With coal-fired power plants coming under increasing scrutiny and becoming more expensive to operate because of new environmental laws, Georgia Power Co. Executive Vice President for External Affairs Craig Barrs said Monday that GPC’s parent Southern Company is looking at ways to become more environmentally friendly while saving money at the same time.

“If you look at the way we generate power now, you’ll see it comes from coal, nuclear and natural gas,” Barrs said. “Fifty percent of the power we generate in the state comes from coal, just a sliver comes from renewable resources just as hydro and biomass.

“Our industry is facing attitudes in regard to coal-burning facilities. That is why we are looking at converting Plant Mitchell to biomass generation.”

Read more: Albany Herald