ATLANTA, Aug. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of Georgians are anticipating the first significant solar eclipse to cross the state in more than 30 years and, to illustrate the real-time nature of solar generation, the company invites energy fans to tune in to a special Facebook Live event at Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower on August 21. Beginning at 1 p.m., fans will get an unprecedented look at how the eclipse will affect solar generation from the company's solar research and demonstration project at its Atlanta headquarters. As solar continues to grow, Georgia Power customers can expect continued reliable service thanks to the company's diverse, flexible generation mix including solar, as well as nuclear, natural gas and other sources.
"Georgia's energy planning process focuses on ensuring that our generation resources are balanced and optimal to keep reliability high and rates as low as possible," said Greg Roberts, vice president of pricing and planning for Georgia Power. "While we continue to work to bring cost-effective solar energy to our state, including researching new technologies such as battery storage, this eclipse offers an exciting opportunity to observe how solar generation responds to a unique astronomical event."
Georgia Power was ranked in the Top 5 nationally for solar connected to the grid in 2016 and is adding millions of solar panels to Georgia's energy landscape. Solar growth in Georgia continues thanks to new programs developed with and approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Most recently, the Georgia PSC approved the 2016 Integrated Resource Plan, which includes the addition of up to 1,600 MW* of renewable capacity, including solar, wind and biomass, through 2021.
This spring, Georgia Power announced plans to build a 139-MW solar facility at Robins Air Force Base near Macon, its largest to date. Additionally, the company's 150-plus MW of large-scale solar facilities at other Georgia military bases includes projects with the U. S. Army at Fort Benning, Fort Gordon and Fort Stewart and with the Department of the Navy at SUBASE Kings Bay and Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.
Georgia Power offers a variety of resources and tools for customers to help them determine if solar is right for them, including an interactive solar calculator, as well as solar energy experts available for one-on-one consultations. Learn more at 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, 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).
SOURCE Georgia Power