Energy Initiatives

Pinellas County is committed to working toward a more resilient future. The programs below help us reduce our energy consumption and save tax dollars.

Pinellas County and Clean Energy

In April 2025, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners passed Resolution No. 25-34, eliminating previous clean energy targets of 50% renewable energy by 2030, 100% for County operations by 2040, and 100% countywide by 2050.

The County remains committed to energy conservation and will prioritize energy strategies that are financially sound, scalable and measurable in their impact, ensuring that taxpayer resources are directed toward initiatives with proven value.

Downtown Central Energy Plant

Pinellas County’s Downtown Central Energy Plant generates and delivers chilled water through an underground piping network to provide energy-efficient air conditioning to several County buildings throughout downtown Clearwater. The plant is currently saving the County more than $1.5 million in annual operating costs  — primarily from reduced energy and water use — and will reduce the County’s carbon dioxide footprint equivalent by 35,000 tons over the life of the plant. To further save costs, the County installed rooftop solar panels at the facility.

LED Street Light Replacement Program

This program was established to replace all County-maintained arterial streetlights, which reduce energy bills and overall maintenance. Transportation Operations staff recently converted many of the lights during their routine maintenance on the system.

Clean Energy Connection Program

In April 2025, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners passed Resolution No. 25-34, directing the termination of the County’s participation in the Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection Program due to the extended timeline for realizing cost savings for the County. The enrollment is scheduled to end by October 1, 2025.

Electric Vehicles

Pinellas County currently has 17 electric vehicles (EVs) and 80 electric utility carts for County operations. In addition, we are developing an electric vehicle charging infrastructure master plan for County operations. There are currently 14 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations at County facilities.

Learn more about electric vehicles

Pinellas County Energy and Water Management Directive

Pinellas County promotes and incentivizes energy and water conservation throughout all County-owned and operated facilities, as well as leased facilities where the Board of County Commissioners is responsible for utility costs. The Pinellas County Energy and Water Management Directive is ongoing and has resulted in energy and water conservation in the near- and long-term. These conservation measures include electric, natural gas, water, sewer and non-vehicular fuel oil.