Duke Energy Florida has announced plans to add nearly 300 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to the state’s electric grid by early 2027. The company filed its proposal with the Florida Public Service Commission, detailing four new solar energy sites to be located in Columbia, Osceola, and Sumter counties.
According to Duke Energy Florida, these sites are expected to save customers an estimated $1 billion over their service lifetimes. The savings come from reduced fuel costs, as expanding solar capacity displaces the need for natural gas and other fuels that would otherwise be used for electricity generation. Fuel costs are passed directly to customers through their bills.
The company also noted it transfers about $65 million per year in production tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to customers. This transfer currently lowers monthly bills by at least $2.50 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours consumed, with potential increases as more solar sites begin operation.
Each site will create an average of 150 temporary construction jobs locally. Environmentally, each site is projected at peak output to save approximately 1.1 million cubic feet of natural gas, 12,000 barrels of fuel oil, and 9,000 tons of coal annually.
“These solar energy sites will deliver real, tangible value for our customers,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “It’s all part of a larger strategy to diversify our generation fleet and make it more efficient and cost-effective for the people, businesses and communities we have the privilege of serving across Florida.”
The four projects include Jumper Creek Renewable Energy Center in Sumter County (completion July 2026), Turnpike Renewable Energy Center in Osceola County (completion December 2026), Lonesome Camp Renewable Energy Center in Osceola County (completion February 2027), and Banner Renewable Energy Center in Columbia County (completion March 2027).
By the end of 2025, Duke Energy Florida expects to own or operate around 30 solar energy sites contributing over 1,700 MW statewide. The new facilities represent the second phase of a plan aiming for twelve new sites totaling an additional 900 MW between 2025 and 2027; the first phase is already underway.
Looking further ahead, Duke Energy projects its utility-scale solar generating capacity will exceed 6,100 MW by the end of 2033.
Duke Energy Florida serves two million customers across a service area spanning approximately 13,000 square miles. Its parent company operates electric utilities serving over eight million customers across six states and continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources including renewables.
For more information on Duke Energy’s operations or renewable energy initiatives visit duke-energy.com or the company’s news center.
