Progress Energy has completed a significant upgrade to an electric transmission line between Wayne and Lenoir counties in North Carolina. The $14 million investment reflects ongoing growth in the area and will help ensure a continuous reliable flow of electricity throughout the region in the future.

The transmission line, which extends nearly 30 miles across portions of Lenoir and Wayne counties, was built in the late 1960s. As population increased in those areas, Progress Energy began the process of doubling the line's capacity along the existing route.

The upgrade commenced in 2004. Over two years, transmission crews installed approximately 225 new steel structures and more than 900,000 feet of new line. Construction crews also removed more than 200 existing wood structures and nearly 500,000 feet of old line during the reconstruction.
Crews completed the project and placed the new line in service in late April. The system upgrades will help to ensure an adequate supply of electricity to meet growing electrical demand in the area. With more electronics in widespread use, Progress Energy customers use nearly 50 percent more electricity today than they did 30 years ago.

"Building and maintaining power systems is an integral part of Progress Energy's balanced solution for meeting future energy needs," said Dan Oliver, Progress Energy manager of community relations -- East Region. "Expanding this transmission line's capacity enables us to continue providing reliable service to our customers throughout Eastern North Carolina."