New River – Wire Road Line and Substation

Overview of the Project

To meet the anticipated growth in Pasco County, Fla., Duke Energy plans to build new transmission lines, rebuild existing transmission lines, expand the existing New River Substation and build a new Wire Road Substation.

Project Details

New River

• Expand the existing New River Substation by building a new 230-kilovolt (kV) yard in Wesley Chapel, Fla.

Wire Road

• Construct a new Wire Road Substation at the intersection of Daughtery Road and Wire Road, across the street from the existing Zephyrhills North Substation in Zephyrhills, Fla.
• Rebuild the existing 115-kV transmission line of approximately 2 miles and add a new 230-kV transmission circuit from the new Wire Road Substation to Eiland Boulevard on double-circuit monopole structures.
• Rebuild the existing 69-kV transmission lines of approximately 2.4 miles running west along Daughtery Road on double-circuit monopole structures and then south through the golf course on single-circuit monopole structures to meet the new 230-kV transmission line at Eiland Boulevard.
• The transmission lines will be built on monopoles typically ranging 80 to 110 feet above ground. A few structures will be approximately 130 feet above ground.

Eiland Boulevard – Cabbage Hill

• Rebuild the existing 69-kV transmission line of approximately 13 miles and add a new 230-kV transmission circuit on double-circuit monopole structures, running from Eiland Boulevard, looping into the existing New River Substation and continuing to Cabbage Hill Substation (TECO) in Wesley Chapel, Fla.
• The transmission lines will be built on monopoles typically ranging 80 to 110 feet above ground. A few structures will be approximately 130 feet above ground.

Benefits to the Community

• Enhance the ability of Duke Energy and neighboring utilities to provide safe and reliable energy to homes, community facilities and businesses in the area.
• Provide flexibility and additional capacity to continue delivering reliable electricity to meet the region's growing energy needs.
• Maintain a robust system for supplying and delivering energy, which is integral to the continued economic prosperity of the region.

What to Expect

Once a project is announced, there are several key steps that take place during the design and pre-construction phases of a transmission line project. During early stages of field investigation, residents may see Duke Energy staff and contractor field crews in the area evaluating existing conditions. This field data collection is crucial to assist engineering teams and other personnel with the design and construction planning for the project. After the field investigations are complete, the engineering team will develop the final design for the project.

If a new easement or an update to the current easement is required, a company representative will contact the property owner to discuss the easement process. Additionally, we will be assessing the need to clear obstructions and vegetation within the current easement to prepare for construction. Property owners will be notified in advance should either of these issues need to be addressed.

Construction activities are anticipated to begin in October 2019 and last through November 2021.