DeLand West to Dona Vista Reliability Project

Transmission lines are a system of electrical wires that carry large amounts of energy over long distances. These wires can run from generation stations to substations where energy is converted to lower distribution levels to serve homes, schools, hospitals and businesses in the community. If you’ve ever heard a reference to the energy grid, that’s the network of the transmission and distribution systems.

The DeLand West to Dona Vista Reliability Upgrade Project extends from the DeLand West Substation located at 2801 W. New York Ave. in DeLand, Fla., to the Dona Vista Substation located at 480 W. County Road 44 in Eustis, Fla.

As the population grows in Lake and Volusia counties, so do the energy needs. That’s why it’s essential that Duke Energy makes improvements to the electric grid, the backbone of the energy system, to help ensure reliable power to homes and businesses in this region in the years ahead.

This reliability improvement project will enhance the resilience and strength of the grid, benefiting Duke Energy customers and those of other utilities in Lake and Volusia counties. The new power line will increase capacity to help meet projected demand for energy, reduce the risk of outages, and help improve electric reliability to homes, businesses and the community.

The new transmission line will be approximately 27 miles long and built with single steel or concrete poles (monopoles). The height of these structures typically ranges from 90 to 110 feet but can reach up to 140 feet in some locations, such as when crossing roads or other existing facilities. The base diameter of the poles generally measures between 3 and 4 1/2 feet. The distance between each structure averages approximately 600 to 700 feet.

Construction is scheduled to start in early 2027 and will be completed in phases. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2029.

By utilizing an existing transmission corridor and rebuilding the current poles to accommodate the new line, we can minimize overall impacts on homes, businesses and the community. We also actively work to reduce as much as possible any temporary inconveniences caused to the sensitive areas within the project work zones, including residential communities and areas with historical and cultural significance. 

Our vegetation management specialists will evaluate what vegetation clearing will be needed to accommodate access and equipment for construction, and for the continued safe and reliable operation of the line.

If significant clearing is needed on specific properties to safely install new equipment, we will proactively contact property owners.

Following engineering design and preconstruction activities such as surveying and soil testing, construction will begin. The first phase of construction involves clearing trees and vegetation from the transmission corridor to allow safe access for the crews during construction and to help ensure the reliability of the line during operation. During this phase, workers may also construct access roads and place protective construction mats. 

Crews will then begin pouring structure foundations and erecting structures. Neighbors should anticipate the presence of large trucks equipped with drilling equipment or concrete mixers in the easement area. The structure materials arrive in sections and may be assembled on the ground before installation. 

The final construction activity involves stringing the wires. Typically, trucks carrying large reels of conductor are used, with a winch pulling the conductor through. Line workers will then attach the wires to the structures. In some cases, helicopters may be used to string wires.

If you have questions or need more information, please call us at 877.840.0101 or email FLTransmissionEnhancements@duke-energy.com. We will respond to you in a timely manner. 

We will also provide updates throughout the project.