Duke Energy Florida Proposes 300 MW Solar Expansion, $1B Savings

Duke Energy Florida has filed plans with the Florida Public Service Commission to develop four new solar energy facilities, adding 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity capacity to the state's power grid by mid-2028. Announced on 10 November 2026, the projects are expected to generate approximately $1 billion in customer savings through avoided fuel costs over their operational lifetimes of around 30 years. The expansion will support Florida's growing electricity demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based generation.

 

The four proposed facilities include Nova, Bull Creek, and Wewahatchee Renewable Energy Centers in Orange County, along with the Hogeye Renewable Energy Center in Sumter County. Construction is expected to begin between January and May 2027, with completion scheduled progressively from February to June 2028. Duke Energy Florida currently operates 25 solar facilities with a combined capacity of 1,850 MW, and each existing site can generate enough electricity for approximately 15,000 homes.

 

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According to the company, each new solar facility could save customers approximately $250 million in displaced fossil fuel costs over its operating lifetime. Duke Energy Florida also transfers around $75 million annually in federal production tax credits to customers, reducing monthly electricity bills by at least $2.50 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours consumed. These benefits are expected to increase as additional renewable energy facilities become operational.

 

Melissa Seixas, State President of Duke Energy Florida, said, “At Duke Energy Florida, our job is to make smart, disciplined investments today that will benefit our customers tomorrow. These solar energy sites are just one example of how we're planning for the future and strengthening our system to continue providing safe, reliable power, at the lowest possible price, for years to come.”

 

The company is also expanding its battery energy storage infrastructure, with plans to install more than 1 gigawatt of storage capacity over the next decade. Utility-scale batteries will allow excess solar electricity to be stored and supplied during periods of higher demand. Duke Energy Florida is also accelerating investment tax credits for its Powerline Battery Energy Storage System in Citrus County to help avoid a scheduled base rate increase and reduce customer bills in 2027. The four proposed solar projects remain subject to regulatory review, and their anticipated savings will depend on successful construction and long-term operating performance.

 

Source: Duke Energy