GULFPORT, Miss., Nov. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mississippi
Public Service Commission approved the largest solar installations
in Mississippi today, making
Mississippi Power the largest partner in renewable energy in the
state.
Mississippi Power is collaborating with three solar energy
businesses and the U.S. Navy to build 105 MW of utility-scale solar
electric generating farms at three different locations in the
company's service territory.
"These cost-effective, utility-scale solar energy projects once
again place Mississippi Power at the forefront of the state's
energy economy by adding renewable energy into the company's
portfolio," said Mississippi Power President Anthony Wilson. "Working together with our
partners, these projects will have a substantial impact on the
amount of electricity generated by renewables in Mississippi."
Together, these new solar facilities can produce the amount of
energy used annually by approximately 15,500 homes.
"Origis is honored to team up with Mississippi Power on this
utility-scale solar project," said Origis Energy President
Guy Vanderhaegen. "Our team has
received great support with the development of this project. We are
honored by the trust and confidence Mississippi Power and the
Mississippi Public Service Commission have given to this exciting
solar project and Origis."
The developers of the solar energy projects will finance each
installation with Mississippi Power receiving all of the energy and
associated renewable energy credits generated by the projects. The
energy and RECs may be used to serve customers with renewable
energy, for future renewable energy programs or to sell at
wholesale to third parties. The power will be purchased through
long-term purchased power agreements with the developers.
"We're delighted with the cooperative spirit in which the
project came together," said Pete
Marte, Hannah Solar CEO. "Mississippi Power, Southern
Company, the U.S. Navy and Hannah
Solar have created a first-class project for all parties and
the people of Mississippi."
The projects include:
- Mississippi Power and Strata Solar are partnering on a
450-acre, 50-MW electric solar generating station to be located in
Hattiesburg.
- The company is also partnering with Origis Energy on a 52-MW
utility-scale solar energy project to be located in Sumrall.
- Mississippi Power, Hannah Solar,
and the U.S. Navy are partnering on a 23-acre, 3-4-MW solar project
to be located at The Naval Construction Battalion Center (Seabee
Base) in Gulfport.
"Strata Solar is looking forward to working with Mississippi
Power on our Hattiesburg solar
project," said Strata Solar CEO Markus
Wilhelm. "Working with utilities to competitively
and substantively diversify their power generation is a
big part of our passion for this industry. We are thrilled to be
getting this project under way."
As an intermittent energy resource, the solar facilities will
not replace Mississippi Power's generating plants, but will have
the capability to provide energy that will help diversify the
company's generation portfolio and help keep rates affordable for
customers.
Construction on all three projects is slated to begin in early
2016.
Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO),
produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for
more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power earned
the 2015 ReliabilityOne™ Award for outstanding midsize
utility for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts as
well as being a leader in reliability, customer service and safety.
Visit our websites at mississippipower.com and
mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on
Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements:
Certain information contained in this communication 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, construction, and subsequent operation of the solar
projects currently in development by Mississippi Power Company.
Mississippi 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 Mississippi Power Company;
accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results
will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those
discussed in Mississippi 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 Mississippi Power Company. Mississippi
Power Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any
forward-looking information.
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SOURCE Mississippi Power