GARLAND, Texas, January 28, 2005 -- Garland Power & Light is making sure the new Harbor Point project will have reliable electric service through a comprehensive planning and construction program that will upgrade the entire southern sector of Garland.

When complete, Harbor Point, a new destination retail center planned for the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard south of I-30, will have electric demands "that will be the equivalent of approximately 350 homes," said T&D Electric Engineer Minh Ngo.

In addition, it is anticipated the Harbor Point project will stimulate commercial development along the I-30 corridor, resulting in additional demand in coming years. "We're planning for all of that projected development," said Ngo. "Harbor Point is giving us the opportunity to upgrade our infrastructure in the southern sector, supporting our efforts for increased reliability throughout our service area," he added.

The development will include a 120,000-square foot Bass Pro Shop, a hotel and several restaurants. The lakeside location will include a private boat dock, to accommodate boaters who visit the complex.

"GP&L's construction begins in spring 2005 and should be finished in early summer," said GP&L's Harbor Point Project Manager Sonie Jackson.

The new construction includes distribution lines and poles for two feeder lines from the Rosehill and Lyons Substations, plus upgrades for a third line from Lyons, which will function as a backup feeder. Because the substations are approximately five miles away, as many as 200 poles will be replaced and updated. In addition, as soon as the ground is graded at the Harbor Point construction site, GP&L will be the first in, with underground lines on site, and the construction of other electric facilities.

The Harbor Point project will be approximately half the size of the Firewheel Town Center, currently under construction in the northern sector of the City of Garland.