Georgia continues to lead the nation with advancing clean nuclear power generation with ongoing construction of two nuclear units at Plant Vogtle in Burke County and with a diverse Georgia Power Co. strategy that includes an envisioned nuclear plant south of Columbus in Stewart County. Last Thursday the utility-regulating Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) voted 4-1 to authorize Georgia Power to spend up to $99 million on the early stages of the Stewart County project through the second quarter of 2019. Commissioner Stan Wise, who made the motion, said growing pressure from the federal government on states to reduce carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants coupled with the volatility of natural gas prices make additional nuclear power an option that can’t wait. “The void has to be replicated with something that is cost effective…. I refuse to sit on my hands and defer a decision to a future commission.”
Also this past Thursday the PSC on a 4-1 vote approved Georgia Power’s revised 2016 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), under which the utility will add 1.6 GW of new solar and other renewable energy by 2021. The new long-term energy plan represents a compromise between Georgia Power and several other parties, including the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and the Sierra Club.
Georgia Power spokesperson Ashley Stukes-West says the IRP is “a collaborative, open process” and stipulated agreements are “a normal part of the constructive regulatory environment in Georgia. This agreement was the result of work across the groups – we’re pleased to have reached a final decision that furthers our ability to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy for our 2.5 million customers.”
Stukes-West adds, “We are committed to adding cost-effective renewable generation as part of a balanced and diverse energy mix in a way that doesn’t put upward pressure on rates for our customers.”
