FPL installing advanced, automated switches to expand the smart grid, deliver reliable service to customers
JUNO BEACH, FL – Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has planned a number of system upgrades in the Miramar 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 14 automated switches along its main “feeder” power lines and 231 automated switches along smaller “lateral” lines serving neighborhoods in Miramar 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 Miramar 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 Miramar
In addition to the installation of the automated switches, FPL will upgrade the power lines serving key facilities in the Miramar area, such as the community thoroughfare along Flamingo 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 four main power lines in Mira-mar in 2015. Other improvements in Miramar this year include: inspecting 650 utility poles for strength, clearing vegetation – a common cause of power outages – from 135 miles of power lines and inspecting seven 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 Mira-mar since the last major hurricane season in 2005:
- Reinforced 15 main power lines, including those serving critical local facilities, such as Memorial Hospital Miramar, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue Emergency Medical Services telecom tower and a local 911 emergency communications center.
- Inspected 8,200 utility poles, restoring or replacing those that no longer meet the company’s standards for strength.
- Cleared 1,270 miles of power lines of trees and vegetation – a major cause of power outages.
- Inspected 85 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 two billion dollars 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.
For more information, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.