TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - This week, Duke Energy Florida reached a rate settlement agreement that has been sent to the Florida Public Service Commission for approval, and includes two critical requirements requested by Sierra Club to accelerate Florida’s transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce costs to ratepayers.
As a result of Sierra Club’s advocacy in the case, Duke Energy Florida has agreed to undertake a comprehensive study to explore the potential for retiring the coal-fired Crystal River units 4 and 5 ahead of the currently planned 2034 timeline. This study will assess the feasibility of retiring these units in 2028, 2030, and 2032, with a final report due by October 2025.
Additionally, Duke Energy Florida has agreed to study how solar power can contribute to a more reliable and stable power grid, with findings expected by June 2025. Before initiating these studies, Duke Energy Florida must engage with the Sierra Club and other interested parties to discuss the studies’ underlying assumptions and incorporate their input.
While Sierra Club did not sign the settlement agreement, it has agreed to not oppose the settlement in exchange for these environmental commitments from Duke.
Susannah Randolph, Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director, said, “The studies set forth in the Duke Energy rate settlement agreement mark a promising advance away from dirty, expensive coal, and towards a cleaner energy future for Florida. Sierra Club is proud to have secured these studies, and is committed to monitoring their implementation pending the Florida Public Service Commission’s final approval of the settlement agreement.”
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