ATLANTA, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia
Public Service Commission (PSC) today in a 5-0 vote approved
Georgia Power's new solar initiative -- the Georgia Power Advanced
Solar Initiative ("GPASI"). The initiative creates the
largest voluntarily developed solar portfolio from an
investor-owned utility. Through GPASI, Georgia Power will
acquire 210 megawatts of additional solar capacity through long
term contracts over a two-year period.
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"We are pleased the Commission has approved our Advanced Solar
Initiative," said Georgia Power President and CEO Paul Bowers. "Developed in cooperation
with the PSC, our solar plan will encourage new, cost competitive
opportunities for solar development in our state while helping
Georgia Power continue to build a diverse generation portfolio that
provides our customers with the safest, most reliable and most cost
effective electric system in the nation."
To meet the target of 210 megawatts, Georgia Power's Utility
Scale program will purchase 60 megawatts annually for two years
through a competitive request for proposal (RFP) program with
projects ranging in size from 1-20 megawatts. By as early 2013, a
Distributed Scale program will provide opportunities for up to 45
megawatts per year of smaller solar projects with specific
reservations for Small Scale (less than 100 kW) and Medium Scale
(100-1,000 kW) projects.
RFPs for the Utility Scale program will be conducted in 2013 and
2014 and require commercial operation dates in 2015 and 2016.
Georgia Power could begin signing solar contracts under the
Distributed Scale program as early first quarter of 2013.
The GPASI complements the company's existing solar resources,
which include leading-edge research and demonstration projects and
a 50 megawatt Large Scale Solar program already in place.
Since the creation of the company's Green Energy Program in
2003, which enables customers to support and foster the growth of
renewable energy resources, Georgia Power has consistently pursued
opportunities to grow solar in the state. Through various
initiatives, including the Large Scale Solar Program approved in
2011, Georgia Power has worked closely with the PSC to add solar
economically to its portfolio. There are currently 61.5 megawatts
under contract – enough green energy to power approximately 7600
homes.
Additionally, Georgia Power recently launched a new "solar
energy expert" initiative and web site that provides comprehensive
information and personalized assistance for customers interested in
learning more about solar energy. For more information,
please visit:
http://www.georgiapower.com/about-energy/energy-sources/solar/is-solar-right-for-you/
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one
of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is
an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates below the national
average. Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four
of Georgia's 159 counties.
www.georgiapower.com
SOURCE Georgia Power