Duke Energy Florida has announced plans to add nearly 300 megawatts 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 sites that will be located in Columbia, Osceola, and Sumter counties.
According to Duke Energy Florida, these new sites are expected to save customers an estimated $1 billion over their service lifetimes by reducing reliance on fuel sources such as natural gas. Fuel costs are passed directly to customers, so increased solar generation is anticipated to lower bills.
The company currently transfers about $65 million per year in Inflation Reduction Act production tax credits to customers, which reduces monthly bills by at least $2.50 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours used. This savings is projected to grow as more solar facilities become operational.
Each site will generate approximately 150 temporary construction jobs for local communities during development. At full output, each facility could save about 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 planned projects include Jumper Creek Renewable Energy Center in Sumter County (completion July 2026), Turnpike Renewable Energy Center in Osceola County (December 2026), Lonesome Camp Renewable Energy Center in Osceola County (February 2027), and Banner Renewable Energy Center in Columbia County (March 2027).
By the end of this year, Duke Energy Florida expects to operate around 30 solar energy sites statewide with a combined capacity exceeding 1,700 megawatts. The new projects represent the second phase of a broader agreement aiming for twelve new sites—adding a total of 900 megawatts between now and 2027—with earlier phases already underway.
Looking further ahead, Duke Energy projects that its utility-scale solar generating capacity will surpass 6,100 megawatts by the end of 2033.
Duke Energy Florida serves two million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a territory covering roughly thirteen thousand square miles within the state. Its parent company owns significant electric and natural gas operations throughout several states nationwide.
For more information about Duke Energy’s ongoing projects or customer programs visit duke-energy.com or follow updates via social media channels listed on their website.
