The Georgia Public Service Commission recently gave the green light for Georgia Power to build its own solar power installations. But the move has not satisfied Georgia residents who envision a vibrant, homegrown renewable energy industry. Nor is Georgia Power’s plans, which call for one megawatt at the outset, enough to move the state up from its current ranking of 38th in the nation in solar power supplied by individuals into the grid.
State officials like Walter Brown, a member of the Georgia Solar Energy Association, told Georgia Public Broadcasting that he would like to see reformed a number of policies that, in his eyes, are preventing Georgia from meeting customer demand for clean energy. Georgia Power, for instance, has put a cap on private power generation at two megawatts (MW). The utility also charges a $5 surcharge for customers who request to have only clean energy from the utility.
This is not the first time Georgia Power has faced criticism. In early April of this year, the utility gave in to public demand for clean energy, announcing it would build its first large-scale solar installation, capable of supplying electricity to 1,250 homes in the state. The plan was panned by some within the solar industry, including Jigar Shah, founder of SunEdison and CEO of Carbon War Room. At the time, Shah said that projects of this size are adopted daily in New Jersey, California and other states.
The most recent steps toward more renewable energy in Georgia are good signs, but the message from state officials and consumers is clear as day: We want more clean energy.
















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