Duke Energy Florida said it has filed a revised settlement agreement with the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) today that paves the way to a smarter energy future for Florida customers.
The settlement agreement includes investments in solar energy, smart meters, grid modernization projects to enhance reliability, make the grid more resilient and secure, and optional billing programs to enhance customer choices.
The agreement also includes plans to install electric vehicle charging stations and a battery storage pilot program. The company will also no longer move forward with building the Levy Nuclear Project and customers will not pay any further costs associated with the project.
The settlement agreement was developed with representatives of all consumer groups, including the state’s Office of Public Counsel, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, the Florida Retail Federation, White Springs Agricultural Chemicals, Inc. d/b/a PCS Phosphate and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
“This settlement allows us to move forward to create a smarter energy future for our customers and communities,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy state president – Florida. “It resolves the future of the Levy Nuclear Project and reinforces our commitment to building cost-effective solar in Florida. It also makes smart investments that will offer customers more information, choices and control of their energy needs while also providing greater reliability.”
Dr. Stephen A. Smith executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said,“Large scale solar, electric vehicles and battery storage demonstrate that Duke is embracing technologies for the 21st century. We welcome Duke’s willingness to work with stakeholders on data collection and any rate design changes impacting customer- owned demand side solar.”
The agreement will take effect in January 2018 and will include investments of nearly $6 billion over the next four years while minimizing the impact on customer bills.