PSC Approves Study of Solar Power Only Green Energy Tariff
Company and Staff Directed to Respond Within Thirty Days

ATLANTA, (November 19, 2009) – The Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) today unanimously approved a motion directing the Commission staff and Georgia Power Company (Company) to develop a proposed revision to the Company’s Green Energy tariff to allow consumers to purchase “solar only” electric power.

Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. made the motion to direct the staff and the Company to bring the revised Green Energy tariff to the Commission within 30 days. “These recommendations should include consideration of the cost of such an offering, any monthly minimum block purchase requirements and any other appropriate contract terms,” McDonald said. 

“I think there is a market out there that would support a solar only product,” McDonald added. He indicated that he has heard from consumers throughout the state who express an increasing interest in renewable resources and green energy.

The Commission on August 17, 2009 approved an increase in the amount of solar energy that can be purchased under the Green Energy tariff, up to 1.5 Megawatts. Under the Company’s current Green Energy Tariff, consumers may purchase 100 Kilowatt blocks of Green Energy for $3.50 per block above their regular electric rates. The Large Volume Purchase allows customers who purchase at least 400 blocks under the standard Green Energy offering to contract with Georgia Power for additional renewable energy at a reduced price. Georgia Power contracts individually with each customer to determine the price, quantity, term and source of the additional green energy.

Under the current Regular Green Energy program, the Green Energy product is all biomass, primarily from the Seminole Landfill in DeKalb County and contains no solar or wind energy at this time. However, the Company offers a Premium Green Energy Product at $4.50 per block which receives at least two percent of its energy from solar resources.

For additional information, please visit the Georgia Public Service Commission web site, www.psc.state.ga.us.