Georgia Power Solar Outlook Facing Increased Scrutiny
Advocates from across the political spectrum are pushing Georgia Power to expand its use of solar energy.
It comes as state regulators hold hearings on the electric provider’s long-term energy plans for the state.
State utility regulators review Georgia Power’s long-term energy plans every three years. Regulators will vote on the company’s latest plan this summer.
At a recent hearing before the Public Service Commission, advocates from a variety of backgrounds told regulators that Georgia Power isn’t doing enough on solar.
Atlanta Tea Party leader Debbie Dooley said Georgia is missing out on jobs and cheaper energy.
“The cost is so low right now, let’s take advantage of it,” said Dooley.
State Rep. Rusty Kidd, an independent from Milledgeville, quoted a study that shows Georgia is 5th in solar potential, but 38th in solar use.
He said Georgia Power needs to be more aggressive.
“Georgia Power has said they’re gonna study it,” said Kidd. “They’re gonna study it, they’re gonna study it, they’re gonna study it. Sometimes you can study something to death.”
The comments come just days after the chief executive of Georgia Power’s parent company, Southern Company, speaking in downtown Atlanta, reiterated his belief that solar and other renewables are and will continue to be “niche” energy sources.
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