The Osprey Energy Center is strategically located in Central Florida (i.e., Osceola, Orange, Lake, Sumter and Polk counties) where Duke Energy serves a growing population (i.e., estimated 733,000 customers). The project will enable Duke Energy to deliver additional energy generated at the Osprey Energy Center to our major growth areas in Central Florida and surrounding areas. In addition, the two new 230-kV transmission lines will help relieve energy overloads on the existing Duke Energy transmission system by supplying an alternate path of energy flow to the surrounding areas. The new transmission infrastructure will also provide the opportunity for future economic development and growth in the region.
Polk County Reliability Enhancement Project
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Polk County Reliability Enhancement Project
Working to create a stronger electric grid
The construction of two transmission lines and a new substation will strengthen reliability and enhance the ability of Duke Energy and neighboring utilities to deliver additional energy generated at the Osprey Energy Center to major growth areas in Central Florida and surrounding areas.
Project at a glance
- Construction of a new Osprey Substation near the Duke Energy-owned Osprey Energy Center in the city of Auburndale.
- A new transmission line between the new substation west to the existing Kathleen Substation in northwest Polk County.
- A new transmission line between the new substation east to the Haines City East Substation in Haines City.
- View interactive map.
Project area: Polk County, Kathleen, Haines City, Auburndale
Project plan: Two new transmission lines and a new substation
Total length of transmission lines: 47.6 miles
Line voltage: 230 kilovolts
Pole height and type: Single-pole steel or concrete approximately 90 to 110 feet
Construction start:
- Osprey Substation: Spring 2021
- Transmission line (Osprey – Kathleen): Early 2022
- Transmission line (Osprey – Haines City): Spring 2022
Project completion: 2024
Transmission Line Routes
Kathleen Transmission Line
A new 230-kV transmission line will extend from the Osprey Energy Center approximately 26.2 miles west to the existing Kathleen substation in Polk County. Vegetation removal and construction of the Kathleen-Osprey transmission line will begin in late 2021 and will be completed in early 2022.
View larger map
Haines City Transmission Line
A new 230-kV transmission line will extend from the Osprey Energy Center approximately 21.4 miles east to the existing Haines City East substation in Polk County. Vegetation removal and construction of the Haines City-Osprey transmission line will begin in spring 2022 and will be completed in late 2023.
View larger map
Osprey Substation
Construction is underway for a new substation located at 1708 Derby Rd., Auburndale. The new Osprey Substation will take energy generated at the Osprey Energy Center and deliver it throughout the region and the state through Duke Energy's electric transmission system.
Timeline*
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Easement acquisition
Through early 2022
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Preconstruction work, including surveying, soil boring and staking
Through early 2022
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Osprey Substation Construction Starts
Spring 2021
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Line construction between Osprey and Kathleen substations starts
Late 2021
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Line construction between Osprey and Haines City substations starts
Spring 2022
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Both transmission lines placed in service
Late 2023
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Property restoration/project complete
Through 2024
* Timeline and project approvals are subject to change based on permitting timelines, additional scope development, weather conditions or other uncontrollable events. Factors such as weather, availability of crews and equipment or unforeseen circumstances may impact the schedule. Many of the activities associated with the design, engineering, and construction of the transmission lines may overlap and do not necessarily happen in a sequential manner over the entire distance of the project. These activities will occur in different locations at different times due to the size of the project and need to optimize the use of resources.
Project Benefits and Information
Frequently Asked Questions
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The new lines will be built on single concrete or steel poles, about 90 to 110 feet tall.
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With a stronger smarter grid, this transmission improvement project will directly benefit electric customers in Central Florida with improved reliability. The project will add needed capacity to support increasing demand for electricity for growing communities in the region and will minimize the risk and duration of customer outages.
Contact Us
PolkReliabilityEnhancements@duke-energy.com
Call us at: 800.774.2852
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