Georgia Power has received approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to move forward with a plan to secure about 9,900 megawatts (MW) of new power generation resources. The initiative is designed to address the rising energy needs driven by significant growth in the state.
This development comes after an agreement between Georgia Power and the Public Interest Advocacy (PIA) Staff. As part of this agreement, Georgia Power will file its next base rate case in 2028. The company committed that additional revenue from large-load customers will generate at least $556 million per year in benefits, translating to an estimated savings of $8.50 per month—or about $102 annually—for typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours monthly.
Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, commented on the agreement: “We know every dollar counts. This plan means more money stays in your pocket while we power Georgia’s future. Unlike any other market in the country, we’re doing things differently here in Georgia to capture and serve this projected unprecedented growth. Large energy users are paying more so families and small businesses can pay less, and that’s a great result for Georgians.”
The PSC’s decision follows several months of review since Georgia Power’s initial request in July. The company sought approval for over 3,600 MW of new combined cycle natural gas generation; more than 3,000 MW of battery energy storage systems; 350 MW combining battery storage with solar; and upwards of 2,800 MW through power purchase agreements. These additions aim to benefit all customers as part of a diversified supply mix.
Georgia has experienced rapid economic expansion recently, including over $26 billion in investments and more than 23,000 new private sector jobs created last fiscal year based on data from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. In response to these trends, Georgia Power continues collaborating with state regulators to ensure reliable electricity supplies support ongoing job creation and tax revenue growth across cities and counties.
“Growth is good for Georgia and for communities of all sizes. The decision by the Georgia PSC today will help keep our state competitive by demonstrating that we are ready to meet the energy demands of new businesses for years to come,” Greene said. “We appreciate the work of the PSC, and all those who participated in this important process.”
To maintain transparency around increasing demand from large users—such as data centers or manufacturers—Georgia Power submits quarterly reports detailing forecasted load growth to the PSC. Its most recent update shows thousands of megawatts in new demand expected over coming years with nearly 30 major projects either under construction or planned statewide.
Stricter criteria were adopted earlier this year requiring potential large-load customers seeking service commitments from Georgia Power to show stronger financial backing and infrastructure readiness before being included in long-term planning forecasts. According to filings made under these updated rules, more than three gigawatts’ worth of customer contracts have been secured so far this year—with further agreements under consideration—to help spread fixed costs across a wider customer base while limiting impacts on households and small businesses.
For additional information about how Georgia Power supports reliable and affordable energy services throughout the state visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.
