PSC Cuts Cost of Green Power Premium

Atlanta, (September 5, 2006) – The Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) today unanimously approved a reduction in the cost of the Green Power premium to $4.50 for one block (100 kilowatt hours) for customers of Georgia Power and those customers in the former Savannah Electric territory in Docket Number 16573. The Commission had previously set the Green Power premium at $5.50 per block for Georgia Power customers and $6.00 per block for Savannah Electric customers. These lower rates will be consolidated into one rate in Georgia Power Company’s next rate case proceeding, which is expected to be filed July 1, 2007. The Green Power premium is in addition to the regular charges for electric usage.

   The Commission first approved the Georgia Power and Savannah Electric Green Power program on July 15, 2003. The entirely voluntary programs will allow electric utility customers to purchase part of their electric power generated by renewable resources, such as landfill gas, solar, wind, limited hydro and limited biomass. Customers must agree to participate in the program for a minimum 12-month period.

   In 2001, the Commission directed Georgia Power and Savannah Electric to file proposed Green Energy Programs that would allow green energy to be purchased by its customers at an established price but would not impact bills of customers who chose not to participate. 

   The Commission also voted to increase the price Georgia Power Company pays for solar photovoltaic energy from 15¢ to 17.4¢ per kWh. This helps encourage the development of solar power in the state. The solar power is then sold as part of the Green Power Program. 

   You can find more information on this issue on the Commission web site, www.psc.state.ga.us .