OUC opens largest local solar energy center
Orlando Utilities Commission has announced the opening of its largest solar energy center thus far. Company leaders and corporate partners gathered Thursday to celebrate the occasion.
The Harmony II and Storey Bend Solar Energy Centers sit on separate 600-acre sites along Nova Road east of St. Cloud. The opening of the two sites brings OUC solar energy capacity to 271.5 megawatts, which more than doubles OUC’s existing solar capacity and, according to company officials, makes it possible for OUC to produce solar energy to power 50,000 typical homes.
AdventHealth and Comcast NBCUniversal have signed on as corporate anchor tenants and have subscribed to receive significant portion of the facilities’ capacity.
“At OUC, we believe renewable energy isn’t just the path to clean energy; it’s part of the future of doing business in Central Florida,” said Clint Bullock, OUC General Manager & CEO. “As we officially launch these two solar energy centers, we’re more than doubling OUC’s solar energy capacity and helping our customers reach their clean energy goals while fulfilling our vision to be an innovative solutions provider and partner of choice in Central Florida.”
OUC has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement to receive the energy generated at Harmony II and Storey Bend.
Lynx seeks non-profits for Public Service Bus wrap
The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) is looking for qualified non-profits to appear on its special annual public service bus.
The application period will open April 9 for qualified nonprofit organizations in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to register for a spot on the bus, and eight qualified agencies will be chosen to have their logo displayed for one year. The Public Service Bus travels routes every day throughout the three-county area. To be eligible for the 22nd annual bus, the non-profit organization must be based in Orange, Osceola or Seminole County; operate on a budget of less than $1.5 million and show proof of its 501(c)(3) status or be a governmental agency.
Agencies are required to completely out registration form online (golynx.com/publicservicebus) with all fields completed, attach a copy of 501(c)(3) status or government agency designation (Example: IRS form) along with a copy of their annual budget of less than $1.5 million (i.e., annual budget document).
A high-resolution (300 dpi) file of organization logo as vector art (.ai or .eps) is also required.
The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. May 1. Agencies on the current 2024-25 bus are not eligible to apply. Winners will be drawn randomly and announced during the first week of May, and the 2025-26 bus will be unveiled on May 28 at 10 a.m. at the Osceola County Administration Building.
Osceola School District receives “strong” financial ratings
The Osceola County School District announced last week it’s received high financial assessments from industry Moody’s Ratings has assigned an initial “AA2” rating to $109.6 million in Capital Outlay Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, and affirmed the district’s AA2 issuer rating and AA3 lease rating on the outstanding Certificates of Participation (COP).
According to Moody’s, “The stable outlook is a reflection of Osceola County School District’s sound financial position and historically positive performance supported by conservative budgetary practices. It also reflects ongoing economic growth within the county which we expect to continue as the district contends with significant capital needs related to future enrollment.”
In addition, Fitch Ratings has assigned an “AA” rating to the District’s capital outlay sales tax revenue bonds. Fitch gives such ratings to outfits that exhibit a long-term trend of remaining above the long-term rate of inflation over time.
“Achieving these high financial ratings is a reflection of our district’s ongoing commitment to strong fiscal stewardship, transparency, and strategic planning,” said Osceola School Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. “These ratings not only affirm the trust our community places in us but also allow us to maximize resources that directly benefit our students and schools.”
