meetings to learn more about the project and share comments:
May 8, 2018
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Together Church (Fellowship Hall)
6725 North Socrum Loop Road
Lakeland, Fla.
May 10, 2018
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Northridge Church
2250 State Road 17 South
Haines City, Fla.
May 15, 2018
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Nora Mayo Hall
500 Third Street NW
Winter Haven, Fla.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2021, with the project expected to be in service in 2024.
The company is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers. Maintaining a robust system for supplying and delivering electricity is critical to ensuring the continued reliability and economic prosperity of the region.
Contact: Ana Gibbs
24-Hour: 800.559.3853