A project for a growing North Florida
The North Florida Resiliency Connection will enhance the reliability and resiliency of electric service in good weather and bad for customers.
The transmission line route is primarily along existing utility rights-of-way, highways and local roads. Identifying the route was based on a variety of factors, including identification and consideration of alternative routes, safety and environmental considerations, costs, long range planning and sound engineering principles.
Permits have been issued from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Army Corps of Engineers and other government agencies. Consequently, pre-construction activities, which include land clearing and tree trimming, started in late 2020 along the transmission line route.
Pike Electric has been awarded the construction contract and has recently initiated work in early February 2021. You may see them or subcontractors performing work on their behalf along the route working Monday through Saturday during daylight hours, meeting all requirements of the local municipality. For a project of this scale, we are using multiple locations along the route to serve as “staging sites” for construction crews and material storage. The project will be completed safely, respectfully and will adhere to all regulations.
Update on construction — August 3, 2021
- 40% of the construction completed
Quick facts
- Approximately 176 miles long
- Seven counties
- 50+ year project life, with enhanced reliability and storm resiliency
- 200+ jobs during development and construction
- More than $75 million in property tax revenue — County-by-county list
Environmental considerations
FPL has a history of responsibly providing electricity to customers in Northwest Florida, and we are committed to developing the North Florida Resiliency Connection in a way that protects our precious Florida environment.
The NFRC project will comply with all applicable state and federal environmental regulations and there will be no impacts to groundwater quality or surface water quality.
Frequently asked questions
What is the North Florida Resiliency Connection (NFRC)?
The NFRC is a new transmission line across northern Florida that will enhance the reliability and resiliency of electric service in good weather and bad for customers. The FPL transmission line will travel from Columbia County in the east to Jackson County in the west.
What benefits will the NFRC provide?
Throughout the construction process, our contractor/subcontractors for the project will be hiring local laborers, as well as hiring local vendors as subcontractors (e.g., aggregate hauling, mat hauling). The project is expected to generate more than $75 million in property tax revenue over the next 30 years.
Will construction require homes or other structures to be acquired or removed?
The route will not require the acquisition or removal of any homes or other structures.
Where will poles be located?
The vast majority of the transmission poles along the route will be located on private property within easements along road right-of-way boundaries. Depending on location along the route, these easements will be either 15 feet or 60 feet in width. Span lengths between poles are anticipated to range from 350 feet to 600 feet.
What will the poles look like?
Generally, the project will use single pole structures primarily made of pre-stressed concrete which has a life span of more than 50 years and minimal maintenance requirements. Poles are approximately 75-110 feet in height, 3-4 feet in diameter, 18-30 feet deep, and spaced between 350 and 600 feet apart.
What will be the impact of construction on the environment?
The NFRC project will comply with all applicable state and federal environmental regulations. Wetland impacts have been minimized through the route selection process and will be further reduced by using appropriate construction methods.
It’s important to note that power distribution and transmission poles located throughout this region have been operating safely for decades, and FPL has extensive experience installing, operating and maintaining power poles in an environmentally sound manner throughout north Florida.
The NFRC project will not cause impacts with regard to spring zones, karst features or sinkholes. FPL will use soil borings to ensure that specific ground locations are appropriate for the installation of the transmission poles. If we find unexpected conditions, pole placement will be adjusted to a location that is more suitable.
What is the timeline?
FPL initiated pre-construction activities in late 2020 and began construction in early 2021 upon receipt of the necessary permits. FPL continues to evaluate construction duration based on balancing several key factors to determine the optimal execution timeline.
Where can citizens learn more?
Questions about the NFRC can be directed to our project phone line at (850) 872-3232, or via email at NFRC@NextEraEnergy.com
Stay connected
FPL is committed to sharing information and maintaining an open dialogue with customers, public officials, the local community and interested stakeholders throughout the development process. Feel free to contact us at (850) 872-3232 or NFRC@NextEraEnergy.com.