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 is not considering rate increases for 2009, and 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.

Customers could potentially see an increase if the city determines that it is necessary to enact a surcharge for city of Cape Coral customers in order to fund underground transmission lines.


The cost differential is estimated to be up to $5 million. Underground differential costs relate to location, terrain, design, materials, permitting and labor.


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 to afford the cost to install new infrastructure using the most cost-effective methods that deliver reliable electricity - in this case, overhead lines. LCEC would still pay the amount allocated for overhead construction and the requestor would pay 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 has consulted with all parties to find a solution that remains in the best interest of residents and businesses in the area. The City of Cape Coral must provide appropriate permitting for the project to proceed.

The need is critical at this time and the next step is for City Council to approve a route. From there they will have time to determine if they wish to have the line installed overhead, at no additional cost, or underground. Should they choose to have the line installed underground they will also have time to formulate funding options.


Yes, 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 the minimal impact on residents. The line must be located within the area it will serve and it connects two substations to provide the essential reliability. LCEC is route-neutral, but it is essential that the City of Cape Coral decides upon a route soon.


On the contrary, new development requires a reliable source of electricity. Early developers and those since knew that a reliable infrastructure was critical to growth. The health, safety and economic welfare of businesses and residents depend on electricity.


Higher voltage lines have greater electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) than distribution lines, but they area 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.


You can contact your City Council leaders through an email, a phone call or attendance at a City Council meeting. Let your City leaders know that you support their timely selection of a route. Let them know that you are concerned about reliable, consistent electricity in Cape Coral. Remain informed and involved about the issue. If you have additional questions or comments for LCEC, please email . To contact city leaders, email or call 239-574-0437.

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