News Summary
Georgia Power has gained approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission for five new utility-scale solar power purchase agreements. These projects will collectively produce 1,068 megawatts of renewable energy, aimed at supporting their customers and enhancing sustainability efforts. The initiatives are part of the company’s Clean and Renewable Energy Subscription program, catering to commercial and industrial clients, and underline a growing shift towards renewable energy in Georgia’s energy landscape.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Power has received the green light from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to certify five new utility-scale solar power purchase agreements (PPAs). These projects collectively have a capacity of 1,068 megawatts (MW) and aim to enhance renewable energy resources for Georgia Power customers.
The newly approved solar facilities will support all customers in the state and will be a key part of Georgia Power’s Clean and Renewable Energy Subscription (CARES) 2023 program. This program is designed specifically for commercial and industrial clients aiming to meet sustainability targets by subscribing to a pro-rata share of renewable energy production. The projects will be built and managed by third-party developers who successfully secured contracts through the CARES 2023 Request for Proposal (RFP).
In recent years, there has been a rising demand among businesses for cost-effective, renewable energy options, indicating a strong market shift towards sustainability. This demand is reflected in Georgia Power’s strategy to diversify its energy production sources. The company’s director of renewable development highlighted that these RFPs are essential for procuring valuable renewable energy that enhances reliability and creates a diversified generation mix for customers.
The selection process for the five projects involved competitive solicitation and was overseen by an independent evaluator along with PSC staff ensuring transparency and fairness. Through this process, the chosen solar projects are expected to provide economic advantages for Georgia’s energy system and benefit all Georgia Power customers.
Looking ahead, Georgia Power has also been given approval for the CARES 2025 RFP, which sets ambitious objectives for acquiring additional renewable resources. This initiative is aimed at achieving a goal of up to 2,000 MW of utility-scale solar and energy storage solutions. The commercial operation for these solar projects may commence as early as 2028.
Furthermore, the company’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) outlines a strategy to secure up to 4,000 MW of renewable energy resources by the year 2035, starting with an initial target of 1,100 MW to be acquired through upcoming procurements.
Georgia Power, as the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company, plays a vital role in supporting the energy needs of approximately 2.8 million customers across most counties in Georgia, excluding just four. The company is committed to maintaining a diversified generation mix that includes not only solar but also nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, and wind power.
In terms of service quality, Georgia Power has been recognized for its reliable service and strong focus on customer satisfaction, a point underscored by rankings in independent customer satisfaction surveys.
Finally, while the announcements detail the significant progress towards renewable energy, they also include forward-looking statements cautioning about various factors that could affect the anticipated results of these solar projects. Nevertheless, the PSC’s approval reflects Georgia Power’s ongoing dedication to enhancing its renewable energy portfolio and reinforcing sustainable practices throughout the state of Georgia.
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