Orlando Utilities Commission's Solar Expansion: Empowering Central Florida with Renewable Energy
Energy users in Central Florida now have more access to solar energy than ever before, thanks to a major expansion by municipal utility Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC).
The utility recently celebrated the grand opening of two large-scale solar projects—Harmony II and Storey Bend Solar Energy Centers—totaling 149 MW of new capacity. The sites, located east of St. Cloud, represent the largest solar investment in OUC’s history and more than double its existing solar portfolio.
With these additions, OUC’s total solar capacity now reaches 271.5 MW—enough to power 50,000 typical residential customers. But the implications go beyond homes. Large commercial customers, including AdventHealth and Comcast NBCUniversal, are seizing the opportunity to advance their sustainability goals through OUC’s SunChoice community solar program.
AdventHealth is subscribing to enough capacity from the Harmony II Solar Energy Center to offset 50% of its energy use within OUC’s service territory. Comcast NBCUniversal will match 45% of the electricity used at Universal Orlando Resort with power from the Storey Bend site. Neither company needed to install or maintain its own infrastructure to participate—underscoring the appeal of SunChoice for businesses seeking turnkey renewable energy solutions.
“At OUC, we believe renewable energy isn't just about sustainability—it’s about future-proofing how business is done in Central Florida,” said Clint Bullock, OUC General Manager & CEO. “By launching these two new centers, we’re helping our customers meet their clean energy targets while growing our role as a solutions provider for the region.”
Developed by Florida Renewable Partners, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, the solar centers are part of a 20-year power purchase agreement with OUC. The move strengthens OUC’s ability to serve large-scale users with clean power while supporting broader decarbonization efforts.
“Providing clean, renewable energy contributes to a healthier environment and supports our mission of whole-person care,” said Rob Deininger, CEO of AdventHealth Orlando. “This investment in sustainability will benefit generations of Central Floridians.”
Tom Ciarlone, VP of Real Estate & Energy at Comcast NBCUniversal, echoed that sentiment: “Switching to clean energy helps us grow sustainably while continuing to offer world-class entertainment experiences.”
For businesses evaluating their own energy strategies, OUC’s solar expansion offers a clear signal: the future of commercial power in Central Florida is increasingly renewable—and ready for enterprise-level adoption.
