PSC gives boost to solar in Georgia Power green energy program

By David Markiewicz

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia Power customers who want more solar energy offered under the utility's Green Energy program are getting their wish.

The state Public Service Commission is boosting -- to 50 percent from 10 percent -- the amount of renewable energy that comes from solar sources in the company's Premium Green Energy mix.

The percentage that comes from biomass will decrease to 50 percent from 90 percent.

PSC Chairman Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Jr. made the motion to amend the program, saying, "The commission hopes to encourage more participation in the Green Energy program and further advance the development of solar photovoltaic products in Georgia ..."

All solar projects that contribute to the program must be located in Georgia. The PSC also increased the amount of solar energy the utility can buy from suppliers, and allowed for it to buy more if green energy sales rise.

Michelle Conlon, a board member of the Georgia Solar Energy Association, said the group was pleased with the change.

The voluntary Green Energy program costs customers extra in their monthly bill. They will now pay $5 per 100-kilowatt block for the half-solar, half-biomass premium offering, up from $4.50. Customers can buy as many blocks as they choose.

Georgia Power said 100 kilowatts corresponds to about 10 percent of an average monthly residential customer's bill.

Georgia Power also offers a non-premium option called Standard Green Energy, with 100 percent biomass from a DeKalb County landfill gas plant, for $3.50 per block.

Georgia Power spokeswoman Lynn Wallace said, "We think the amendments to our Green Energy program are a good compromise to help grow the amount of solar resources in Georgia and increase the number of subscribers in the Green Energy program."