Georgia Power filed their 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Public Service Commission (PSC) on January 31, outlining how they plan to invest funds from their 2.8 million customers over the next two decades. Stakeholders and the public now have a valuable opportunity to engage in the process before the PSC votes on the plan this July.
Digging into the details of the IRP can seem daunting, but it benefits every Georgian to ask which energy sources Georgia Power will invest in, what programs will be available to help customers, and what it will cost. Sustainability nonprofit Southface Institute is working with Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) to prepare the public to advocate for a sustainable and affordable energy future. Here are some key issues to look out for:
- Grid Reliability and Resiliency – Continued load growth from new data centers and industry in Georgia impacts how much energy the grid needs to have in reserve to keep the power on reliably during peak demand. Examining how this amount is calculated is critical. Underestimating it can risk outages, but overestimating it can lead to unnecessary costs.
- Programs for Residential Customers – Demand-side management programs that help people reduce their energy use (e.g., rebates for home efficiency improvements) can make utility bills significantly more affordable. This especially impacts low-income households that may be at risk of having their power shut off. We advocate to expand these programs and increase compensation for excess energy that is sent back to the grid from residential solar panels.
- Commercial and Industrial Clean Energy – Installing solar panels on warehouse roofs across the state is a promising opportunity that we are working with Georgia Power and the PSC to explore. There is also a compelling proposal to allow commercial and industrial customers to bring clean energy projects to the system. These clean energy resources would be dedicated to meeting the high energy needs of large-scale customers that pay for the projects.
- Mix of Energy Sources – Will Georgia Power increase their investment in nuclear assets or favor more cost-effective power generation options, like solar? How fast will they grow in-state renewable energy sources compared to natural gas imports? There is a balance to be struck in our fuel mix, and we plan to share our expertise to help make these decisions.
Southface will be represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) during the IRP proceedings. Our final IRP workshop on February 26 will focus on how you can advocate for the sustainability issues you care about too. Register today to join us on the 26th at Legacy Park in Decatur from 12-2:30 p.m. An online option is available.
About Southface Institute
Founded 1978 in Atlanta, Southface Institute is a national nonprofit focused on sustainability and building science. Together with our partners, we leverage advocacy, education, and services to build stronger communities and a healthier environment for all. Join Southface in Boldly Building Together at southface.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.
Looking forward to seeing how the PSC responds to these concerns! geometry dash world
Need more funds to help communities and consumers learn how to help themselves which would fall into the distributed energy and energy efficiency categories helping those at the bottom of the pyramid. Not interested in helping data centers or crypto processors – those companies aren’t job creators for GA & should be helping themselves meet their own decarbonization goals.