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 submitted a filing to the Florida Public Service Commission detailing four new solar energy sites that will be located in Columbia, Osceola, and Sumter counties.
The 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. These savings come from lower fuel costs, which are directly passed through to customers’ bills. Additionally, Duke Energy Florida transfers about $65 million in Inflation Reduction Act production tax credits to customers each year, resulting in a monthly bill reduction of at least $2.50 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours used. This amount is set to increase as more solar facilities come online.
Each site will generate an average of 150 temporary construction jobs for local communities. Environmentally, each facility at peak output is projected 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 (Sumter County), currently under construction with completion expected in July 2026.
– Turnpike Renewable Energy Center (Osceola County), beginning construction in December 2025 with completion planned for December 2026.
– Lonesome Camp Renewable Energy Center (Osceola County), starting January 2026 and finishing February 2027.
– Banner Renewable Energy Center (Columbia County), beginning February 2026 with completion scheduled for March 2027.
By the end of 2025, Duke Energy Florida expects to own and operate about 30 solar sites across the state contributing more than 1,700 MW to the grid. The four new projects represent the second phase of an agreement aimed at building twelve new sites between 2025 and 2027 that would add a total of 900 MW. The first phase is already underway.
Looking ahead, Duke Energy Florida projects its utility-scale solar generating capacity will exceed 6,100 MW by the end of 2033.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to two million customers across a service area covering approximately 13,000 square miles in Florida. Its parent company Duke Energy serves millions more across several states and continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources including renewables.
For further information about these initiatives or updates on project progress visit duke-energy.com or the Duke Energy News Center.
