ORLANDO, Fla. — Duke Energy Florida plans to build four solar energy sites in Orange and Sumter counties, with construction set to begin in 2027.
The company says all four could be operating by June 2028. Together, they would add 300 megawatts of power to the electric grid.
Duke estimates the sites would save customers a total of $1 billion in fuel costs over about 30 years. Those savings would build up over time, rather than show up as an immediate cut to monthly bills.
The utility filed its plans with the Florida Public Service Commission on Nov. 10.
Where will the sites be built?
Three sites are planned for Orange County and one for Sumter County:
- Nova Renewable Energy Center, Orange County: Construction is expected to start in January 2027 and finish in February 2028.
- Bull Creek Renewable Energy Center, Orange County: Construction is expected to start in March 2027 and finish in April 2028.
- Hogeye Renewable Energy Center, Sumter County: Construction is expected to start in May 2027 and finish in May 2028.
- Wewahootee Renewable Energy Center, Orange County: Construction is expected to start in May 2027 and finish in June 2028.
The dates are tentative. Duke did not include street addresses in its announcement.
How could customers save money?
Solar sites use sunlight to generate electricity, reducing the need for fuels such as natural gas. Duke says each new site could save customers about $250 million in fuel costs over its operating life.
The company also says it currently passes about $75 million a year in federal solar tax credits to Florida customers. According to Duke, those credits lower a monthly bill by at least $2.50 for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity used.
Duke expects that benefit to grow as more solar sites open. It has not said how much these four projects would save an individual customer each month.
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