Projected electric demand in the area between Goldsboro and Clinton is expected to exceed local system capability and, possibly, create voltage problems by 2010. As part of its program of continuous planning and improvement, Progress Energy has identified the area for an upgrade to its transmission facilities.

Progress Energy's proposed transmission project – one of several planned in Progress Energy's service area – is designed to help ensure a continued reliable supply of electric service to homes and businesses. The company plans to invest approximately $25 million in building a 32-mile transmission line between the Progress Energy Lee Plant, near Goldsboro, N.C., and an existing transmission substation in Sampson County (28 miles of 230-kilovolt (kv), and four miles of 115 kv). The line will be attached to transmission poles approximately 100 feet above ground and spaced approximately every 500-700 feet. The company also will build a new substation in the Mt. Olive area, to help alleviate transmission system overloads and voltage problems there.

The project is planned to be completed in two phases. The first phase, scheduled for completion in June 2010, involves constructing a new 28-mile 230kV from the Lee Plant to an existing substation north of Clinton in Sampson County. The final phase, scheduled for completion by June 2011, includes building a new Mt. Olive transmission substation and connecting it to the new power line.

Route selection, right-of-way acquisition, additional engineering and design and other milestones will occur before construction gets under way.

Project Need

• Electricity usage in the region continues to grow at a significant rate, and the electric system must keep pace. In addition to building a number of new power plants – including the Wayne County Plant, which came on line in 2000 – Progress Energy must enhance the transmission and distribution system to help ensure a continuous, reliable flow of electricity to homes and businesses in the region. This project is one of several major transmission system upgrades under way or planned to benefit Progress Energy's North Carolina customers. Progress Energy expects to invest more than $350 million in transmission system enhancements in the Carolinas by 2012.
• Without the transmission system upgrades, this area could exceed electric system capability in the near future, potentially creating the types of electric system concerns that have plagued other parts of the country in recent months.
• Electricity is far too important for our customers to risk service interruptions or problems with power quality due to inadequate facilities. Progress Energy and the N.C. Utilities Commission have an obligation to ensure that the electric system is maintained and upgraded appropriately.

Additional Benefits

• The transmission upgrades will generate an estimated $170,000 in additional annual property tax revenues for local municipalities and county governments.
• Maintaining a robust system for supplying and delivering electricity is integral in ensuring the continued economic prosperity of the region.
• The addition of the substation will improve power quality and reliability in the area.

Schedule

The process of route selection is complete. The final route was selected in late 2001. Survey work and acquisition of the transmission line right-of-way began in 2002. Land acquisition is expected to be completed in 2007. The line is expected to be in service in June 2010.

Maps

• Study area
    246 Kb
• Preferred route: Section One
    218 Kb
• Preferred route: Section Two
    214 Kb
• Preferred route: Section Three
    205 Kb

Permit Requirements

The project requires a number of local, state and federal permits and approvals, including environmental and construction permits. Progress Energy will work with local governments and agencies to ensure that the project complements local growth plans. And Progress Energy will comply with all regulatory requirements related to the construction and operation of the facilities.

Public Participation

Progress Energy believes public participation is critical to the success of the project. Among other communication initiatives, the company held public information meetings in Mt. Olive in July 2001. The purpose of these meetings was to provide information on the scope and schedule of the project and to gather pertinent information from property owners and others on the proposed route. The N.C. Utilities Commission also held a public hearing in May 2002 and issued a certificate for construction in mid-2002.

Land Acquisition

Progress Energy land agents are currently working individually with property owners in purchasing easements for the facilities. The line will require 50 feet of right of way on both sides. Progress Energy negotiates individually for easements, and landowners retain ownership of the property.

Overhead Versus Underground

Progress Energy investigated the possibility of putting the line underground. The reliability of underground transmission lines is a major question across the United States, as relatively few have been constructed. A fault in a buried line, caused by a manufacturing defect or an accidental dig-in, would take much longer to locate and repair than a similar fault in an overhead line. Other adverse factors regarding underground transmission lines are the effects they can have on wetlands and soil erosion and the decreased electrical capacity they can carry.