NextEra Energy Resources breaks ground on distributed generation solar projects in Oneida County, New York

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May 11, 2015, 11:30 ET

JUNO BEACH, Fla., May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, through an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, today announced that it has started construction on two distributed generation solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Oneida County, New York. The systems, located on two parcels in Whitestown, New York, will have the capacity to produce 5.2 megawatts (MW) DC of solar power.

"The state of New York has made a commitment to a cleaner energy future, and we're happy to play a role in helping them to achieve this vision," said Matt Handel, vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources. "Now we're entering the most exciting phase of a solar project, watching the system come to life and begin generating clean, reliable power for the local community."

The two ground-mounted fixed-array systems will feature a combined total of 17,086 solar modules from Suntech Power and Canadian Solar. Oneida County will purchase the electricity generated over the term of a 25-year power purchase agreement with the NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary, and the subsidiary will own, operate and maintain the systems for the life of the contract. The projects are expected to reach commercial operation by October 2015.

"We continue to leave no stone unturned when it comes to saving taxpayers' money. This is a long-term plan, with no cost to county government, which will result in long-term savings over a 25-year period. Any time we can take part in a program with a great company like NextEra Energy Resources that allows us to save money while keeping a commitment to a cleaner, energy future, we are glad to be a part of it," said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr.

The projects are utilizing funding incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Competitive PV program, which are intended to dramatically increase solar capacity and move the state of New York closer to its vision of a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry.

NextEra Energy Resources

NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (together with its affiliated entities, "NextEra Energy Resources"), is a clean energy leader and is one of the largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., with approximately 19,777 megawatts of generating capacity, which includes megawatts associated with noncontrolling interests related to NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP), primarily in 25 states and Canada as of year-end 2014. NextEra Energy Resources, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. The business operates clean, emissions-free nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire, Iowa and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet, which is one of the largest in the United States. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

About NYSERDA
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA's programs and funding opportunities, visit http://nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.

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SOURCE NextEra Energy Resources, LLC