ATLANTA, April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Smart Electric
Power Alliance (SEPA), formerly the Solar Electric Power
Association, announced today that it has named Georgia Power to its
annual Top 10 Utility Solar list. The annual list, released at the
Utility Solar Conference in Tucson,
Arizona, recognizes a select group of U.S. utilities for
solar connections to the grid in 2016. Georgia Power ranked
10th in 2015 and advanced to 5th among 412
utilities in 2016. Solar systems installed in Georgia in 2016 as a result of Georgia Power's
solar programs totaled 553 megawatts.
"We are proud to be recognized once again by SEPA as an industry
leader in advancing renewable energy for our customers," said
Norrie McKenzie, vice president of
Renewable Development for Georgia Power. "We have focused on
growing solar and other renewable generation sources in
coordination with the Georgia Public Service Commission and the
solar industry in a way that ensures reliability, diversifies our
energy mix and helps keep our rates low for customers."
"One of the reasons we started the Utility Solar Top 10 lists
back in 2007 was to highlight the key, but often unrecognized role
utilities were taking in putting new solar on the grid," said SEPA
President and CEO Julia Hamm. "At
this pivotal moment in the U.S. energy transition, the industry
leaders on this year's Top 10 lists -- such as Georgia Power --
will continue to be critical to the growth of solar, storage and
other distributed energy resources on the grid."
Year after year, Georgia Power has worked with the Georgia PSC
to add solar to its generation portfolio through diverse and
innovative programs designed to prevent putting upward pressure on
customer rates. Customer-focused programs include the recently
introduced Simple Solar option for customers who want to support
solar energy, but are unable or choose not to install a solar
system at their home or business, as well as a rooftop solar
education, consultation and installation service. Georgia Power's
renewable development strategy also includes large-scale,
competitive solar solicitations such as the Advanced Solar
Initiative (ASI) and Renewable Energy Development Initiative
(REDI). Millions of solar panels have been installed across
Georgia as part of Georgia Power
programs, including the ASI as well as five new on-base solar
initiatives with the U.S. Army and Department of the Navy.
With one of the largest voluntary renewable portfolios in the
nation, Georgia Power now has 855 MW* of solar capacity in
operation, with accelerating growth year over year since
2013. Through implementation of the new REDI, approved by the
PSC in 2016, as well as other solar projects and programs, the
company expects to add up to 1,600 MW of additional renewable
capacity by 2021.
To learn more about Georgia Power's solar programs, including a
variety of solar tools and resources for customers,
visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Solar. To learn more about SEPA,
visit www.sepapower.org.
* REC Disclaimer: Every megawatt hour of electricity produced
by an eligible solar generation resource creates a Renewable Energy
Credit (REC). 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 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,
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 future renewable
capacity. 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, 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, 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