ATLANTA, Jan. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power added more than 2 million solar panels to the state's energy landscape through its various programs last year and will continue this growth in 2017. Through implementation of the Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI), approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2016, as well as other solar projects and programs, the company expects to add up to 1,600 MW of additional renewable energy by 2021.

The company now has 846 MW* of solar energy resources in operation, with accelerating growth year over year since 2013. Georgia Power continues to have the largest voluntary renewable portfolio in the country.

"We continue to focus on introducing new products, services and programs that bring renewable energy to our state without putting upward pressure on rates and ensuring 24/7 reliability for customers," said Norrie McKenzie, vice president of renewable development for Georgia Power. "Thanks to the efforts of many, Georgia is a national solar leader in pioneering customer-focused solar developments which bring value for all of the state's electric customers."

2016 solar energy highlights:

• 120 MW of new on-base military projects – Georgia Power dedicated four new 30 MW on-base solar projects at the U.S. Army's Fort Benning, Fort Stewart and Fort Gordon, as well as the Department of the Navy's SUBASE Kings Bay. The projects, built, owned and operated to serve Georgia Power customers, are the result of continued collaboration with the U.S. military to increase renewable energy resources while adding energy security for the bases. The company's fifth 30 MW project is under construction at Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany.
• Hundreds of MW of solar projects under the Advanced Solar Initiative (ASI) - Solar developers continued to complete small, medium and large-scale installations across the state ranging from 4 kW to more than 100 MW. Georgia Power purchases the energy from these installations under long-term contracts with customers or developers at or below its avoided cost, the amount it would cost to produce energy from other sources.

To learn more about Georgia Power's solar programs, including resources available for residential and business customers considering solar energy, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Solar.

* REC Disclaimer: Georgia Power purchases only the null energy output from some renewable generating facilities that have contracted to sell that energy to Georgia Power. Ownership of the associated renewable energy credits ("RECs") is specified in each respective power purchase agreement. The party that owns the RECs retains the right to use them.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visitwww.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the development and completion of construction of current and future solar projects. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development and construction of generating facilities, to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, to satisfy any operational and environmental performance standards, and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; and potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Georgia Power. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.

SOURCE Georgia Power