May 5 2010
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the modification of Georgia Power’s Green Energy program, providing more solar options for customers.
As per the modification, the Premium Green Energy option which formerly cost $4.50 for every 100 kWh block and contained 10% solar energy will now cost $5 for every 100 kWh comprising 50% solar energy.
However, the Special Events Purchase, Large Volume Purchase and Standard Green Energy options remain unchanged. Moreover, the PSC has approved Georgia Power to increase the cap on solar capacity to 2.5 MW from 1.5 MW as per its Renewable Non Renewable (RNR) tariff. Georgia Power will purchase solar power from customers under the RNR tariff at 17 cents/kWh.
The PSC and Georgia Power co-worked to create a novel mechanism which will automatically increase the cap on solar capacity even as there is a growth in the Green Energy program participation. As per the novel mechanism, as and when customers purchase 219 blocks of Premium Green Energy, Georgia Power will buy a surplus 100 kW of solar power under the RNR tariff.
The electrical energy produced through the Green Energy program assists the increase of renewable energy resources in Georgia and expand the renewable energy credits (RECs) market. Each time a renewable energy plant produces electrical energy or utilizes renewable fuel, RECs get created.
Changes to the RNR tariff and the Green Energy program will be effective from June 1, 2010.