ATLANTA , April 21  -- Georgia Power yesterday issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified bidders for approximately 1,000 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity to meet anticipated customer demand beginning June 1, 2015.  

The power supply proposals may be for five-, 10- or 15-year contracts.  Bids must be submitted by June 22, 2010.  

In addition to traditional Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Georgia Power will also accept Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (APSA) proposals, or the purchase of an existing generating asset already in commercial operation.  The company may also develop one or more self-build proposals in order to meet some or all of the identified need.  

One of the factors in Georgia Power's decision to issue the 2015 RFP is the potential for new regulations expected to be proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in March 2011. These regulations are expected to set new emission limits on mercury and other hazardous air pollutants and may require additional emission controls on Georgia Power's coal units.  While no retirement decisions have been made at this time, the company is issuing the RFP to ensure a reliable and economic supply of electricity in the event that new environmental regulations lead the company to consider retirement of some coal units by 2015.

In accordance with Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) rules, bidders interested in submitting proposals under this RFP can obtain necessary information and are required to pre-qualify by accessing the Web site of the PSC Independent Evaluator (Accion Group) at www.gpscie.com.  

All communications with bidders will be conducted through the Independent Evaluator.  Therefore, potential bidders are prohibited from contacting Georgia Power regarding the RFP.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average.  Georgia Power serves 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.  

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