ATLANTA, April 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company
subsidiary Southern Power today announced the commercial operation
of the 120-megawatt (MW) East Pecos Solar Facility in Pecos County, Texas. With three solar projects
in Texas, Southern Power is the
owner of one of the largest utility-scale solar portfolios in the
state.
"The East Pecos Solar Facility joins our growing renewable fleet
in Texas, and we look forward to
operating it for the benefit of our customers," said Southern Power
President and CEO Buzz Miller. "By providing clean, affordable,
wholesale generation, we are able to deliver on our promise to help
build the future of energy."
Construction of the approximately 1,000-acre project began in
February of 2016. The facility consists of approximately 1.2
million solar panels manufactured by First Solar, which built and
will operate and maintain the facility. Under a 15-year power
purchase agreement, Austin Energy is purchasing the energy and
associated renewable energy credits, which it plans to apply to
meet Austin City Council goals for renewable energy and carbon
reduction.
"Austin Energy was an early adopter of West Texas wind power and is pleased to take
delivery of the power generated by the East Pecos Solar Facility,"
said Austin Energy General Manager Jackie
Sargent. "We currently supply more than 30 percent of our
customers' needs from renewable power and are well on our way to
our target of 55 percent supply by 2025."
The project fits Southern Power's business strategy of growing
its wholesale business through the acquisition and construction of
generating assets substantially covered by long-term contracts.
Southern Power has announced, acquired or is constructing
approximately 3,200 MW of renewable ownership with 36 solar, wind
and biomass projects across the U.S. In all, the Southern Company
system has added or announced more than 6,500 MW of renewable
energy projects since 2012.
About Southern Power
Southern Power, a subsidiary of
Southern Company, is a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider
meeting the electricity needs of municipalities, electric
cooperatives, investor-owned utilities and other energy customers.
Southern Power and its subsidiaries own or have the rights to 46
facilities operating or under construction with more than 12,600 MW
of generating capacity in 11 states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New
Mexico, North Carolina,
Oklahoma and Texas.
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is
America's premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of
generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined
natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million
electric and gas utility customers through its subsidiaries. The
company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy
through electric utilities in four states, natural gas distribution
utilities in seven states, a competitive generation company serving
wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized
provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics
and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for
excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices
that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading
commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are
inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio
of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st
century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and
creating new products and services for the benefit of
customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S.
Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs
magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50
Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise
magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and
designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The
company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History
from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and
commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among
the top utilities in Fortune's annual World's Most
Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at
www.southerncompany.com.
Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements:
Certain information contained in this release is
forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans
that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information
includes, among other things, statements concerning future
renewable development. Southern Company and Southern Power
caution that there are certain factors that can cause actual
results to differ materially from the forward-looking information
that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue
reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a
guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of
uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the
control of Southern Company and Southern Power; accordingly, there
can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized.
The following factors, in addition to those discussed in each of
Southern Company's and Southern Power's Annual Reports on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31,
2016, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual
results to differ materially from management expectations as
suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to
control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development and
construction of generating facilities, to construct facilities in
accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, and to
satisfy any operational and environmental performance standards,
including the requirements of tax credits and other incentives; and
potential business strategies, including acquisitions or
dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be
completed or beneficial to Southern Company or Southern Power.
Southern Company and Southern Power expressly disclaim any
obligation to update any forward-looking information.
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southern-company-subsidiarys-east-pecos-solar-facility-in-texas-begins-commercial-operation-300435119.html
SOURCE Southern Company