Support coalescing around proposed solar facility in US state of Georgia

Source: http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/

By: Dan McCue

Support is coalescing around a proposal by a newly formed utility to build a $320 million solar facility on 2,200 acres near the community of Milledgeville in the US state of Georgia.

 

Earlier this year, the new entity, Georgia Solar Utilities Inc. approached Georgia Power with a proposal to build the 90 MW facility, then sell its power to the statewide utility through a long-term power purchase agreement.

 

The proposal seemed particularly well timed since Georgia Power had already announced plans to retire two coal-fired plants in the area, and in light of the utility's commitment to increase the amount of power it supplies to the city of Atlanta and surrounding areas from renewable sources.

 

The proposed plant's capacity is nearly double Georgia Power's entire existing solar energy program.

 

But Georgia power officials demurred, and last June Georgia Solar Utilities said they intended to go ahead and build the facility and operate it as an independent utility.

 

On 30 August, the Georgia Public Service Commission announced that it will review the proposal, an announcement that has inspired an enthusiastic response from the Georgia Solar Energy Association.

 

“As technology advances, energy costs rise and air quality concerns grip Georgia residents, we at GSEA welcome the innovative thought of a utility in Georgia focused on solar energy,” said Jessica Moore, the association's executive director. “That focus will show how solar can produce jobs, increase state revenues and provide a powerful tool for delivering the sun’s potential for keeping rising energy rates in check.”

 

Moore also praised the wisdom of the PSC commissioners in bringing this proposal to its expert staff for careful review and public deliberation, which will ensure a thorough understanding of its impact.

 

“We believe their careful consideration will assist in the continuing efforts to increase solar in Georgia’s energy portfolio,” Moore said.

 

For additional information:

 

Georgia Solar Energy Association