Cape Coral Transmission


South Cape Coral needs more available power to prevent an overload or rolling brown outs in the event of an outage. This project will increase reliability (power available when needed by customers), and consistency with the structure of the rest of the electric grid to ensure that customers have power when they want it.

The new transmission line in South Cape Coral is designed as a loop system and will increase reliability by providing alternate sources of electricity during an outage, rather than one. The new line will also be beneficial in increasing load capacity to meet the growth demand in South Cape Coral.

Transmission lines are higher voltage than distribution lines. They are placed on taller poles and carry electricity between substations which "step down" the voltage to be carried into homes and businesses through distribution lines.

Customers will not necessarily see any additional costs associated with a new transmission line. LCEC will pay the full cost of standard installation, passing on no additional costs to our customers. It is LCEC's policy that customers who request underground electric service from LCEC pay the difference in cost. Added costs from an enhancement such as underground lines are the responsibility of that requesting customer. LCEC simply will not pass these costs on to all other customers.

LCEC did not have a base rate increases in 2009 and will not have an increase in 2010. Included in the current LCEC rates are infrastructure upgrades and construction needed to maintain or improve reliability. In order to continue providing cost-competitive rates, LCEC constructs new transmission and distribution lines overhead. However, we routinely consider installation of underground lines when the requestor pays the cost difference between overhead and underground construction.

The cost differential is estimated to be up to $4.5 million. Underground differential costs relate to location, terrain, design, materials, permitting and labor.

There is currently approximately 1,700 miles of underground distribution line on the LCEC system at this time. Customers requesting the underground service funding the installation

Underground installation is considered an upgrade for aesthetic benefits and does not benefit the entire customer base. For that reason, as is customary for all utilities, LCEC will not pass the costs for underground installation on to customers in the form of higher rates.

LCEC develops its budget using the most cost-effective construction methods that deliver reliable electricity - in most cases, overhead lines. LCEC pays the amount allocated for overhead construction and the requestor of underground service pays costs incurred above and beyond to install underground. Underground transmission is not the standard. It is more expensive and requires specialized equipment, experts and materials for installation and repair.

A little more than 70 percent of an LCEC customer's bill is attributed to power costs. LCEC employees and trustees are tasked with managing the expenses that make up the rest of the bill, which also includes property taxes, interest payments and margins required by lenders. Controlling these expenses includes, but goes beyond cost-cutting measures. We also strive to improve processes and capitalize on efficiencies while providing the quality service our customers have come to expect.

The difference is almost solely in aesthetics. Both underground and overhead lines are subject to lightning damage. Although overhead lines may have more exposure than underground lines to wind damage or collisions, underground facilities are more prone to flood damage, especially in coastal areas where exposure to salt water could cause an outage. The key difference between underground and overhead lines is that it typically takes more time with underground lines to diagnose the problem and perform the repair. This difference in repair time can often be characterized in days rather than hours.

LCEC does not oppose placing lines underground. However, it is important to note that there are both pros and cons to building lines overhead and underground, and the reliability of overhead and underground lines is comparable.

LCEC has been working on the South Cape transmission line project with City staff, City Council and the CRA for over a decade to develop a joint plan that meets the needs of this area in terms of electric reliability. The existing system will not support the current electric load in this area should an outage of the transmission system occur.

Because of the required location of the line, LCEC consulted with all parties to find a solution that remains in the best interest of residents and businesses in the area. The project was publicized in customer newsletters over the course of planning, discussed at Cape Coral City Council meetings and publicized in the media. Additionally, information was provided at www.lcec.net.

Since 2001, several routes have been provided after much consideration and discussion with the City of Cape Coral. Decision-making factors included looking for the shortest distance (to save on material costs), construction feasibility and minimizing impact on residents and businesses. The line must be located within the area it will serve and it connects two substations to provide the essential reliability. LCEC remained route-neutral throughout the process.

Yes, the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will fund the estimated $4.5 million to place just over 4,000 feet of the transmission line underground on 46th Lane. LCEC will contribute the $800,000 cost of proposed overhead lines to help fund the underground project. Construction is anticipated to begin in the early part of 2011.

Higher voltage lines have greater electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) than distribution lines. Overhead lines are also a greater distance away from most human contact - and so there is less exposure to people living and working nearby. We are all exposed to EMFs every day - mostly from electrical wiring in buildings, electric motors and appliances, televisions, computers and alarm clocks.

Numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to discern the relationship, if any, between exposure to EMFs and human health. After decades of study, there has been no scientifically recognized consensus establishing a cause and effect relationship.

LCEC is obligated to provide reliable and consistent electricity to customers by updating existing infrastructure. For nearly 70 years, LCEC has worked hard to provide reliable electricity at competitive prices and we will continue to do whatever is necessary to meet our obligation. Without this line, service interruptions may affect 22,000 Cape Coral homes and businesses. We hope that working together with the City of Cape Coral we can meet customers' current and future needs.

Installation of the overhead line began in July, 2010. The overhead line begins at the LCEC Everest substation and continues south along the west side of Del Prado Boulevard to the northwest corner of 46th Lane. Construction crews will work to minimize the impact to businesses during construction. A total of approximately 29 poles will be installed in public utility easements during the first stage of the project. The overhead portion will be complete by the end of 2010 or sooner.

© 2011 LCEC - Terms and Conditions