Gulf Power to upgrade Northwest Florida grid in preparation for storm season

Gulf Power will upgrade the grid in Northwest Florida, including the Pensacola area, to improve reliability and energy delivery throughout the region in preparation for storm season, the utility announced on Friday.

“This project is part of our commitment to provide safe, clean and reliable energy as we meet our customers’ needs today, tomorrow and into the future,” Gulf Power Spokesperson Rick DelaHaya said. “These are proactive measures to improve the infrastructure to withstand future storms, develop smarter energy delivery systems, and continue to meet the energy needs of our customers.”

Gulf Power crews will begin system upgrade efforts beginning this month. As part of the initiative, crews will reinforce utility poles across major intersections, including the one-half mile corridor on S. Tarragona St. between Church St. and E. Garden St. Upgrades also include updating infrastructure at the corridor on S. Tarragona St. between Government St. and Alcaniz St.

The crew will also consolidate some energy infrastructure, including the removal of exposed transformers, to use the most current utility poles, hardware, and overhead equipment, taking care to not disrupt businesses and consumers. When the project is complete, it is expected to make energy availability in the area more reliable and resilient.

The project is one of several Gulf Power commissioned since 2010 to improve energy infrastructure in the area. Through $15 million in investments, Gulf Power has upgraded the infrastructure to smart technology, upgraded substations and upgraded transmission lines to reduce outages.