Osprey to Kathleen Transmission Line

The Osprey Energy Center is strategically located in Central Florida (i.e., Osceola, Orange, Lake, Sumter and Polk counties) where Duke Energy and other utilities who use the transmission system serve a growing population. With this project the additional energy generated at the Osprey Energy Center can be delivered to major growth areas in Polk County, throughout Central Florida and the state through Duke Energy's electric transmission system. In addition, the two new 230-kV transmission lines will help avoid line overloads on the existing Duke Energy transmission system by supplying an alternate path of energy flow to the surrounding areas. The new transmission infrastructure will also provide the opportunity for future economic development and growth in the region.

With a stronger smarter grid, this transmission improvement project will benefit electric customers in Central Florida with improved reliability. The project will add needed capacity to support increasing demand for electricity for growing communities in the region and will help minimize the risk and duration of customer outages.

If an easement is needed on private property, a Duke Energy real estate representative will contact the landowner to discuss the easement acquisition process, the location of poles and wires, and potential compensation for an easement. Easement acquisitions will continue through early 2023.

The substation design uses a newer technology, known as a GIS – or gas-insulated substation – that requires less space compared to a traditional substation. It is also built within a building enclosure that minimizes the visible impact to the neighbors and community. Once built, there are many technical, reliability and security benefits of the GIS technology. A GIS substation is more accessible for maintenance and its design provides protection from risks to equipment such as wildlife, severe weather and intruders. The new substation will require very little maintenance and will not need to be staffed, although periodic inspections will be conducted.

The new Osprey Substation is needed to support the installation of two new transmission lines that will allow power from the Osprey Energy Center to be efficiently and economically distributed throughout Polk County and beyond, which will benefit Duke Energy customers and customers served by other utilities.  

Probably the most noticeable portion of construction is vegetation clearing and grading, which was completed on the Haines City side of the project in mid-2023. Vegetation clearing in the easement between the new Osprey Substation and the existing Kathleen Substation will begin in fall 2023 followed by the installation of poles and wires. The right of way must be clear during the construction phase to allow safe access. Workers also may build access roads during this phase. Crews will then begin the process of pouring structure foundations and installing structures. Neighbors can expect large trucks with drilling equipment or a concrete mixer in the right of way. The concrete is poured at the bottom of a deep hole to form the foundation. The structure materials arrive in sections and may be assembled on the ground before being installed. The final construction activity is wire stringing. Trucks carrying large reels of conductor are typically used, with a winch to pull the conductor through. Linemen attach the wires to the structures. Later, crews install ground rods to the structures. Power is typically not affected when the line is energized

Following the installation of poles and wires, our crews work on the final project phase, which is restoration. This work may include leveling, seeding and laying straw on affected areas. Construction materials and debris will be removed, and the right of way will be restored as closely as possible to its original condition. Trees and vegetation removed before construction are not replaced. Periodic vegetation management is done to keep the easement free of incompatible vegetation and encroachments.

Please see the Additional Resources section below for additional fact sheets on various topics.