ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power today introduces Georgia Power Simple Solar ™, the company's latest solar energy program for customers. Simple Solar is a new voluntary option for Georgians who want to support solar energy, but are unable or choose not to install a solar system at their home or business. Signing up for the program at GeorgiaPower.com/SimpleSolar takes just minutes with basic customer account information.
"This initiative is the latest evolution of our efforts to advance renewable energy in the state while also creating economical services and solutions for customers who want to help grow solar energy," said Norrie McKenzie, vice president of Renewable Development for Georgia Power. "Solar energy continues to offer tremendous potential for powering Georgia and we are committed to helping our customers find the solar option that works best for them."
The new solar program was designed in coordination with and approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission to encourage solar development. Simple Solar subscribers pay an additional 1-cent per kilowatt hour, which Georgia Power uses to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) from a certified solar generation source to match and offset their energy use. The company ensures the solar credits meet environmental and consumer-protection standards and, because purchases are tied to subscriptions, customers are directly supporting the growth of solar and solar generators throughout the region.
Simple Solar offers multiple subscription tiers for customers, including Large Volume and Special Event purchase options. Hundreds of residential and business customers have already subscribed to the program with TOTO USA, a Georgia manufacturer known for its sustainability efforts and renewable goals, being the first customer to match 100 percent of their monthly usage through the Large Volume option.
"We are pleased to increase our commitment to match 100 percent of our usage through Georgia Power Simple Solar," said Bill Strang, president of operations and eCommerce for TOTO USA. "Our partnership with Georgia Power allows us to provide both a return on investment with cost effective electricity and a return on environment with sustainable solar energy."
Georgia Power's robust renewable development strategy includes innovative customer programs, as well as large-scale initiatives such as the Advanced Solar Initiative (ASI) and Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI) to bring more solar energy to Georgia. The company continues to have the largest voluntary renewable portfolio in the nation and now has 846 MW* of solar capacity in operation, with accelerating growth year over year since 2013. Through implementation of the new REDI, approved by the PSC in 2016, as well as other solar projects and programs, the company expects to add up to 1,600 MW of additional renewable capacity by 2021.
To learn more about Georgia Power's solar programs, including Simple Solar as well as other solar tools and resources for customers, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Solar.
* REC Disclaimer: Every megawatt hour of electricity produced by an eligible solar generation resource creates a Renewable Energy Credit (REC). 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 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, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
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 expected future renewable capacity. 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, 2016, 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