Georgia Power Seeks Approval for Major Energy Expansion

News Summary

Georgia Power is looking for approval from the Public Service Commission for an ambitious energy expansion project aimed at adding nearly 10,000 megawatts of new energy resources. This initiative responds to rising electricity demand driven by data centers and energy-intensive industries, featuring a blend of natural gas, solar power, and battery storage solutions. Although the utility seeks to reduce emissions, concerns are raised regarding the heavy reliance on natural gas and its potential cost implications for consumers.

Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, is seeking approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC) for a significant energy expansion project aimed at adding nearly 10,000 megawatts of new energy resources. This initiative comes in response to the increasing electricity demand within the state of Georgia, driven partly by the rapid growth of data centers and other energy-intensive industries.

The proposed expansion includes a mix of energy sources: natural gas, solar power, and battery storage systems, with plans for these resources to become operational between 2029 and 2031. Specifically, around 8,000 megawatts of this new capacity were identified through a competitive bidding process termed an “all-source” request for proposals, which was approved as part of Georgia Power’s 2022 Integrated Resource Plan.

Key Components of the Proposal

Among the notable projects outlined in the proposal are five new natural gas units. These units will be added to existing power plants in the state, including two at Plant Bowen, two at Plant Wansley, and one at Plant McIntosh, collectively contributing 3,692 megawatts of capacity. Additionally, the company plans to construct 10 new battery storage facilities spread across eight different sites, contributing an additional 3,022.5 megawatts of power.

Georgia Power is also proposing two solar-plus-battery projects located in Laurens and Dougherty Counties, which will add a total of 350 megawatts to the grid. Currently, construction is in progress for 765 megawatts of new battery storage facilities located in Bibb, Lowndes, Floyd, and Cherokee counties. Furthermore, the company has filed a separate request to secure 1,886 megawatts from existing plants, as well as additional battery and solar projects to address immediate energy needs.

Environmental Considerations and Community Impact

In its expansion plan, Georgia Power highlights its commitment to reducing emissions. The utility states that it has already achieved a carbon emissions reduction of over 60% since 2007. However, criticism has been directed towards the heavy reliance on natural gas, which makes up approximately 58% of the proposed new energy resources. Critics, including environmental advocates and consumer groups, have raised concerns about the environmental impact of natural gas and its associated costs, which could be volatile and affect consumer electricity rates.

The PSC recently approved Georgia Power’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan amidst concerns about transparency regarding the potential future costs for consumers. Stakeholders worried that the focus on natural gas might burden customers with higher prices due to market fluctuations and environmental compliance costs. The regulatory body is currently set to hold several hearings to discuss the new energy proposal, with a final vote anticipated after the upcoming elections for two PSC seats on November 4.

Potential Cost Implications for Customers

As Georgia Power moves forward with its ambitious expansion plan, there are significant implications for electricity costs. Depending on demand fluctuations and regulatory decisions, the plan could lead to considerable increases in electricity bills for customers in Georgia. Close monitoring of the situation by consumers and advocacy groups will likely continue as the PSC reviews the proposal and its long-term impacts on both the state’s economy and the environment.

In summary, Georgia Power’s request for nearly 10,000 megawatts of new energy resources marks a significant step in addressing the growing demand for electricity in Georgia. With a combination of natural gas, solar power, and battery solutions, the utility aims to ensure a reliable power supply while also facing scrutiny and criticism regarding the environmental and economic impacts of these energy sources.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AJC: Georgia Power’s Massive Data Center Expansion
• Wikipedia: Electricity in the United States
• Daily Energy Insider: Georgia Power Seeks Regulators’ Approval
• Google Search: Georgia Power energy expansion
• Utility Dive: Georgia Power IRP and Energy Plans
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy Resources
• Coosa Valley News: Georgia Power Proposes Major Energy Investments
• Google News: Georgia Power
• PR Newswire: Georgia Power Requests Certification