ATLANTA, May 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power this
week started construction on new solar projects at Georgia Army
bases Fort Gordon near
Augusta and Fort Stewart near Savannah. At groundbreaking events at the
bases Thursday and Friday, leadership from the company, the Georgia
Public Service Commission (PSC), the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army
Office of Energy Initiatives (OEI) and the General Services
Administration (GSA) gathered with community leaders and others to
tour the site and mark the beginning of development.
Georgia Power and the U.S. Army first announced the
Georgia 3x30 solar project
in 2014. The project consists of the development of three 30
megawatt (MW) solar generation facilities at three separate Army
bases throughout the state. The projects, each of which may cover
more than 200 acres, are scheduled to be completed and begin
delivering power to the state's electric grid by the end of
2016.
"These solar projects support the Army and their mission to not
only strengthen local Georgia
bases as economic and community engines, but also their efforts to
further the development of renewable energy and enhance national
security," said Kenny Coleman,
senior vice president of marketing for Georgia Power on Friday.
"We're committed to assisting our customers with all of their
energy needs, including providing information and expert advice to
help them make informed choices about adding solar – on an Army
base or a home rooftop."
As part of the review and approval of the company's 2007
Integrated Resource Plan, the Georgia PSC approved the development
of three cost-effective renewable projects of up to 30 MW to be
owned by Georgia Power. The three projects will be brought online
at or below the company's avoided cost, the amount projected it
would cost the company to generate comparable energy from other
sources.
Georgia PSC Commissioners Chuck
Eaton and Stan Wise attended
the events and noted the combined efforts to bring the solar
projects to Georgia and keep rates
low for customers.
Large-scale renewable projects like Georgia 3x30 are adding to Georgia Power's
diverse generation portfolio and fueling the state's momentum as
one of the fastest growing solar markets in the nation. Through its
various solar programs, the company is adding thousands of solar
panels to Georgia's energy
landscape. 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
resources and information for home and business owners considering
solar, 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).
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements:
Certain information contained in this release is
forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans
that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information
includes, among other things, statements concerning the
development, completion of construction, subsequent operation and
cost of the solar projects currently in development by Georgia
Power Company on Georgia Army bases and the future solar generating
capacity of Georgia Power Company. Georgia Power Company cautions
that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to
differ materially from the forward-looking information that has
been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on
this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of
future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and
other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia
Power Company; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such
suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in
addition to those discussed in Georgia Power Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31,
2014, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual
results to differ materially from management expectations as
suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to
control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development and
construction of generating facilities, to construct facilities in
accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, to
satisfy any operational and environmental performance standards,
including the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and
to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon
completion of construction; and potential business strategies,
including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses,
which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Georgia
Power Company. Georgia Power Company expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking information.
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SOURCE Georgia Power