FPL Strengthens Miami-Dade’s Grid for 2025 Hurricane Season
As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is taking proactive steps to ensure the energy grid in Miami-Dade County is more resilient, efficient, and storm-ready than ever before. These efforts are part of FPL’s ongoing commitment to provide safe, reliable electricity while minimizing outages—even in the face of Florida’s most powerful storms.
This 2025, FPL will implement a range of upgrades throughout Miami-Dade. These include 354 Storm Secure Underground Program (SSUP) projects, replacing overhead neighborhood power lines with underground lines that are significantly more storm-resilient. Sixty-one critical main power lines will be strengthened, especially those serving essential services such as hospitals, police and fire stations, and emergency centers.
To address one of the leading causes of outages—fallen trees and vegetation—FPL will inspect or trim over 2,400 miles of power lines. In addition, more than 20,000 power poles will be inspected, with replacements made as needed. Forty-nine smart devices will be installed on main, neighborhood, and underground power lines to help detect outages and reroute electricity, preventing widespread interruptions.
Across the state, FPL’s smart grid technology avoided over 2.7 million customer interruptions in 2024. Since 2019, the company has completed over 3,000 neighborhood undergrounding projects. Today, 82% of FPL’s main power lines and 96% of transmission structures have been hardened or replaced with stronger materials like steel and concrete.
Armando Fernandez, FPL’s director of external affairs for Miami-Dade, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “Our dedicated team is committed to providing customers in Miami-Dade County with safe and reliable electric service while keeping bills as low as possible. Although no energy grid is storm-proof, these upgrades have improved service reliability by more than 40% in the past two decades.
“Preparation extends beyond infrastructure. This week, FPL employees participated in their annual storm drill, simulating a major hurricane scenario to fine-tune emergency response protocols. “It’s not a matter of if—but when—a storm will impact Florida,” said FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel. “Our investments and training ensure we’re ready to respond quickly and effectively.”
In 2024, smart grid systems helped avoid over 800,000 outages during hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Underground power lines proved up to 14 times more reliable than overhead lines. As FPL works to strengthen its systems, customers are encouraged to prepare as well. Review emergency plans, test backup equipment, and visit www.FPL.com/Storm for preparedness tips to keep your home and family safe this hurricane season.
