Duke Energy Florida has completed two new solar energy sites in Hernando and Sumter counties. The Half Moon Renewable Energy Center in Sumter County and the Rattler Renewable Energy Center in Hernando County each provide 74.9 megawatts (MW) of solar power to the grid.
According to Duke Energy Florida, these facilities are expected to save its two million customers an estimated $500 million over their operational lifetimes by reducing reliance on fuel sources such as natural gas. The cost of fuel is directly passed through to customers, so using more solar energy helps lower overall costs.
The construction of these sites is part of an agreement with the Florida Public Service Commission to develop 12 new solar installations between 2025 and 2027. In total, these projects are projected to add 900 MW of energy capacity and generate approximately $3 billion in customer savings during their service periods.
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said, “Our customers are the motivation for our ongoing solar energy expansion – as they are for everything we do, every day. Each new solar site creates considerable savings for them, while diversifying and strengthening our generation fleet, ensuring we’re delivering on our commitment to providing safe, reliable energy at the lowest price possible.”
Currently, Duke Energy Florida operates more than 30 solar sites statewide with a combined capacity of about 1,700 MW. The company expects this figure to grow significantly; by the end of 2033 it anticipates having over 6,100 MW of utility-scale solar generating capacity online.
Duke Energy Florida serves two million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida and owns a total energy capacity of 12,300 MW.
Its parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It supplies electricity to approximately 8.4 million customers across six states and owns a total electric capacity of 54,800 MW. Duke Energy also provides natural gas services to around 1.7 million customers in several states.
The company continues its efforts toward transitioning its energy mix by investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources including renewables such as solar power.
For further information about Duke Energy’s initiatives or operations visit duke-energy.com or the Duke Energy News Center.
