FMPA Takes Ownership of Bartow-Based Power Plant

Mulberry Energy Center is now second of three power plants under contract for acquisition to begin operations for FMPA

ORLANDO, Fla., August 9, 2024 - Today, Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) announced it has taken ownership of natural gas combined cycle generation plant, operated in Bartow, Florida. The facility is immediately available and ready for dispatch.

Now owned and operated by FMPA, the newly named Mulberry Energy Center (formerly Mulberry Cogeneration Facility) will supply 115 MW of electricity to 13 Florida communities, including Bushnell, Clewiston, Fort Meade, Fort Pierce, Green Cove Springs, Havana, Jacksonville Beach, Key West, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Newberry, Ocala and Starke.

"FMPA is proud to expand our generation fleet and begin operations as the new owners of Mulberry Energy Center," said Jacob Williams, FMPA general manager and CEO. "This long-running and low-cost power generation source will be a significant asset to our organization. We will continue to make strategic decisions to serve our mission of providing affordable and reliable power for our members."

The facility began commercial operations in August 1994 and has participated in long-term power purchase contracts since its inception. The assets have traditionally operated at high availability and capacity factors, all while setting General Electric start records for a 7EA combustion turbine.

FMPA first announced agreements to purchase three central Florida power plants in summer 2023. FMPA began operations at Sand Lake Energy Center in Orlando in February 2024. The remaining facility, also located near Bartow, is expected to become part of the FMPA fleet in January 2026.

Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) is a wholesale power agency owned by 33 municipal electric utilities. FMPA's mission is to provide low-cost, reliable and clean power for FMPA's owner customers that benefit their communities and customers. The 33 members of FMPA serve more than 3 million Florida residents and employ more than 4,700 people.