Southern's Unit Secures PSC Approval for Five Solar Facilities

Core Insights - Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, received approval for five large-scale solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) totaling 1,068 megawatts (MW) of solar energy, aligning with the 2023 Clean and Renewable Energy Subscription (CARES) initiative [1][9][16] Summary by Sections Project Approval and Capacity - The approved solar projects were selected through a competitive bidding process under the CARES 2023 Request for Proposal (RFP), contributing to significant environmental and economic benefits [2][4] - The five projects will be strategically located across Georgia to enhance the state's renewable energy infrastructure and diversify Georgia Power's portfolio [4][6] Project Details - Mitchell County will host a 25-year agreement for 260 MW, while Coffee County will have a 30-year PPA for 200 MW [5] - Wilkinson County's project includes a 20-year agreement for 183 MW of solar energy paired with a 91.5 MW battery storage system, improving grid reliability [5][12] - Jefferson County will benefit from a 20-year PPA for 200 MW, and Laurens County will have a 20-year agreement for 225 MW [6] Strategic Goals and Future Plans - Georgia Power aims to acquire up to 4,000 MW of new renewable energy assets by 2035, starting with a target of 1,100 MW through upcoming RFPs [10][11] - The CARES 2025 RFP has been issued with a target of up to 2,000 MW of additional utility-scale solar projects expected to be operational by 2028 [8] Renewable Energy Integration - The integration of solar plus storage in projects like Wilkinson County enhances overall system reliability and operational flexibility, ensuring a resilient grid [12][13] - The CARES program allows corporations to subscribe to renewable energy production, helping them meet sustainability goals and reduce carbon footprints [14][15] Industry Impact - Georgia Power's initiatives reflect a strong commitment to renewable energy, positioning the company as a leader in the transition to a sustainable energy future [16][17]