Port Everglades details power upgrades

Port Everglades details power upgrades

Port Everglades officials said Friday that in anticipation of another heavy hurricane season, Florida Power & Light Co. is working daily at the port to install new hurricane-resistant utility poles and upgrade wiring throughout the port, which is South Florida's primary petroleum gateway.

   Port director Phillip C. Allen noted FPL selected Port Everglades as on the first of its more than 100 electrical network hardening projects because one-fifth of Florida's energy needs come from fuel products delivered by ship to petroleum companies and utilities located at the port.

   'Electrical power for the docks and the petroleum companies' terminals is essential for keeping South Florida on the move before and after a severe storm or hurricane,' Allen said.

   Fuel ships get first priority to enter the port after a storm, Allen said, adding that there still must be electrical power to pump fuel from the petroleum companies' terminal tanks into tanker trucks and pipelines for delivery to retail gas stations and distribution centers.

   Fuel coming through Port Everglades is distributed to 12 counties in South Florida. The port is also the entry point for aircraft fuel for three international airports.

   FPL is replacing 187 utility poles in the port with new cement poles that can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour.

   The power company is also replacing underground equipment, adding dockside lighting at petroleum piers, and upgrading one of the two substations used to distribute power into the port.

   The port noted that although power lines can still be damaged by flying debris, strengthening the electrical system will still reduce the potential for damage and speed post-storm restoration work, FPL spokesperson Amy Albury said.

   FPL said earlier it plans to have its priority hardening projects done by July 31.