Florida Municipal Utility OUC recently celebrated the big opening of the largest solar energy center in its history. The 149-MW project, located to the east of St. Cloud at two separate locations of more than 600 hectares, will be more than double the existing solar capacity of OUC.
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 -which produces sufficient solar energy to feed 50,000 typical OUC houses.
On April 10, leaders of OUC, AdventHealth and Comcast NBCUIVERSAL gathered in Osceola County to reveal the Harmony II and Bendy Bend Solar Energy Centers. The two entities have registered as anchor tenants -who subscribe to a considerable part of every solar energy center via the Sunchoice Community Solar program of OUC. Sunchoice enables commercial and residential customers to support solar energy, while compensating all or part of their electrical consumption. Customers can achieve their sustainability goals without installing or maintaining the infrastructure themselves.
“At OUC we believe that renewable energy is not only the way to clean energy; it is part of the future of doing business in Central Florida,” said Clint Bullock, general manager and CEO. “While we are officially launching these two solar energy centers, we double Ouc’s Solar Energy Capacity and help our customers achieve their goals for clean energy consumption and at the same time achieve our vision to be an innovative solution provider and partner of your choice in Central Florida.”
AdventHealth will compensate 50% of their energy consumption in the OUC service area by subscribing to the Harmony II Solar Energy Center. Comcast NBCUIversal, parent company of universal destinations and experiences, will buy and match 45% of their existing operational energy consumption in Universal Orlando Resort through their subscription to the Storey Bend Solar Energy Center.
“By offering clean, renewable energy, we contribute to a healthier environment and improve the well -being of those we serve through our dedication to care for the whole person,” said Rob Deininger, CEO of AdventHealth Orlando. “Adventhealth has entered into a long -term obligation to reduce our impact on the environment, so that Centraal Floridians can feel for the coming generations.”
“We are delighted to support the local clean economy here in Florida, while we let our company grow through universal destinations and experiences,” said Tom Ciarlone, VP of Real Estate & Energy at Comcast NBCUIVERSAL. “Shifting to clean energy to help our world -class theme parks of electricity is just a different way to offer our guests more innovative and sustainable entertainment experiences.”
Renewable partners from Florida, a complete subsidiary of Nextera Energy, Inc., developed the solar projects. OUC has signed a 20-year electricity purchase agreement to receive the energy generated at Harmony II and Storey Bend.
News item from OUC
