Duke Energy Florida files plans for four new solar energy sites, adding nearly 300 megawatts of energy to the electric grid

Core Insights - Duke Energy Florida has submitted its 2025 Solar Base Rate Adjustment (SoBRA) filing to the Florida Public Service Commission, detailing plans for four solar energy sites to enhance reliable, affordable, and clean energy for customers [1] Investment and Savings - The company is investing over $521 million to establish solar sites in Madison, Sumter, Hernando, and Jefferson counties, which are projected to save customers$843 million over their service lifetimes [2][9] Project Timeline and Employment - Construction has begun on the Sundance, Half Moon, and Rattler renewable energy centers, expected to be operational by January 2026, while the Bailey Mill Renewable Energy Center is in the permitting phase with construction aimed for summer 2025 and completion by summer 2026. Each site will create an average of 150 temporary jobs during construction [3] Energy Generation Capacity - Each of the four solar sites will have a capacity of 74.9 megawatts, collectively generating enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes and displacing significant amounts of natural gas, fuel oil, and coal annually [4] Future Expansion Plans - Duke Energy Florida currently operates over 25 solar sites producing around 1,500 megawatts of energy and plans to build 12 new solar sites by 2027, adding an additional 900 megawatts. By the end of 2033, the company aims to achieve over 6,100 megawatts of utility-scale solar generating capacity [5] Company Overview - Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, has an energy capacity of 12,300 megawatts, serving 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida [6]