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Board Cites Cost, Affirms Overhead Transmission Policy
Jacksonville, FL (April 20, 2004) - After a review of the costs associated with installing all future transmission lines underground, prompted by neighborhood opposition to a transmission project on Joe's Road in west Jacksonville, the JEA Board of Directors voted unanimously to affirm JEA's current policy of placing most transmission lines above ground.
"This is really an issue about what is fair to all our customers and the cost associated with going underground with transmission lines," said JEA Board Chairperson Martha T. Lanahan. "We have many transmission projects planned and it would not be fair for JEA to place transmission underground at Joe's Road and not do the same in other areas of town."
About 25 residents of Joe's Road attended the meeting, and several spoke to Board Members during the public comment period.
JEA owns and operates about 700 miles of transmission lines. A staff review of 64 miles of planned transmission projects showed underground construction costs would be about five times higher. JEA staff estimates a $670,000-per-mile cost for overhead transmission lines versus $3.3-million-per-mile to bury the lines.
Lanahan said that, given the experience with Joe's Road residents, JEA will also review current community involvement procedures and look for better ways to communicate with residents about JEA projects prior to construction.
JEA is the eighth largest community owned electric utility in America providing electricity, water and sewer services to more than 750,000 accounts in Northeast Florida.
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