Florida Permits Four-Year Solar Pilot Program

Pursuant to an approved settlement agreement, the Florida Public Service Commission is permitting Tampa Electric Company (TECO) to expand the utility’s use of solar power and provide rate certainty to customers for the next few years. The agreement includes a four-year pilot program designed to optimize assets and wholesale energy transactions.

From the commission’s perspective, the potential for additional revenues from expanded short-term wholesale purchases and sales will create further value for both customers and the company, especially since customers will not pay for the pilot program costs. As presented by TECO, the utility intends to add 600 megawatts (MW) of solar energy, which is enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes and represents a large boost to the nearly 27 MW of solar installations the utility currently owns and operates.

The first two projects, totaling 150 MW, are scheduled for completion in September 2018, with additional phases to be completed in 2019, 2020, and 2021.