OUC Continues Solar 'Sunriser' Streak

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy recognizes leaders in ‘solar ambition’

OUC–The Reliable One has been named a “SunRiser” by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) for the fifth consecutive year.

SunRisers are the seven utilities in the Southeast exhibiting the highest solar ambition – measured by the increase in watts per customer solar ratio between the base year (2022) and the four-year forecast (2026), according to SACE’s Solar in the Southeast, 2023 Report.

“To earn SunRiser recognition for the fifth consecutive year affirms our commitment to be a leader in the adoption of solar energy,” said Clint Bullock, General Manager and CEO of OUC. “Solar and energy storage resources we’re investing in will bring us closer to reaching our goal of net zero CO₂ by 2050, with interim carbon dioxide emission reductions of 50% by 2030 and 75% by 2040.”

The report projected OUC reaching 1,763 solar watts per customer (SWPC) by 2026, an increase of 1,101, or 166%, SWPC from 2022. Florida, the report also stated, “expanded its position as the Southeast region leader in total installed solar capacity, reaching 7,288 [megawatts] in 2022. The SACE forecast now shows the state exceeding 17 gigawatts (17,000 MW) by 2026.”

OUC is committed to growing its solar energy footprint as part of the utility’s path to net zero. In late 2024, two 74.5 MW solar farms are scheduled to open under a power purchase agreement. And later this year, OUC is installing the largest floating solar array in the southeastern United States. The 2MW system will be owned and operated by OUC and placed on a pond in southeast Orlando. This will be OUC’s third floating solar project. Once completed, these solar projects will boost OUC’s solar capacity to 274 MW; that’s enough power for 50,000 typical Florida homes.