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Progress Energy Says It Has Route For 200 Miles Of Power Lines
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Published: May 20, 2008
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TAMPA - Progress Energy said this morning that it has selected a path for 200 miles of high-voltage power lines that would cut across several counties, including northern Hillsborough County.
The project has raised concerns among residents about the effect on property values and environmental impacts. But company executives said more than 90 percent of the proposed corridor follows existing rights of way, minimizing the impact on neighborhoods and the environment.
Except for 20 miles, the entire project, which would carry power from the company's proposed nuclear plant in Levy County, would run adjacent to existing transmission lines.
"During the past year, we have actively solicited community input and suggestions about this project," Jeff Lyash, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Florida, says in a written statement. "We listened to that feedback. Overwhelmingly, people suggested we locate the new lines along or adjacent to existing lines wherever possible."
The utility was considering an east-west corridor along State Road 54 in Pasco County, but company executives scrapped that option after 3,000 residents signed a petition in opposition to that route.
Progress expects to submit its plan to state regulators in June. Hearings on the proposed nuclear plant in Levy County will begin Wednesday before the Florida Public Service Commission.
Under new state law, the cost of building transmission lines for nuclear power plants can be recovered from ratepayers as the lines are built. Before, the company had to wait until the project was completed to collect the cost from ratepayers.
The cost of the project was not disclosed.
Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870 or rray@tampatrib.com.
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