FPL Brings Underground Power Lines to Brevard: A Smart Move for Our Communities
Hey Space Coast neighbors! If you’ve ever faced flickering lights during stormy weather, you’ll want to hear about an exciting upgrade happening right here in Brevard County. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is on a mission to enhance our electric infrastructure by replacing overhead power lines with underground ones. This is more than just a change of scenery; it’s about boosting reliability and reducing those pesky storm-related outages.
In 2026, FPL will ramp up efforts to transform our neighborhoods with 39 new Storm Secure Underground Program (SSUP) projects. By placing power lines underground, they aim to shield our electrical systems from harsh weather, which is especially important as we continue to face hurricanes and tropical storms. Alongside these underground efforts, they’re also set to inspect over 11,164 power poles and trim approximately 1,161 miles of vegetation, tackling one of the biggest causes of outages head-on.
But how does this affect you? Well, it means fewer interruptions to your day-to-day life, whether you’re powering your morning coffee or enjoying a movie night with the family. FPL has made significant strides across Florida, avoiding over 1.6 million outages last year thanks to smart technology and efficient practices. Imagine knowing that most of the power lines in our area are now fortified against extreme conditions—that’s a huge win for all of us living along the Space Coast!
For the tech-savvy among us, it’s worth noting that 97% of FPL’s transmission structures are now either steel or concrete. These upgraded components strengthen the electrical system, contributing to FPL’s impressive reliability, which is about 67% better than the national average. All of this hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed; FPL recently earned the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for delivering outstanding service to over 6 million customers in Florida.
Michele Murrell, FPL’s local external affairs manager, emphasizes how dedicated their teams are to ensuring we receive safe and reliable electric service while keeping costs manageable. So, whether you’re a long-time Florida native or a recent transplant to the Space Coast, you can rest easier knowing these improvements are in place to help our community thrive, even during the stormiest of days.
What do you think, Space Coast? Drop your thoughts below.