The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
GEORGIA POWER LONG-TERM PLAN
Under a compromise agreement being considered by state regulators Thursday, Georgia Power will shut down some traditional plants, add some “green” energy plants, and make other changes in coming years. Here are some highlights:
Renewable energy: The utility plans to add up to 1,600 megawatts of renewable energy. It would contract with outside firms to supply up to 1,050 megawatts from large-scale solar power and other renewable energy plants by 2021. The balance would come from smaller projects built by Georgia Power or by factories, offices, churches, small businesses and homes. Most is likely to be solar, though the compromise allows up to 300 megawatts from wind power, likely imported from the Great Plains states.
New nuke study: There was no agreement on Georgia Power’s request for a study costing at least $175 million of a potential nuclear power plant south of Columbus. That decision was left to the state regulator’s board.
Closing plants: The utility will close one coal unit and two oil-fired units at Plant Mitchell near Albany, and an oil-fired unit at Plant Kraft near Savannah. Combined, they account for 375 megawatts.
Limit spending on old plants: The utility agreed to limit annual investments to $1 million at Plant McIntosh, near Savannah, and $5 million at Plant Hammond, near Rome. Critics wanted Georgia Power to close the old power plants, which are used only part of the year during peak demand times.
Coal ash pond project: Georgia Power wants to do a 10 megawatt demonstration solar power project on one of its closed coal ash ponds near a traditional power plant, allowing it to reclaim land and take advantage of its existing power lines.
High wind study: The utility would be allowed to conduct a study into whether wind power turbines on towers up to 450 feet tall might someday enable Georgia to competitively harness wind power.