Florida Power & Light gets approval for new transmission line
Florida Power & Light (FPL) got approval from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) for its proposed 79-mile transmission line that will run from FPL’s existing Sweatt Substation in Okeechobee County to its Whidden Substation in DeSoto County.
The 230 kilovolt (kV) Sweatt-Whidden Project (SWP) is needed to improve the reliability for FPL customers served from the existing 69kV circuit between Okeechobee and Whidden substations.
“The PSC determined that this project is needed because it will enhance system reliability, increase power transfer capability, and meet local area load requirements for FPL customers in the region,” PSC Chairman Andrew Giles Fay said. “Approximately 75 percent of the new transmission line will follow the path of the existing transmission line, also making this project cost-effective.”
The SWP projects entail the construction of approximately 21 miles of a new single circuit 230kV transmission line in Okeechobee County and the conversion of approximately 59 miles of 69kV to 230kV in Okeechobee, Highlands, and DeSoto Counties. It also consists of right-of-way clearing, access road construction where necessary, as well as line construction and restoration.
FPL is committed to keeping the community informed throughout the process. The company will provide additional information as the project progresses. Further, the company pledges to work safely and respectfully and abide by applicable environmental and governmental regulations.
The line is expected to be completed and begin service in December 2025.
