Georgia Power is joining other electric utilities, automotive companies, nonprofit organizations, elected officials and thousands of electric vehicle (EV) fans across the country to mark National Drive Electric Week September 15 – 21.  The annual celebration, which started as a single day of events in 2011, has since grown to a weeklong series of events across the country highlighting the benefits of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.  National Drive Electric Week is especially exciting for Georgians as Atlanta is currently ranked as the number two market for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles nationwide with more EVs on the road every day. 

Georgia Power is hosting several events throughout the week to help educate and inspire consumers to explore the benefits of driving an EV: 

---  Saturday, Sept. 13 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – Drive Electric Week Kickoff Event at Atlantic Station 

---  Tuesday, Sept. 16 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – Georgia Power EV Cruise In at The Varsity Restaurant

---  Wednesday, Sept. 17 (4:30 – 7:30 p.m.)  – EV Fan Experience, Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals at Turner Field  

---  Thursday, Sept. 18 (5 – 8:30 p.m.) – EV Fan Experience, Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at The Georgia Dome

---  Weeklong: Fun facts, photos, EV tips and local event details on Twitter from @GeorgiaPower using the hashtag #GADriveElectric

EVs are clean, efficient and offer drivers the opportunity to save money on fuel and maintenance costs, reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the country's energy independence by using a domestically produced source of energy.  Georgians who drive electric can also take advantage of state and federal tax incentives, have access to the state's HOV and HOT lanes and save even more through Georgia Power's special Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) rate. In fact, customers who sign up for this rate and charge their carsbetween the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. will currently see the cost equivalent of paying around 50 cents/gallon for gasoline, compared with more than $3.50/gallon for a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle.

For more information about leasing or purchasing electric vehicles, including special rate options such as the PEV rate and an interactive savings calculator, visit www.georgiapower.com/ev. For more information about National Drive Electric Week, visit www.driveelectricweek.org.