The Georgia Public Service Commission today unanimously approved the construction of three solar photovoltaic installations on three Georgia military bases as part of a partnership between the Georgia Power Company and the U.S. Army. The three bases are Fort Benning, Fort Gordon and Fort Stewart. All three projects are scheduled to be completed before the end of 2016 and will generate up to 30 megawatts of electricity each. The solar installations will provide power to Georgia Power customers but if needed can also generate power exclusively for each base.

“These facilities will further promote the advance of solar energy in Georgia while at the same time meeting the military’s renewable energy goals,” said Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald during a news conference at the State Capitol. Taking part in the announcement was Commissioner Doug Everett, U.S. Army Major General Al Aycock, Director of Operations, Office of the Chief of Staff for Installation Management, U.S. Navy Captain John Kliem, Deputy Director of the Navy Renewable Energy Program Office, Amanda Simpson, Executive Director, Army Office of Energy Initiatives and Georgia Power Company President Paul Bowers.

“Not only is this power for today but this is power for the future and the right kind of power,” said Major General Aycock. “This will ensure that Fort Benning, Fort Stewart and Fort Gordon have the energy they need to accomplish their mission,” Aycock added.

“The military continues to lead the way in the development of renewable energy,” said Commissioner Tim Echols. “I hope our action today will help these bases remain a permanent fixture in their respective regions of the state.”

Georgia Power filed its plan for these facilities on May 15, 2014 as part of its Renewable Action Plan under the 2007 Integrated Resources Plan (IRP). The Commission’s order in the 2007 IRP required any projects to be equal to or less than the Company’s avoided costs meaning no upward pressure on rates. According to the Company’s filing, these projects will contribute towards the Army’s mandates regarding renewable energy and energy security and represent a significant investment in Georgia Army bases.

Georgia Public Service Commission

In other action today, the Commission:

• Approved $1 million for the Emergency Gas Heater and Water Heater Repair and Replacement

  Program for low-income senior citizens for the period of November 2014 through October 2015. The six participating agencies will administer the funds by their approved allocations. “The commission action today preserves an important program that helps low income seniors make their home more energy efficient,” said Commissioner Tim Echols. “Over 900 homeowners have benefited from this program by receiving either a hot water heater or a furnace or both. “

• Approved $16 million in Universal Service Fund (USF) expenditures to extend Atlanta Gas Light pipelines in Appling County Phase-I that will ultimately serve Southeastern Peanut and Gin and Claxton Poultry and any other new customers that want natural gas service.

• Approved $6 million in USF expenditures for two projects. The first is for the continued Atlanta Gas Light line-extension in Appling County Phase-II, and Phase-II of the project will be funded either with future USF dollars or by the Customer Growth Program. The second is for the Fannin County Project.

  The Georgia Public Service Commission is a constitutional agency that exercises its authority and influence to ensure that consumers receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced telecommunications, electric and natural gas services from financially viable and technically competent companies. Additional information can be found on the Commission web site, www.psc.state.ga.us.