FPL raises some transformers to prevent storm-related outages

When high tides or storm surges impact Longboat Key again, new transformer pads for the underground utilities may help to prevent outages in certain areas. 

From mid-July to August, 24-inch concrete pads will be installed under 20 underground utility transformers that failed during Hurricane Idalia last August and affected about 400 customers. Residents can see the start of this effort in areas of the north end of Longboat Key. 

In September 2023, Florida Power & Light launched a forensic investigation after the failures. The investigation, which finished in January, concluded that saltwater caused accelerated corrosion. This led to the decision to raise the affected transformers. 

During a June 17 Town Commission workshop, Public Works Director Isaac Brownman informed commissioners that the work to raise the transformers would start in mid-July, and replace 6-inch pads with 24-inch pads for those 20 failed transformers. 

Brownman also said at the workshop that FPL committed to streamlining Longboat Key’s project by allowing the island’s switching orders to bypass other areas, be approved in larger batches and have a dedicated FPL staff member for Longboat Key. 

According to Brownman’s July 17 update to commissioners, FPL is meeting that standard.

Phase 2 (Longboat Pass Bridge to Dream Island Road) is now operating on the underground system. There are seven large concrete poles and 10 smaller wooden service poles that were still waiting for removal as of the July 17 update. 

The transformers in Phase 3 (from the county line to Country Club Shores) are all now energized, and the project team is working on completing service conversions and switching orders, which are nearly 100% complete. 

Finally, the project team is just over halfway complete with transformer energization in Phase 4 (Dream Island Road to the county line). Only after all transformers are energized can service conversions begin.  

Monthly updates will continue to be sent to commissioners, with the next one expected in mid-August. Brownman also said that the project team will update residents more frequently about when their residence is scheduled to be energized and potential service disruptions. 

Also at the June workshop, Brownman said FPL committed to removing all existing poles on the island by Dec. 31, as long as no unforeseen circumstances delay the company’s efforts. 

Brownman’s update sent to town commissioners on July 17 said that the project remains on schedule to complete conversions islandwide within the month of October. No unforeseen circumstances, such as major storms, have yet to delay the progress this summer.