ATLANTA, May 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders
from Georgia Power, Southern Wholesale Energy, United Renewable
Energy LLC and Dalton Utilities gathered this past week for a
ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the latest expansion of the Dalton
Solar Plant in Dalton, Ga. With
more than seven megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity, this
expansion adds to the approximately 700 kilowatts from two previous
phases, which came online in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
"Georgia's status as a national
solar leader, as well as the ability to develop projects like this
in communities across the state, is thanks to continued
collaboration by utilities, government and solar developers," said
Murry Weaver, Northwest Region Vice President for Georgia Power at
the event. "We're proud to be able to expand our partnership with
Dalton Utilities so that they may serve their customers' energy
needs with new solar generation produced right here in Dalton."
Georgia Power leases property for the solar facility from Dalton
Utilities, and Dalton Utilities purchases 100 percent of the output
from the solar plant under a 25-year wholesale power purchase
agreement with Georgia Power. Dalton Utilities will maintain all of
the renewable energy credits associated with this transaction.
Dalton Utilities provides potable water, electric, natural gas,
wastewater, storm water and telecommunications services to
customers in Dalton and
surrounding counties.
With new solar facilities planned or under construction across
the state, Georgia currently
sustains one of the fastest growing solar industries in the
country. The Dalton Solar Plant represents Georgia Power's first
self-developed and self-built solar generation facility and was a
precursor to the innovative, cost-effective solar development
programs that Georgia Power continues to drive, including the
Advanced Solar Initiative (ASI). Through its various solar
programs, Georgia Power is working to develop one of the largest
solar portfolios in the nation. All of the company's solar
resources will have been procured at costs designed to prevent
upward pressure on rates and ensure that solar offers the most
value for Georgia Power customers.
To learn more about Georgia Power's solar programs, including
services available for homeowners, visit
www.GeorgiaPower.com/solar.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company
(NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of
electricity. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and
Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4
million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to
delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates
below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse,
innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal
and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric
and wind. Consistently recognized as a leader in customer
service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall
business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South
by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit
www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook
(Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter
(Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150513/215919
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050216/CLW066LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/third-phase-of-dalton-solar-plant-now-online-300083007.html
SOURCE Georgia Power