May 18 2015
Georgia Power this week started construction on new solar projects at Georgia Army bases Fort Gordon near Augusta and Fort Stewart near Savannah. At groundbreaking events at the bases Thursday and Friday, leadership from the company, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives (OEI) and the General Services Administration (GSA) gathered with community leaders and others to tour the site and mark the beginning of development.
Leaders from Georgia Power, the Georgia Public Service Commission, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives and the General Services Administration break ground on the Georgia 3x30 solar project at Fort Gordon near Augusta, Ga.
Georgia Power and the U.S. Army first announced the Georgia 3x30 solar project in 2014. The project consists of the development of three 30 megawatt (MW) solar generation facilities at three separate Army bases throughout the state. The projects, each of which may cover more than 200 acres, are scheduled to be completed and begin delivering power to the state's electric grid by the end of 2016.
"These solar projects support the Army and their mission to not only strengthen local Georgia bases as economic and community engines, but also their efforts to further the development of renewable energy and enhance national security," said Kenny Coleman, senior vice president of marketing for Georgia Power on Friday. "We're committed to assisting our customers with all of their energy needs, including providing information and expert advice to help them make informed choices about adding solar – on an Army base or a home rooftop."
As part of the review and approval of the company's 2007 Integrated Resource Plan, the Georgia PSC approved the development of three cost-effective renewable projects of up to 30 MW to be owned by Georgia Power. The three projects will be brought online at or below the company's avoided cost, the amount projected it would cost the company to generate comparable energy from other sources.
Georgia PSC Commissioners Chuck Eaton and Stan Wise attended the events and noted the combined efforts to bring the solar projects to Georgia and keep rates low for customers.
Large-scale renewable projects like Georgia 3x30 are adding to Georgia Power's diverse generation portfolio and fueling the state's momentum as one of the fastest growing solar markets in the nation. Through its various solar programs, the company is adding thousands of solar panels to Georgia's energy landscape. All of the company's solar resources will have been procured at costs designed to prevent upward pressure on rates and ensure that solar offers the most value for Georgia Power customers.
To learn more about Georgia Power's solar programs, including resources and information for home and business owners considering solar, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/solar.