Wildwood Heights Substation and Underground Line

Duke Energy is planning to build a a new substation at 1295 28th St. S. in St. Petersburg, Fla., and an approximately ¼-mile underground transmission line that will connect the substation to an existing transmission line to the west. The GIS substation will be enclosed in a building where the equipment is safely secured and monitored.

The substation is a gas-insulated technology, a modern design where the equipment is enclosed within a building as compared to typical outdoor substations. This type of substation is smaller and requires less land to construct and provides an improvement aesthetically since it is built in a structure that can blend into the community.

As Florida’s population grows, so do its energy needs. Pinellas County is among the state’s fastest-growing counties, and the city of St. Petersburg has recently seen unprecedented growth. To help meet the increasing demand for power in growing communities like St. Petersburg, new facilities are needed. This newly constructed substation will help improve reliability for neighborhoods and businesses, as well as support the forecasted electric demand associated with large developments in the city. It will bring new sources of power to south St. Petersburg specifically. 

Engineers and planners use growth and usage projections, as well as continuous monitoring of the electric system to identify expansion needs to best serve our customers in Florida. Since it can take several years to plan, develop, engineer and construct a project, new facilities are proposed in advance to help ensure that they are in place and ready to meet our customers’ needs. 

Duke Energy evaluates potential sites based on several factors, including proximity of existing transmission lines, site availability and constructability. Because this site is only a quarter of a mile from an existing transmission corridor where it needs to be connected to the existing electric grid and it can be constructed underground, we are able to minimize impacts to the community. 

A GIS enclosed facility can be constructed on a smaller footprint compared to an open-air substation, making it a desirable option in congested urban areas. It can also be designed to blend into the aesthetics of the neighborhood and the community. Once completed, a GIS is better protected from risks to equipment such as wildlife and severe weather.

Lighting may be used during preconstruction and construction phases to secure the site from intruders while materials and equipment are on-site. Any permanent lighting will be directed away from nearby residences and businesses and/or will operate on motion sensors. Duke Energy also uses fencing systems and other security measures to safely protect the public and the substation.

The site layout and associated landscaping will include aesthetic elements that will allow the facility to blend into the surroundings and preserve the character of the neighborhood. The landscaping plans will be shared with the public and the community as they are developed. 

Since the equipment will be inside an enclosed building, the equipment noise will be reduced, particularly since it’s along a busy roadway. A wall will also be constructed around the building, further reducing the noise.

A GIS facility requires only minimal on-site personnel for day-to-day operations. The facility is remotely monitored 24/7.