March 2016, Vol. 243, No. 3
Projects
Florida Southeast Connection Project Gains FERC Approval
Florida Southeast Connection, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., received a Certificate of Public Need and Necessity from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct and operate a proposed pipeline to transport natural gas to South Florida. The approval provides the company with authorization, subject to certain conditions, to prepare for construction, which is expected to begin this spring.
“This is a major milestone for an important infrastructure project that will help meet the growing energy needs of South Floridians for generations to come,” said Michael DeBock, executive director of gas infrastructure for NextEra Energy.
The estimated $550 million Florida Southeast Connection pipeline would interconnect with the two existing systems in Central Florida and a new interstate pipeline expected to be built and operated by Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC. The Sabal Trail pipeline would originate in Alabama to access the natural gas reserves in various regions of the U.S. It would terminate at a new Central Florida Hub south of Orlando. Sabal Trail is a joint venture of Spectra Energy Partners, LP, NextEra Energy and Duke Energy.
The Florida Southeast Connection pipeline route originates in Osceola County and runs 126 miles south and east, terminating at the FPL Martin Clean Energy Center in Indiantown. The company expects FERC to issue a Notice to Proceed with Construction this spring. Construction of the pipeline and associated facilities is expected to take one year. It is scheduled to be in-service next year.
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