Florida municipal utility OUC recently celebrated the grand opening of the largest solar energy center in its history. The 149-MW project, located east of St. Cloud on two separate 600+ acre sites, will more than double OUC’s existing solar capacity.
The addition of Harmony II and Storey Bend Solar Energy Centers brings the total capacity of OUC’s solar energy portfolio to 271.5 MW – producing enough solar energy to power 50,000 typical OUC homes.
On April 10, leaders from OUC, AdventHealth and Comcast NBCUniversal gathered in Osceola County to unveil the Harmony II and Storey Bend Solar Energy Centers. The two entities have signed on as anchor tenants — subscribing to a significant portion of each solar energy center through OUC’s SunChoice community solar program. SunChoice enables commercial and residential customers to support solar energy, while offsetting all or part of their electric consumption. Customers can meet their sustainability goals, without installing or maintaining the infrastructure themselves.
“At OUC, we believe renewable energy isn’t just the path to clean energy; it’s part of the future of doing business in Central Florida,” said Clint Bullock, OUC General Manager & CEO. “As we officially launch these two solar energy centers, we’re more than doubling OUC’s solar energy capacity and helping our customers reach their clean energy goals while fulfilling our vision to be an innovative solutions provider and partner of choice in Central Florida.”
AdventHealth will offset 50% of their energy consumption in OUC’s service territory by subscribing to the Harmony II Solar Energy Center. Comcast NBCUniversal, parent company of Universal Destinations & Experiences, will purchase and match 45% of their existing operational energy consumption at Universal Orlando Resort through their subscription to the Storey Bend Solar Energy Center.
“By providing clean, renewable energy, we are contributing to a healthier environment and enhancing the well-being of those we serve through our commitment to whole-person care,” said Rob Deininger, CEO of AdventHealth Orlando. “AdventHealth has made a long-term commitment to reducing our environmental impact that will help Central Floridians feel whole for generations to come.”
“We’re pleased to support the local clean economy here in Florida while growing our business through Universal Destinations & Experiences,” said Tom Ciarlone, VP of Real Estate & Energy at Comcast NBCUniversal. “Shifting to clean energy to help power our world-class theme parks is just another way we seek to provide our guests with more innovative and sustainable entertainment experiences.”
Florida Renewable Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., developed the solar projects. OUC has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement to receive the energy generated at Harmony II and Storey Bend.
News item from OUC
