Melissa Donovan
The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) has officially unveiled the largest solar energy project in its history, marking a major milestone in Central Florida’s transition to renewable energy. The new 149-megawatt (MW) solar project, comprised of the Harmony II and Storey Bend Solar Energy Centers, is located on more than 1,200 acres of land east of St. Cloud in Osceola County.
With the addition of these two solar energy centers, OUC’s total solar capacity now stands at 271.5 MW—more than doubling its previous output. According to the utility, the expanded solar portfolio can now generate enough electricity to power approximately 50,000 typical OUC homes.
The grand opening on April 10 brought together leaders from OUC, AdventHealth, and Comcast NBCUniversal, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this renewable energy expansion. Both AdventHealth and Comcast NBCUniversal have signed on as anchor tenants through OUC’s SunChoice community solar program, which allows residential and commercial customers to support solar energy without needing to install or maintain their own solar infrastructure.
“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.”
Corporate Commitment to Sustainability
AdventHealth will use its subscription to the Harmony II Solar Energy Center to offset 50% of its electricity consumption within OUC’s service area.
“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.”
Comcast NBCUniversal, the parent company of Universal Destinations & Experiences, has subscribed to the Storey Bend Solar Energy Center. This agreement will allow them to match 45% of their current energy usage at Universal Orlando Resort with solar energy.
“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.”
Developed for the Future
The Harmony II and Storey Bend solar centers were developed by Florida Renewable Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. OUC has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement to buy the energy generated by both sites, further solidifying its long-term investment in clean energy.
For more information about OUC’s SunChoice community solar program, visit www.OUC.com.
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