Florida Power & Light Company has announced a plan to build a new transmission line to serve growing Manatee and Sarasota counties. The transmission line is necessary to meet additional electric needs caused by customer growth and the overall increased use of electricity in the region. The new power line will further benefit the region by enhancing the strength, reliability and security of the electric grid for everyone.

FPL has not selected a route for the new transmission line. The company plans to work with community leaders, regulatory agencies, residents and others during a comprehensive route selection and permitting process. During this process community members will have the opportunity to learn about the project, provide information and share views with the FPL project team on potential routes. FPL says the line must be in service by the end of 2011, as the increase in demand may exceed the current system's electrical-delivery capacity, causing a potential overload and power outages if FPL does not plan accordingly.

"We are committed to providing quality, reliable electric service to fulfill the growing demands of our residential and commercial customers," said Mel Klein, external affairs manager, for FPL. "To do this we often need to enhance the infrastructure to ensure reliable service now and in the future. This power line is not only needed to meet the growth in the area. Our existing customers are using more electricity, too."

The new power line will be permitted through the process outlined in Florida's Transmission Line Siting Act (TLSA). The TLSA applies to transmission lines that are designed to operate at 230 kV or more, cross a county line, and are 15 miles or more in length.

"We look forward to a constructive and collaborative relationship with our neighbors as we move forward. We pledge to share information about the project and to work safely and respectfully throughout siting and construction," Klein said.