FPL moves hundreds of overhead power lines underground as part of pilot program
MIAMI SPRINGS, Fla. – As of Thursday, Florida Power & Light Co. had 53 miles of overhead power lines underground. FPL estimates that between 300 and 700 power lines will be placed underground annually from 2021 to 2023. Berlot said neighborhood power lines are chosen for the program based on past hurricane outage performance, a history of vegetation-related interruptions, and other reliability factors. Trees and vegetation coming in contact with overhead lines were the leading cause of outages during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Bertot said underground lines showed about 83% better performance as opposed to overhead.
FPL to lower rates next year, but don't get too excited
MIAMI - Do you want the good news or bad news first? OK, the good news: FPL announced Wednesday power rates will be lowered next year, thereby decreasing bills for customers all throughout Florida. Your bill will likely go down by about $4 a month, or less than $50 a year. In other words, don't fork over a down payment on that new Ferrari just yet. FPL says it requested a monthly bill decrease from the Florida Public Service Commission this week and were given the go-ahead to offer the not-so-whopping savings.