Public Service Commission

Docket No. 20260143-EI - Petition for determination of need for Avon Park to Vandolah transmission line in Highlands and Hardee Counties, by Duke Energy Florida, LLC. The purpose of this prehearing conference is to: (1) simplify the issues; (2) identify the positions of the parties on the issues; (3) consider the possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and of documents which will avoid unnecessary proof; (4) identify exhibits; (5) establish an order of witnesses; and (6) consider such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the action. The purpose of this hearing is for the Commission to receive evidence upon which it will take final action to determine the need, pursuant to Section 403.537, Florida Statutes (F.S.), for Duke Energy Florida, LLC’s (DEF) proposed construction of a 230-kV electric transmission line in parts of Highlands and Hardee Counties. The proposed transmission line will start at DEF’s existing Vandolah substation in Hardee County and end at DEF’s existing Avon Park substation in Highlands County. The Commission may rule on any such matter, including pending motions, from the bench or may take the matters under advisement. This proceeding shall: (1) allow DEF to present evidence and testimony in support of its petition for the determination of need for the Avon Park-Vandolah 230-kV transmission line; (2) permit intervenors to present testimony and other evidence concerning this matter; (3) provide members of the public who are not parties to the proceeding with an opportunity to present testimony concerning this matter; and (4) address any other matters the Commission may deem appropriate. Members of the public who are not parties to the need determination proceeding shall have an opportunity to present sworn testimony at the hearing regarding the need for the proposed transmission line. By providing public sworn testimony, a person does not become a party to the proceeding. If you wish to have party status, you must file a Motion for Intervention at least twenty (20) days before the final hearing, pursuant to the requirements contained in Rule 28-106.205, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). All witnesses shall be subject to cross-examination at the conclusion of their testimony. Interested persons may also request to be listed as an interested person for this docket, in which case they will receive notices and orders published and issued in the docket. Such requests should be made to: Florida Public Service Commission, Office of the Commission Clerk, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0850, or by telephone at 850-413-6770. The hearing will be governed by the provisions of Chapter 120, F.S., Section 403.537, F.S., and Chapters 25-22 and 28-106, F.A.C. Only issues relating to the need for the Avon Park-Vandolah 230-kV transmission line will be considered at the December 2, 2026 hearing. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate at this proceeding should contact the Office of Commission Clerk no later than five days prior to the hearing at 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0850 or 850-413-6770 (Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8770 Voice or 1-800-955-8771 TDD). Assistive Listening Devices are available upon request from the Office of Commission Clerk, Gerald L. Gunter Building, Room 152. EMERGENCY CANCELLATION OF HEARING: If a named storm or other disaster requires cancellation of the proceedings, Commission staff will attempt to give timely direct notice to the parties. Notice of cancellation will also be provided on the Commission’s website (http://www.floridapsc.com) under the “Hot Topics” link found on the home page. Cancellation can also be confirmed by calling the Office of the General Counsel at 850-413-6199. A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: N/A