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\n\tThe solar energy site is located on land that Duke Energy Florida leases through an agreement with Florida A&M University
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\n\tCustomers will save an estimated $250 million over the site\u2019s operational lifetime
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BROOKSVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Today, Duke Energy Florida held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially unveil the Rattler Renewable Energy Center in Hernando County.<\/p>\n
The 74.9-megawatt solar energy site is located on 800 acres leased to Duke Energy Florida by Florida A&M University (FAMU). The event celebrated this partnership with FAMU and ongoing collaboration with the local community.<\/p>\n
Speakers also highlighted the many benefits of the site, including an estimated $250 million in savings for Duke Energy Florida customers over its operational lifetime. Learn more here<\/a> and read about the company\u2019s plans for solar energy expansion here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Our view:<\/p>\n
Positive response:<\/p>\n
A meaningful connection:<\/p>\n
\n\tDuke Energy Florida state president Melissa Seixas: \u201cWe appreciate our partnership with FAMU and meaningful collaboration with Hernando County and others. It allowed us to establish another cost-effective solar energy site for our customers. The addition of Rattler to our solar portfolio helps ensure we can continue providing each and every customer with safe, reliable power \u2013 at the lowest possible price.\u201d
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\n\tFAMU president Marva Johnson: \u201cFlorida A&M University was built on a mandate to serve \u2013 to educate, to discover, and to deliver practical solutions that improve lives. The Rattler Solar Center is a living expression of that mandate. It demonstrates that our land can continue to support agriculture while also powering innovation that benefits our students, our neighbors, and our state. This is what responsible stewardship looks like \u2013 using what we have wisely, building partnerships grounded in shared purpose, and creating infrastructure that will serve this institution for generations. We are proud to stand with Duke Energy as a partner in that work, and we are grateful for a relationship built on trust, accountability, and a genuine commitment to FAMU\u2019s future.\u201d
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\n\tCongressman Gus Bilirakis: \u201cPartnerships like this between Duke Energy Florida and Florida A&M University demonstrate how collaboration can deliver real results for consumers. By working together, they are helping expand reliable energy while generating significant long-term savings for Florida families and businesses.\u201d
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\n\tHernando County administrator Jeff Rogers: \u201cWe appreciate the partnership between Duke Energy and FAMU in investing in our community for safe, reliable, cost-effective power generation while enhancing the outstanding agricultural research FAMU is performing in our county.\u201d
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\n\tGreater Hernando County Chamber CEO Ashley Hofecker: \u201cThis project represents what is possible when higher education, industry and community partners work together with a shared vision. Investments like this strengthen our regional infrastructure, support innovation, and create long-term economic and environmental benefits for our community.\u201d
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