Georgia Commission Goes Big on Solar — Again!

On this bright sunny July day, Georgia Public Service Commissioners demonstrated their leadership once again on solar power, committing Georgia Power to invest in over two gigawatts of clean energy over the next three years.

Vote Solar and our partner Southface presented expert testimony over the several months-long case, urging the Commission to increase our state’s commitments to renewable energy and energy savings programs, and also asking regulators to initiate a new proceeding this fall to ensure fair compensation for independent power producers — all recommendations that the Georgia Commission ultimately approved.

Here are some of the great benefits coming to the Peach State over the next three years:

Two gigawatts of large scale clean energy added to the grid – half of which will be offered to large customers to meet their sustainability goals, and the other half will benefit all ratepayers
210 megawatts of new distributed solar projects, which will be spread throughout communities across the state
80 megawatts of new battery storage, a critical investment that will enable more clean energy going forward
A 15 percent increase in energy efficiency targets across residential and commercial programs, including those serving low income customers

This is a continuation of the clean energy vision of Georgia’s all-Republican Commission, which has again set the utility on a path to lead on solar, bringing significant savings to customers.

Being at the Commission in Atlanta this morning, I got to feel the excitement and deep support for clean energy and all the benefits that it can bring to the South. While this decision solidifies Georgia’s leadership on utility-scale solar, we still have a lot of work to do to expand customers’ right to go solar at their own homes and businesses — a critical fight that we will continue as we engage in Georgia Power’s rate case this fall.

Thanks to the Georgia Commission and staff, and to our tremendous partners for working with us to ensure that Georgia continues to lead on solar power. The forecast is sunny thanks to all that you do!

Image by Center for Climate Protection