Green power gets more solar energy
Written on February 20, 2010
Solar energy is about to play a much bigger role in Georgia Power Co.’s Green Energy Program.
The state Public Service Commission amended the program Thursday to provide that 50 percent of the utility¹s renewable energy come from solar sources, up from the current 10 percent. The rest of the program¹s power comes from biomass.
Since its inception in 2006, the green energy program has been criticized for being overly reliant on landfill gas.
Putting more emphasis on solar power will help advance the development of photovoltaic projects in Georgia, said Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, who made the motion to amend the program. The move also should encourage more participation by Georgia Power customers, he said.
The amendment will result in a slight increase in cost for green power.
Customers who wish to take part in the program will be able to buy green power for $5 per 100-kilowatt block, up from the current $4.50.
The commission also increased the amount of solar energy Georgia Power can buy from suppliers and set up a mechanism for allowing the utility to buy more solar power as sales of green energy increase.
On a motion by Commissioner Bobby Baker, the PSC also stipulated that all solar projects that contribute to the program must be located in Georgia.
Filed in: business.