In a victory for Georgian consumers and the clean energy economy, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has voted to approve a solar energy plan to increase Georgia’s solar energy procurement. Power with 6 to 9 gigawatts until 2035 and 500 megawatts of battery storage to the energy grid. In combination with solar energy, energy storage can ensure that the lighting stays on reliably even during extreme weather conditions and peaks in electricity demand.
In addition to expanding solar and storage, the PSC voted unanimously to create a collaborative “Distributed Generation Working Group”. The group — which will include representatives from utilities, the solar industry and PSC personnel — will develop recommendations for the growth of Georgia’s distributed energy market.
“It is extremely encouraging to see the Commission prioritize the growth of distributed renewable energy through the establishment of a working group,” said Tully Blalock, Senior Vice President of SolAmerica Energy and Policy Co-Chair of the Georgia Solar Industries Association ( SEIA). “Distributed generation is the clear way forward for Georgia’s economy, workforce and public health. We are delighted to see the commission recognizing the critical role of distributed generation in such a tangible way.”
Also ahead of the PSC, there was a vote today to expand Georgia Power’s popular monthly grid program by as much as 15 percent, bringing rooftop solar within reach for 75,000 Georgia households. Commission Vice-President Tim Echols – who has championed the expansion of net metering – put forward the measure before it failed in a 3-2 vote.
Launched as a pilot in 2020, the program will fairly compensate rooftop solar customers for excess electricity produced by their solar system. The popularity and success of the program was quickly apparent, with thousands of Georgians signing up to receive the benefits of affordable rooftop solar. When the pilot hit the 5,000 customer limit in mid-2021, proponents began urging the PSC to lift the cap and expand access to solar power statewide.
“We welcome some of the Commission’s decisions today and are optimistic that the Commission will tackle grid metering in the upcoming Georgia Power tariff case to bring affordable rooftop solar within reach for tens of thousands of families in Georgia,” said Georgia. Allison Kvien, Southeast Regulatory Director at Stem Solar. “Monthly clearing allows families to lower their monthly bills and contribute to a cleaner, more resilient energy network through rooftop solar. We thank Vice-President Echols and Commissioner McDonald for their leadership on this critical issue, and will continue our efforts to make solar energy affordable and accessible to all Georgians.”
Georgia, ranked 7th in the nation for solar installations, has already experienced the workforce and economic benefits of a thriving solar industry. The state is home to almost 200 solar companies and supports approximately 4,500 jobs. Furthermore, Georgia has seen $4.9 billion in investment from the solar industry and projections show the state can add nearly 2,000 megawatts of solar power over the next five years.
“Georgia today made significant strides in expanding renewable energy development in the state,” said Will Giese, Southeast Regional Director at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “The solar and storage additions to Georgia Power’s integrated resource plan will help alleviate inflationary pressures on families in Georgia by purchasing stable, low-cost clean energy. While the Commission has missed an important opportunity to expand the pilot network measurement project, it is encouraging to see that they have set up a working group on distributed generation. In the face of rising energy prices, we will continue to advocate for solutions that expand access to clean energy for all taxpayers in Georgia.”
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