Georgia Power Proposes New Energy Initiative for Bartow and Floyd Counties

News Summary

Georgia Power is seeking approval for a major energy initiative to meet rising demands in Bartow and Floyd counties, proposing 9,900 MW of new generation capacity. The plan includes expansions at Plant Bowen, new natural gas projects, and advancements in clean energy initiatives. Georgia Power is looking to enhance grid reliability through a diverse energy mix and has submitted a proposal to the Georgia Public Service Commission for certification. Hearings will be held in the coming months, with a ruling expected by late 2025.

Cartersville, Georgia – Georgia Power is seeking approval for an extensive new energy initiative aimed at meeting the growing energy demands in Bartow and Floyd counties. The utility has submitted a proposal to the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) that outlines plans for new energy resource certifications, encompassing a total generation capacity of 9,900 megawatts (MW) across various projects.

The proposed developments include significant expansions at Plant Bowen in Bartow County, where Georgia Power intends to enhance energy production capabilities. In addition to these expansions, the company is advancing its clean energy initiatives in Floyd County, reflecting a commitment to diversify energy sources.

Georgia Power’s comprehensive proposal comprises a diverse array of energy resources, including new natural gas generation, battery storage systems, and renewable energy projects distributed statewide. These initiatives are geared toward ensuring grid reliability from 2029 to 2031 and addressing immediate energy demands that were not encapsulated within the company’s previous All-Source Request for Proposals.

Approximately 8,000 MW of the proposed capacity is expected to derive from bids submitted in the 2022 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which was approved earlier this year. Current energy projects also consist of power-purchase agreements (PPAs) involving existing resources as well as new natural gas generation and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Presently, Georgia Power is involved in the construction of 765 MW of BESS projects in several counties, including Bibb, Lowndes, Floyd, and Cherokee.

The company is requesting certification for an additional 10 new BESS facilities, aiming for a total capacity of 3,022.5 MW. Among the future plans, Georgia Power is set to introduce two new solar systems, combined with BESS in Laurens County and the former Plant Mitchell site in Dougherty County, targeting a shared capacity of 350 MW.

In conjunction with these developments, Georgia Power aims to increase natural gas capacity through the construction of two combined cycle units at Plant Bowen, alongside the expansion of existing gas turbines at various plants. Although these natural gas projects are projected to bolster energy production, they have encountered opposition from environmental groups advocating for a stronger focus on renewable resources instead of fossil fuels.

The PSC is scheduled to conduct hearings concerning these requests in October and early December. A ruling on the proposed projects is anticipated by December 19, 2025. Additionally, Georgia Power is in the process of converting the retired coal-fired Plant Hammond in Coosa into a BESS, with an expected completion date by November 2026.

The proposed expansions at Plant Bowen are particularly significant, with plans to add 500 MW of storage capacity and to construct two new combined cycle units, which will yield a combined capacity of 1,482 MW. Georgia Power underscores that the goal of this diversified resource mix is to ensure both the economic viability and environmental sustainability of energy production for its customers in Georgia.

Georgia Power continues to adapt its energy strategies based on comprehensive feedback from past proposals, enhancing its offerings to better meet the energy requirements of a growing population. The emphasis on integrating diverse energy solutions, including both fossil fuels and renewable resources, reflects the company’s aim to balance energy demand with environmental considerations.

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