Duke Energy Solar Expansion Approved by Florida Regulators

As was announced in recent news, utility regulators at the Florida Public Service Commission voted 4-to-1 to approve Duke Energy Florida’s Clean Energy Connections program.

Under the program, Duke will build ~750 MW of new solar projects. Thanks to the input and direct engagement from SSDN and dozens of Florida local government sustainability directors, approximately 75MW was reserved for subscription by local governments; and ~26 MW is reserved for subscription by low-income customers.

Notably, 17 Florida cities and counties subscribed for the program during the pre-enrollment period; and nine local governments submitted letters to the Commission in support of the program’s approval.

The local government interest in the program was noted as part of the Commission’s deliberations including in the testimony of Duke and Wal-mart; and in the pre-hearing statements of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) and Vote Solar.

Additionally, a new report by Rocky Mountain Institute cited the work of local governments and SSDN to shape Duke’s CEC program proposal.

Thanks to all of our members in Florida for your work on this effort. This is a huge win for Florida and for our region.