Georgia Power’s IRP Proposes Extended Reliance on Coal and Gas, Leaving Georgians Vulnerable to Unpredictable Gas Pricing and Utility Bills

Vote Solar Intends to Intervene to Highlight Issues on Affordability and Clean Energy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2025 

Atlanta, GA– On Friday, January 31, Georgia Power filed an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Georgia Public Service Commission, outlining its plans to supply customers’ energy needs. The IRP, which Georgia Power is required to file once every 3 years, asks the Public Service Commission to increase its fossil fuel capacity to meet growing energy demands in the state, largely driven by data centers.

In the IRP, Georgia Power’s request for an expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure could have lasting implications for the state’s energy landscape. Concerningly, Georgia Power is requesting a pushback of its prior commitments to retire coal units and includes plans to convert existing coal units to methane. The IRP request also includes heavy transmission investments, many of which are to accommodate data centers in the state. 

“Our goal is to ensure that the voices of Georgia’s hard-working families are heard. We are advocating for a future where instead of having some of the least affordable residential bills in the country, we hope Georgia will seize this opportunity to get on a new path toward more affordable energy bills and better access to clean energy options,” said Allison Kvien, Vote Solar’s Southeast Regulatory Director. “It’s time for Georgia Power to embrace a more fair and sustainable future that empowers people, rather than profits.”

By prioritizing fossil fuels, many households could face inflated utility bills. Continuing heavy investment in fossil fuel infrastructure leaves customers vulnerable to volatile energy pricing for fuels like fossil gas, which have a history of dramatic price spikes. Georgia residential customers already pay some of the highest bills nationwide, with the City of Atlanta consistently ranking in the top five most energy-burdened cities in the country. 

Vote Solar intends to intervene in Georgia Power’s 2025 IRP process to be a voice for Georgia consumers and advocate for prioritizing affordability and the inclusion of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), like solar energy.

About Vote Solar

Vote Solar is an energy justice non-profit working towards a 100% clean energy future by bringing solar to the mainstream. Founded in 2002, Vote Solar advocates for clean energy in legislative and regulatory arenas at the state level, where most decisions about electricity are made. Despite powerful opposition, we use a winning combination of deep policy expertise, coalition building, and public engagement to get the job done.