Pinellas County is pulling out of Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection program following growing criticism about the lack of financial returns and rising utility expenses.

On Tuesday, county commissioners voted to end their agreement with Duke Energy, ceasing participation in a program that charges subscribers $8.35 per kilowatt monthly to support the development of solar infrastructure. While the program promises long-term savings, Duke Energy representatives acknowledged that residential participants typically pay about $14 annually without seeing any financial benefits for at least 12 years.

Commissioner Vince Nowicki, who introduced the resolution, argued that the projected savings don’t account for inflation, the time value of money, or rising energy prices—making the program economically unsound. “This resolution doesn’t ban clean energy or close the door on future efforts,” Nowicki said. “It simply withdraws us from a program that provides no financial guarantees.”

Pinellas County joined the initiative in 2022, paying $3.7 million in fees while receiving just $3.2 million in energy credits in 2024. Several commissioners voiced frustration over the poor return on investment.

Duke Energy officials defended the program’s environmental impact, likening the delayed benefits to planting a tree for future shade. Nowicki countered that unlike a tree, the county does not own Duke’s solar assets. Pinellas will officially exit the program on October 1.

Commission Chair Brian Scott expressed mixed feelings, noting the county’s long-term commitment and calling for further discussion. Only Commissioner Renee Flowers voted against the resolution, urging a deeper conversation on the county’s clean energy direction. “Before stepping back, we need to have a real conversation about where we’re headed,” she said.

The resolution also limits future electric vehicle purchases, requiring detailed financial analyses before approval. County officials must demonstrate clear, long-term cost savings before investing in EVs or similar initiatives.

Commissioner Dave Eggers warned against overcorrecting in energy policy. “I don’t want to be part of a swing that goes too far in the opposite direction,” he said, adding that a future county facility might still benefit from solar energy.

The resolution redirects clean energy program funds toward infrastructure projects with proven cost savings, stating a new focus on “financial outcomes over symbolic compliance.” It also walks back the county’s previous goal of phasing out fossil fuels by 2050, citing fiscal and logistical challenges.

Pinellas isn’t alone in questioning Duke’s program. Last year, St. Petersburg Councilmember Richie Floyd criticized its complexity, saying he didn’t fully understand how the program worked or what the outcomes would be. Still, the city’s former sustainability director, Alison Mihalich, called the initiative a “powerful tool” for advancing renewable energy goals.

Commissioners plan to explore alternative energy strategies in upcoming discussions.

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