The Florida Public Service Commission submitted a report to the governor and legislature today, analyzing the reliability of the existing transmission system and coordinated efforts for future transmission developments. The report shows that Florida's electric transmission grid is reliable for providing service to retail customers, and procedures are in place to address long range transmission needs.

Florida's transmission system currently has about 15,700 miles of transmission lines. Over the next five years, Florida's utilities plan to add approximately 1100 miles of transmission lines at a cost of approximately US$1.7 billion to accommodate the needs of the state's expanding population. In response to a special transmission study of the central Florida region, four utilities plan to spend approximately $277 million for additional transmission facilities, to be completed by 2011.

The report also addresses the PSC's efforts to examine ways to strengthen the state's electric infrastructure in light of the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons. In 2006, the PSC initiated a multifaceted approach for utilities to better prepare for storms, including more frequent wood pole inspections, vegetation management, and increased construction standards for electric facilities. These storm hardening efforts will continue in 2007.