Williams Breaks Ground on 74.8 MW Solar Facility in Partnership with Lakeland Electric

Williams joined with Lakeland Electric and City of Lakeland leaders to break ground on a new 74.8‑megawatt solar facility that will significantly expand renewable power capacity for the growing Lakeland region.

Under a long-term agreement, Williams, an energy infrastructure leader, will design and construct the large‑scale solar installation, and Lakeland Electric will purchase the power to help meet rising energy demand with dependable, renewable power. The project expands solar generation within the utility’s portfolio and reflects continued collaboration between the two organizations to deliver reliable service to one of Florida’s fastest-growing communities.

“More than a century ago, Thomas Edison talked about the promise of harnessing the power of the sun,” said Lakeland City Commissioner Stephanie Madden. “Today we are taking another step toward that future through strong partnerships and thoughtful infrastructure that will help serve Lakeland’s growth.”

Lakeland Electric General Manager Mike Beckham emphasized the importance of infrastructure planning for our growing community. “Partnering with Williams allows us to add additional generation capacity through a long-term agreement that supports dependable service for our customers,” Beckham said. “This project strengthens our energy portfolio and reflects thoughtful planning for the future.”

The facility will be built on historically mined land, supporting responsible land reuse while delivering 74.8 megawatts of new solar energy capacity. Williams leaders noted that the project marks another milestone in the company’s continued investment in innovative clean‑energy solutions. “We’re energized to break ground on a project that reflects Williams’ continued investment in innovative energy solutions,” said Jaclyn Presnal, vice president of New Energy Ventures at Williams. “This solar facility will provide meaningful clean energy generation for the region and underscores the value of strong utility partnerships in building the energy systems of the future.”

Construction will begin immediately, with the facility expected to be operational in December 2026.