Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA), in partnership with participating Florida municipal electric utilities and Origis Energy, announced the completion of the Rice Creek Solar Energy Center, delivering nearly 75 MWAC of carbon-free electricity to twelve Florida cities.
Rice Creek Solar is the third solar site in the Florida Municipal Solar Project, one of the largest municipally supported solar projects in the US. Located in Putnam County, near Palatka, it consists of 213,000 solar panels that generate enough power for about 14,000 homes.
The 12 utilities that will receive power from the Rice Creek solar plant include Beaches Energy Services (Jacksonville Beach), Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Homestead, Keys Energy Services (Key West), Kissimmee Utility Authority, Lake Worth Beach, Mount Dora, New Smyrna Beach Facilities, Newberry, Ocala, City of Havana and Winter Park. This is the first solar project for Havana, New Smyrna Beach and Newberry.
“We are excited to expand our solar power generation and provide even more affordable and clean energy to our members,” said Jacob Williams, general manager and CEO of the Orlando-based wholesale energy agency. “Working together, our members and their communities will benefit from additional solar energy that is both cost-effective and carbon-free.”
FMPA will serve as project coordinator and the twelve municipal utilities, which are FMPA member-owners, will purchase power from the project. Miami-based Origis Energy, a leading platform for renewable energy solutions and decarbonization, is the builder, owner and operator.
“FMPA is committed to bringing cost-effective clean energy to many customers in the Sunshine State,” said Josh Teigiser, managing director of origination and clean hydrogen for Origis Energy. “We are honored to support this FMPA work. Long-term solar generation agreements, including for Rice Creek Solar, provide a stable rate base that contributes to lower and more predictable customer bills.”
As part of the expansion of the Florida Municipal Solar Project, construction began in late 2024 on a fourth solar site, Whistling Duck Solar in Levy County. The FMSP is expected to increase to seven locations in the coming years and will have approximately 525 MWAC of power in total.
News release from Florida Municipal Power Agency
