Williston Area Transmission Line Upgrades

As Florida's population grows, so do its energy needs. The transmission system is used by all utilities in the state and their customers. The new transmission line and substation will strengthen reliability to meet the growing demand and will help enhance the ability of Duke Energy and neighboring utilities to provide safe and reliable energy to homes, community facilities and businesses in Levy County and surrounding areas.

With a stronger electric grid, this project will benefit customers served by Central Florida Electric Cooperative and the city of Williston, as well as Duke Energy customers in Levy County. 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.

Probably the most noticeable portion of construction is vegetation clearing and grading, which is the earliest step. The right of way must be clear during the construction process. 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. Homeowners’ power is typically not affected when the line is energized.

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