Georgia Power proposes new RFP program to acquire 210 MW of PV

Source: http://www.solarserver.com/

Georgia Power Company (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.) has filed with the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC) to create a solar program to acquire 210 MW of new solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity over a three-year period. 

The Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative would include a utility-scale competitive solicitation program as well as sub-programs for small and medium scale PV. Such a move may indicate a strategy shift by Georgia Power parent company Southern Company (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.), which has resisted adoption of solar in the service area of its subsidiaries.

"We believe the Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative will encourage new opportunities for solar development in our state and catapult us to the forefront of this clean, safe energy technology," said Georgia Power President and CEO Paul Bowers.

"This initiative builds upon our record of maintaining not only one of the nation's safest and most reliable electric systems at rates below the national average, but one of the most innovative as well. We will continue to build a diverse generation portfolio that utilizes the most cost effective and advanced technologies to benefit our customers."

 

RFPs to begin in 2013

The utility-scale portion of the program would issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for PV projects 1-20 MW in size, with sub-programs covering PV smaller than 1 MW beginning as early as 2013.

RFPs for the utility-scale program would be conducted in 2013, 2014 and 2015, with commercial operation beginning in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

 

Response to solar utility plan?

Georgia Power states that the program was developed in collaboration with the GPSC. The program may also be a response to pressure from Georgia solar advocates including GPSC member Lauren "Bubba" McDonald.

McDonald has backed a plan by Georgia Solar Utilities Inc. (GSU, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.) to create a separate utility to build PV projects, targeting 2 GW for the state. On September 20th, 2012 GSU filed for this plan with the GPSC, which would require a change in regulations granting exclusive rights to Georgia Power.