With a goal of building a smarter energy infrastructure that is more flexible, reliable and resilient than ever, Gulf Power has invested hundreds of millions of dollars over the last several years in infrastructure upgrades across Northwest Florida.
“The key to keeping reliability high and ensuring the grid is prepared for our customers’ future is investing in technology, maintenance and upgrades,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power chairman, president and CEO.
Some of the upgrades across the service footprint have included the installation of the latest technology such as smart, self-healing equipment, substation upgrades and replacing most wooden transmission structures with concrete poles and wooden cross arms with steel arms.
“These investments help improve our ability to withstand the rigors of our coastal environment, better secure the energy grid and prepare for future growth,” added Connally. “Making sure our customers can count on us for reliable energy is critical, and the investments we continue to make in our system are paying off.”
With recent and ongoing infrastructure upgrades to make the energy grid stronger, Gulf Power customers are also enjoying fewer outages than in any time in recent history. In fact, investments in the energy grid have improved reliability for the utility’s 460,000 customers by almost 20 percent since 2010.
“This work is just a part of many investments we’re making to ensure we continue to deliver the best value to our customers,” said Connally. “From investing in technologies and upgrades, to adding renewables to our portfolio, our team is working hard to make sure we can provide the safe, clean, reliable and affordable energy our customers need today, and in the future.”