Kenly 115kV Project

This project is needed to improve the reliability in this rural community along I-95 at the edge of Johnston County. To keep up with the growing demand, Duke Energy must provide a new transmission line to connect a new substation being constructed.

We are always working to meet the current and future energy needs of our customers and communities. Our engineers and energy system planners use growth and energy usage projections to identify the need to expand our electric infrastructure. 

Transmission lines are power lines that carry electricity across large geographic regions, delivering electricity from power plants to communities and to other utilities Duke Energy serves.

The new transmission line will be approximately 6 miles long and will be located within Duke Energy’s utility easement that begins at Cummins Drive and will connect just short of Pinecrest Road.

We are in the early stages of designing and permitting the transmission line, as well as conducting soil borings and environmental surveys. Preliminary planning will continue through 2021, and construction is targeted to start in the fall of 2021. We currently estimate the project will be completed by December of 2022. 

The easement width for this 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line is 100 feet.

Duke Energy recognizes the important role that trees and other vegetation play in our communities. However, vegetation is the No. 1 cause of power outages in the Southeast. Our goal is to maintain proper vegetation clearance along our power lines to help ensure reliability, while also balancing aesthetics and the environment. Trees and other vegetation that are close to power lines must be trimmed or removed to help prevent service disruption. We also plan for safe and unobstructed access to the easement for our construction crews, and for any future maintenance on the transmission line. All these factors are carefully considered when we are examining tree trimming or removal.

If tree removal is needed on specific properties, in order to safely install the transmission line, Duke Energy representatives will be in direct contact with property owners in advance of their removal.

Our goal is to minimize impacts to homes and businesses as well as to the environment. Prior to construction beginning, which is expected in fall of 2021, crews will conduct survey and soil sampling work as well as vegetation clearing, mowing and pruning.

Among the most visible phases of a project are vegetation clearing and grading, which are done in advance of any actual pole and line installation. The easement must be clear of vegetation to allow for safe access during the construction process. Workers may also build access roads during this phase and perform other preparatory activities.

Once construction begins, crews, trucks and other equipment will be operating along the easement. We will also conduct clearing, grading and digging activities, as well as pouring concrete foundations for poles to install power lines in select areas. Following construction, we will restore the easement as closely as possible to its original condition.

Construction crews typically work during weekday daylight hours. Some temporary road or lane closures may be necessary in order to protect the safety of crews and drivers.

No electric service disruptions are anticipated as part of this project.