ATLANTA, Jan. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power added
more than 2 million solar panels to the state's energy landscape
through its various programs last year and will continue this
growth in 2017. Through implementation of the Renewable Energy
Development Initiative (REDI), approved by the Georgia Public
Service Commission (PSC) in 2016, as well as other solar projects
and programs, the company expects to add up to 1,600 MW of
additional renewable energy by 2021.
The company now has 846 MW* of solar energy resources in
operation, with accelerating growth year over year since 2013.
Georgia Power continues to have the largest voluntary renewable
portfolio in the country.
"We continue to focus on introducing new products, services and
programs that bring renewable energy to our state without putting
upward pressure on rates and ensuring 24/7 reliability for
customers," said Norrie McKenzie,
vice president of renewable development for Georgia Power. "Thanks
to the efforts of many, Georgia is
a national solar leader in pioneering customer-focused solar
developments which bring value for all of the state's electric
customers."
2016 solar energy highlights:
- 120 MW of new on-base military projects – Georgia Power
dedicated four new 30 MW on-base solar projects at the U.S. Army's
Fort Benning, Fort Stewart and Fort Gordon, as well as the Department of the
Navy's SUBASE Kings Bay. The projects, built, owned and operated to
serve Georgia Power customers, are the result of continued
collaboration with the U.S. military to increase renewable energy
resources while adding energy security for the bases. The company's
fifth 30 MW project is under construction at Marine Corps Logistics
Base (MCLB) Albany.
- Hundreds of MW of solar projects under the Advanced Solar
Initiative (ASI) - Solar developers continued to complete
small, medium and large-scale installations across the state
ranging from 4 kW to more than 100 MW. Georgia Power purchases the
energy from these installations under long-term contracts with
customers or developers at or below its avoided cost, the amount it
would cost to produce energy from other sources.
To learn more about Georgia Power's solar programs, including
resources available for residential and business customers
considering solar energy, 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, 21st century 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,
visitwww.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on
Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter
(Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).
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 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, 2015, 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.
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/georgia-power-solar-growth-continues-in-2017-300396588.html
SOURCE Georgia Power