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 details with the Florida Public Service Commission regarding four new solar energy sites that will be built in Columbia, Osceola, and Sumter counties.
The addition of these sites is expected to save customers an estimated $1 billion over their service lifetimes by reducing reliance on fuel sources such as natural gas. Since the cost of fuel is passed directly to customers, expanding solar capacity can help lower electricity bills. Duke Energy Florida also transfers about $65 million in production tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to customers each year, reducing monthly bills by at least $2.50 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours used; this savings will increase as more solar sites come online.
Each site under construction is projected to create an average of 150 temporary jobs locally. Environmentally, when operating at peak output, a single site can annually save about 1.1 million cubic feet of natural gas, 12,000 barrels of fuel oil, and 9,000 tons of coal.
“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 new projects are scheduled for completion between July 2026 and March 2027: 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 2025, Duke Energy Florida expects to own or operate about 30 solar sites statewide with a combined capacity exceeding 1,700 megawatts. These latest projects represent the second phase in an agreement to build twelve new sites totaling approximately 900 megawatts between now and 2027; work on the first phase began earlier this year.
Looking ahead further, Duke Energy Florida aims for over 6,100 megawatts of utility-scale solar generating capacity online by the end of 2033.
Duke Energy Florida serves two million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a service area spanning roughly thirteen thousand square miles. Its parent company Duke Energy operates across several states and manages significant investments in both traditional and renewable power generation.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com and through various social media channels.
