FPL
installing advanced, automated switches to expand the smart grid, deliver
reliable service to customers
JUNO
BEACH, Fla. – Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has planned a number of
system upgrades in the Boynton Beach area, including the deployment of new
smart grid technology as part of its ongoing work to provide customers with
affordable, reliable electric service. In 2015 FPL will install four automated
switches along its mayor “feeder” power lines and 160 automated switches along
smaller “lateral” lines serving neighborhoods in Boynton Beach as part of the
company’s electric system upgrades in the area.
“FPL
is investing to build a stronger and smarter grid our customers in Boynton
Beach can count on in good weather and bad. This
includes a number of new projects in the area, starting with the installation
of smart, automated switches that provide greater visibility across the
electric system and allow us to restore power for our customers faster when
there is an issue,” said Manny Miranda, FPL senior vice president of Power
Delivery.
The
automated devices detect and prevent potential problems along the electric
grid, as well as restore and reroute power, when necessary, to reduce the
number of customers affected by an outage.
2015 Work
in Boynton Beach
In addition
to the installation of the automated switches, FPL will upgrade the power lines
serving key facilities in the Boynton Beach area, such as the community
thoroughfare along Haverhill Road. The projects strengthen the electric system
to better withstand major storms and allow for faster service restoration
following power outages. The work includes installing stronger utility poles,
including in some projects, concrete poles that are designed to withstand wind
gusts of up to 145 mph.
Overall, FPL
is upgrading six main power lines in Boynton Beach in 2015. Other improvements
in Boynton Beach this year include: inspecting 5,110 utility poles for
strength, clearing vegetation – a common cause of power outages – from 120
miles of power lines and inspecting six main lines with advanced infrared
technology.
Strengthening
the Grid
When the
planned 2015 work is completed, FPL will have made the following improvements
in and near Boynton Beach since the last major hurricane season in 2005:
· Reinforced 15 main power lines,
including those serving critical local facilities, such as Bethesda Hospital
and the City of Boynton Beach’s 911 communication center and water treatment
plant.
·
Inspected 15,860 utility
poles, restoring or replacing those that no longer meet the company’s standards
for strength.
·
Cleared 1,065 miles of
power lines of trees and vegetation – a major cause of power outages.
· Inspected 55 main power lines and
equipment using the latest infrared technology, helping FPL address issues
before they cause outages.
Since 2006,
FPL has invested more than $2 billion across its 35-county service area – in
addition to its other ongoing system maintenance and improvement work – to make
the electric grid stronger and smarter.
