ATLANTA, March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia
Power has added 970 MW* of solar capacity in Georgia in recent years and plans to continue
this renewable energy growth throughout 2018. A national leader in
developing cost-effective renewable energy resources to serve
customers, the company works with the Georgia Public Service
Commission (PSC) to introduce new renewable programs, products and
services to benefit all customers. Most recently under these
programs, Georgia Power awarded power purchase agreements (PPAs)
for 510 MW of new solar projects to be built as part of the
company's Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI). The three
projects will be developed in Central, South and Southwest Georgia and represent the largest
individual solar projects in state history.
"Renewable energy, including solar developments of all sizes in
all parts of the state, plays an important role in the diverse
generation mix we use to serve customers," said Wilson Mallard, director of Renewable
Development for Georgia Power. "As we continue to grow renewable
resources in 2018 and beyond, we're focused on ensuring that every
project that comes online helps us keep energy reliable and
affordable for our customers, today and in the future."
New REDI Projects
Under the REDI program,
First Solar, through its subsidiary Twiggs County Solar LLC,
entered into a PPA with Georgia Power and will build a 200-MW solar
installation on 2,000 acres of land in Twiggs County near Warner Robins. With anticipated completion in
2019, it is expected to be the largest stand-alone photovoltaic
solar plant in the southeastern United
States. Additionally, Invenergy Solar Development North
America, through its subsidiary Camilla Solar Energy LLC, entered
into a PPA with Georgia Power and will build a 160-MW solar project
in Camilla, near Albany. A third REDI PPA was also approved;
NextEra Energy Resources, through its subsidiary Quitman Solar LLC,
will build a 150-MW project in Quitman, near Valdosta.
These new projects were selected from competing bids submitted
to Georgia Power's 2017 REDI Request for Proposal process. This
competitive process, a key element in multiple Georgia Power
programs, helps ensure that new renewable projects do not put
upward pressure on customer rates.
Solar Installation Collaborations
Georgia
Power also continues to collaborate with the U.S. military to
identify opportunities to grow renewable energy and secure the
state's military installations. Large-scale military solar projects
have been built over the past several years and are currently in
service at Fort Benning,
Fort Gordon, Fort Stewart, SUBASE Kings Bay and the Marine
Corps Logistics Base Albany. In 2017, Georgia Power announced a new
139-MW solar project at Robins Air Force Base, which is expected to
break ground in 2018. Additionally, the company is working with the
University System of Georgia through
the development of two large scale solar projects at Fort Valley State University and Georgia College and State University. These two
university projects will assist with broadening student expertise
and knowledge about renewable development as the solar industry
continues to grow in Georgia.
Future Solar
Growth
Through implementation of its
various renewable programs approved by the Georgia PSC through the
end of 2017, Georgia Power expects to add up to 1,600 MW of
additional renewable energy by 2021. Through approved programs and
projects, Georgia Power is committed to helping all customers meet
their renewable energy needs. Most recently, the company introduced
Community Solar, a program for residential customers that gives
subscribers a bill credit based on actual solar energy production
at Georgia Power's Community Solar facilities. To learn more about
Georgia Power's optional subscription programs such as Community
Solar and also Simple Solar, as well as solar tools and resources,
visit www.georgiapower.com/Solar.
* REC Disclaimer: Georgia Power purchases only
the null energy output from some renewable generating facilities
that have contracted to sell that energy to Georgia Power.
Ownership of the associated renewable energy credits ("RECs") is
specified in each respective power purchase agreement. The party
that owns the RECs retains the right to use them.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest
electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's
premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and
Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5
million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to
delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates
below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse,
innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural
gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.
Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its
customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by
J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer
satisfaction. For more information, visit
www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook
(Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and
Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
Cautionary Note 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 expected renewable growth
and the development and completion of construction of current and
future solar projects. Georgia Power cautions 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 Georgia Power;
accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results
will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those
discussed in Georgia Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017, 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, to satisfy any operational and environmental
performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other
incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company
system upon completion of construction; and potential business
strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial
to Georgia Power. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation
to update any forward-looking information.
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SOURCE Georgia Power