Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/
A new Macon-based solar power company filed an application with the state of Georgia Thursday for authority to generate solar energy on a utility scale.
If approved by the state Public Service Commission, Georgia Solar Utilities Inc. plans to produce up to 2 gigawatts of electricity by 2016, almost as much generating capacity as Georgia Power’s planned 2,200-megawatt expansion of nuclear Plant Vogtle.
As a “beginning point” toward that goal, the company is seeking up to 500 megawatts in solar generating capacity, starting with an 80-megawatt solar power plant near Milledgeville, Ga., according to the application.
Recent advances in solar technology have brought down the costs of solar energy, Robert Green, CEO of Georgia Solar Utilities, said during a news conference after the filing of the company’s application. Tighter government regulation of carbon emissions from burning coal also are making solar more competitive, he said.
“So long as we can compete with existing utilities, ratepayers can begin to receive a dividend in rate reduction,” Green said.
Thus far, Georgia Power has enjoyed complete control of utility-scale solar development power in the state.
Indeed, a 1973 state law gives the Atlanta-based utility exclusive rights to existing customers.
Green said Georgia Solar Utilities has not yet determined whether it will need to seek a change in that law from the General Assembly in order to do business in Georgia.
Two of the five members of the PSC spoke during Thursday’s news conference in support of taking a more aggressive stance on developing solar power.
Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald said natural gas prices have a history of volatility, while the federal government could soon prohibit the burning of coal.
“We know the sun will be coming up 20 years from now,” he said.
But neither McDonald nor Commissioner Doug Everett committed to supporting the Georgia Solar Utilities plan.
Representatives of Georgia Power are expected to present their plan for expanding development of solar energy to the PSC next week.
The commission is expected to put out a Request for Proposals to consider solar proposals put forth by Georgia Solar Utilities, Georgia Power and any others that might be interested.
“We’re going to look at all of them,” McDonald said.
