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Economic development

Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program Boosts Economic Growth in Florida

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program, launched in 2013, has evaluated 60 high-potential business and industrial sites in Florida, attracting 1,950 new jobs and $493 million in capital investment. The program selects sites and markets them nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations. Since its inception, the program has successfully connected 10 companies with sites that have undergone the readiness process, resulting in significant economic growth and job creation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Duke Energy Site Readiness Program has evaluated 60 sites in Florida since its inception in 2013.
  • The program has attracted 1,950 new jobs and $493 million in capital investment in the state.
  • The recent success of the program includes the development of an Amazon location in Highlands County, creating 60 new jobs and $25 million in capital investment.
  • The program involves collaboration between Duke Energy, state, regional, and local economic development organizations, community governments, and other utilities to improve and increase awareness of industrial sites.
  • Melissa Seixas, President of Duke Energy Florida, stated that the Site Readiness program is a proactive economic development initiative that helps spark investment in the communities Duke Energy serves.
  • Destin Wells, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Orlando Economic Partnership, emphasized the program's critical role in strengthening the Orlando region's ability to attract and compete for transformative business investments.
  • The program's 2025 locations include Winnin LLLP Property, Seminole County; City of Perry Property, Taylor County; Sherrill Property, Levy County; Lake County Industrial Park, Lake County; Bar 7 Ranch, Osceola County; and Fort Meade Industrial Site, Polk County.

Statistics:

  • 60 sites have been evaluated through the Site Readiness Program since its inception in 2013.
  • Total capital investment attracted by the program is $493 million.
  • 10 companies have selected and committed to growing on sites that have undergone the program, creating 1,950 new jobs.
  • The Amazon location development in Highlands County resulted in 60 new jobs and $25 million in capital investment.
  • Duke Energy Florida's service area covers 13,000 square miles and serves 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
  • The company owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity and is committed to an ambitious energy transition.

Sources:

  • Duke Energy
  • Duke Energy Florida
  • Orlando Economic Partnership
  • Melissa Seixas, President, Duke Energy Florida
  • Destin Wells, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Orlando Economic Partnership
  • Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com)

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