Florida PSC Approves FPL’s Need for Okeechobee County Power Plant

Expected to begin service in June 2019, the plant is projected to save customers at least $72 million as compared to the next best building alternative. The plant will also benefit Florida’s economy, creating jobs during the two-year construction period and also adding about 30 full time positions when the facility begins operations.

“FPL’s OCEC Unit 1 will ensure continued efficient and reliable energy generation for FPL’s customers, which will also translate into millions of dollars of savings for its customers,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.

FPL filed a petition in September 2015 proposing to construct OCEC Unit 1 on utility-owned property. Estimated to cost $1.2 billion, the facility will generate 1,633 megawatts at summer peak and meet FPL’s need for additional generation resources. Light oil will be used as a back-up fuel for OCEC Unit 1, enhancing overall fuel supply reliability.  Pending federal and state approvals, work will begin in 2017.

Intervenors in the PSC’s December 1-2 hearing on the proposed project included the Office of Public Counsel, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida. 

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

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