FPL announces major upgrades in Palm Beach County

FPL crews convert overhead power lines with underground lines. [Photo by FPL]

Palm Beach County residents can expect a more resilient and reliable power grid as Florida Power & Light moves forward with significant infrastructure upgrades across the region. The initiative is part of FPL’s Storm Secure program, designed to reduce outages and restore service more quickly after severe weather events such as hurricanes.

FPL will undertake 345 Storm Secure Underground Program (SSUP) projects, which involve replacing overhead neighborhood power lines with underground systems. These upgrades are a key component of the utility’s long-term strategy to minimize storm-related outages and enhance the overall reliability of the electric grid.

Ad

In addition, 21 main power lines, including those serving hospitals, emergency response facilities and water treatment plants, will be fortified with stronger poles and other structural enhancements. These hardened lines are expected to speed up post-storm power restoration, especially for critical community infrastructure.

Other key upgrades include:

·       2,057 miles of power lines are scheduled for inspection or vegetation trimming to address tree-related outages, one of the most common causes of power disruptions.

·       18,290 power poles will be inspected across the county, with repairs or replacements made to those not meeting FPL’s safety and performance standards.

·       37 intelligent devices will be installed on neighborhood, main and underground lines. These smart switches help detect outages and automatically reroute power to minimize the impact.

Ad

Across the state, FPL is investing in technology and infrastructure to improve customer service and grid resilience. In 2024, the company avoided more than 2.7 million customer interruptions through self-healing smart-grid technology. FPL has installed more than 227,000 intelligent devices across its network and completed more than 3,000 neighborhood undergrounding projects since 2019.

Systemwide, 82% of FPL’s main power lines have been hardened or placed underground, and 96% of transmission structures are built from durable steel or concrete, replacing wooden structures with ones better equipped to withstand hurricane-force winds.

FPL is leveraging advanced technology to monitor vegetation and reduce the risk of tree-related outages. For example, state-of-the-art tools detect, assess and manage foliage that could contact power lines.

Ad

“We are grateful for FPL’s reliable service and the improvements they’re making in our community,” said Mary Lou Bedford, the CEO of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. “These system upgrades not only enhance our day-to-day electric service, but also help restore power faster after severe storms and hurricanes.”

FPL’s recent performance data underscore the effectiveness of these efforts. In its latest report to the Florida Public Service Commission, filed March 1, the company reported the best reliability in its history, including the lowest average outage time experienced by customers, surpassing a record set in 2023.