Julia Hamm Comments on Georgia Power's Launch of its Advanced Solar Initiative (GPASI) | SEPA Skip to content
Join SEPA

Julia Hamm Comments on Georgia Power’s Launch of its Advanced Solar Initiative (GPASI)

On March 1, 2013, Georgia Power launched its Advanced Solar Initiative to grow solar resources in the state by opening the application process for distributed solar generation. The Georgia Public Service Commission approved the program in November 2012, allowing the southeastern utility to acquire 45 MW of solar capacity via distributed generation and 60 MW via competitive RFP in both 2013 and 2014. When fully implemented, Georgia will benefit from an additional 210 MW of clean solar power under long term contracts. Julia Hamm, President and CEO of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), issued the following statement in response to the continued development of utility solar:

“Georgia Power is taking an impressive step forward with the launch of its Advanced Solar Initiative. This program has significance beyond Georgia and the southeast in that it is representative of the transition taking place nationwide related to the evolving energy mix. Utilities – regardless of whether they are big or small, owned by investors or municipalities or customers, under an RPS mandate or not – are seeing solar as a cost-effective option. This evolution highlights the urgent need for increased collaboration between utilities and the solar industry. In addition, this type of solar progress from a conservative
utility with low retail rates and wholesale power costs serves as a strong example for other utilities wanting to expand solar without upward rate pressure for customers.”

About SEPA
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios for the benefit of the utility, its customers and the public good. With more than 1,000 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions.

Share