North Central Florida Upgrade Project
North Central Florida Upgrade Project
About the Project
To help meet the region’s growing energy needs, prepare for powerful storms before they happen and support the development of clean energy, Duke Energy is upgrading an existing transmission line that stretches across north Florida. The project benefits Duke Energy customers and energy customers of other utilities. Many of these other utilities use Duke Energy transmission lines to bring power to their customers.
Project Details
This initiative includes projects in Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson and Leon counties, including:
- Hanson to Sonnie Tap: Upgrading a 6.63-mile transmission line in Madison County, from the Hanson Substation at NE Rocky Ford Road to the Sonnie Tap at Cottonwood Street.
- Baker Tap to Killearn Tap: Upgrading a 3.95-mile transmission line in Leon County west of Thomasville Road, to a switching station near Leigh Read Road.
- Baker Tap to Miccosukee Tap: Upgrading a 7.71-mile transmission line in Leon County near Leigh Read Road to a switching station west of Veterans Memorial Drive.
- Lloyd Tap to Miccosukee Tap: Upgrading a 6.13-mile transmission line in Jefferson and Leon counties from the Lloyd Tap located at Old Lloyd Road to the Miccosukee Tap at Veterans Memorial Drive.
- Drifton Tap to Lloyd Tap: Upgrading a 6.93-mile transmission line in Jefferson County north of Drifton-Aucilla Road to the Lloyd Tap at Old Lloyd Road.
- Greenville to Aucilla Tap to Drifton: Upgrading a 13.75-mile transmission line in Jefferson and Madison counties, from the Greenville Switching Station off W US 90 to the Aucilla Tap off S Salt Road, ending at the Drifton substation north of Drifton-Aucilla Road.
- Complete: Hamilton Solar to West Lake: Upgrading a 5.25-mile transmission line in Hamilton County, south of CR 146, to a switching station near Southwest 69th Drive. This project was completed in March 2023.
- Complete: West Lake to Sonnie Tap: Upgrading a 6.25-mile transmission line in Madison County north of U.S. 90 to a substation in Greenville.
- Complete: Greenville Switch to Hanson: Upgrading a 14.69-mile transmission line in Greenville north of US 90 to Rocky Ford Road in Madison County.
- Replace the current wires with ones that can carry more electricity.
- Rebuild some transmission towers with stronger, more resilient structures.
- Upgrade equipment in substations for more reliable service.
- Maintain easement areas along the route, including vegetation management for safety and to help reduce damage to power lines from wind and rain.
Benefits to the Community
Support the growing energy demand in the region
New equipment to better prepare for powerful storms
Help promote cleaner sources of energy
Enhance the ability of Duke Energy to provide safe and reliable energy to the region while also benefitting neighboring utilities
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New steel structures
For projects that include structure upgrades, many of the new structures will include steel monopole structures, which require less maintenance, have a smaller footprint and will be more resilient against severe weather conditions. The work will take place within existing Duke Energy easement areas.
The new steel structures as shown on the right above may not be this exact design. This photograph represents a typical steel monopole configuration. Final design will vary by project
What to Expect
There are several key steps that take place during the design and preconstruction phases of a transmission line project. Residents may see Duke Energy and contractor crews in the area conducting surveys to evaluate existing conditions. This field data helps assist our engineering teams and other personnel with the design and construction planning for the project. After surveying is complete, our engineering team will develop the design for the project.
We will be assessing the need to clear obstructions and vegetation within the current easement area to prepare for construction. Property owners will be notified in advance should either of these issues need to be addressed.
Vegetation Management
To help ensure reliable service and minimize power outages, it’s important that we maintain trees and other vegetation along the power lines that deliver electricity to millions of households and businesses that depend on us.
It’s also critical that our crews have safe and unobstructed access to the transmission line(s) during construction. As a part of the North Central Florida Upgrade Project, our vegetation management activities may include trimming and/or clearing grass, shrubs and trees that are within Duke Energy’s rights of way.
In some cases, more substantial tree trimming or clearing may be required if there is the potential for the tree to impact the transmission line – particularly during powerful storms when trees and branches can fall on transmission lines and cause power outages. By proactively removing the vegetation, we can help reduce the risk of power outages.
Learn more about how we manage trees.
Project Timelines
Watch Our Videos to Discover More
The Energy Superhighway
Learn about the importance of transmission infrastructure and how it plays a vital role in powering our communities.
Preconstruction Activities
Learn what occurs during the preconstruction phase of an electric transmission project.
Maintenance of Easement Areas
Learn about easements and what’s deemed a safe and appropriate use of the property.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources
Contact Us
Email: FLTransmissionEnhancements@duke-energy.com
Ref: North Central Florida Upgrade Project