In March 2023, residents of St. Petersburg's North Kenwood neighborhood expressed concerns
over Duke Energy's installation of a large steel power pole near their homes. Homeowner
Kristina Deterding, who had recently moved into the area, was unaware of the project until
construction crews began removing trees and installing the pole. She noted that the presence of
such infrastructure could negatively impact property values and the neighborhood's aesthetic
appeal. Deterding reached out to Duke Energy and consulted with an attorney to address her
concerns.
Duke Energy explained that the Kenwood Transmission Line Upgrade was necessary to enhance
the reliability and resilience of the power grid in a rapidly growing area. The project involved
replacing existing wooden poles with single-pole steel structures. While the utility company
acknowledged the aesthetic concerns, they emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable
power supply for the community. Duke Energy also mentioned that under-grounding the lines
was not feasible in older neighborhoods due to potential conflicts with existing underground
utilities and the higher costs associated with such installations.