Ricky Junquera - Ricky.Junquera@sierraclub.org - 617-599-7048
(Orlando, FL) -- Today, The First 50 Coalition, a broad alliance of environmental, social justice and civic groups committed to equitable sustainability in Central Florida, released an energy study that shows transitioning away from coal and gas to renewable energy would save Orlando ratepayers $176 million over the next two decades, providing a clear path for Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City Council to make good on their 2017 promise to lead Orlando to a 100% renewable energy future.
The study by Synapse Energy Economics, a national energy and economics research group, outlines a path to renewable energy by 2050 that would reduce the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)’s reliance on coal and gas, which currently fuels more than 93% of the city’s power.
“The study shows that transitioning to solar power and battery storage would not only clear our community’s air of pollution and address the climate crisis, it would also put money into ratepayers’ pockets,” said Beverlye Neal, President of the Orange County Branch NAACP.
“Three years ago, I was part of the cheering crowd at City Hall that listened to the Mayor and City Commissioners unanimously make a commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2050. This report shows they can keep their promise, safeguard the health of our community, safeguard our planet, and be fiscally responsible,” Neal said.
The study comes as OUC is preparing an Electric Integrated Resource Plan that will provide the municipal utilities’ assessment of the best road forward to meet the city’s renewable energy goals.
“Mayor Dyer and the commissioners have stepped up to meet the challenge of climate change but we now need OUC to follow through on this pledge,” said Raquel Fernandez, Organizer with Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaignin Orlando. “OUC leadership must hear this call and make the city’s vision a reality.”
On August 8th, 2017, Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council unanimously committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.