Georgia Power is rolling out a new voluntary solar energy program known as Simple Solar
for customers who want to support solar energy development but do not
want to (or can’t) install a rooftop solar system on their homes.
Signing up is simple. Just go to GeorgiaPower.com/SimpleSolar, fill
in some basic account information, and click the right button. You’re
done. Participants agree to pay 1¢ per kilowatt-hour over and above the
standard rate for electricity.
“This initiative is the latest evolution
of our efforts to advance renewable energy in the state while also
creating economical services and solutions for customers who want to
help grow solar energy,” said Norrie McKenzie, vice president of
renewable development for Georgia Power. “Solar energy continues to
offer tremendous potential for powering Georgia and we are committed to
helping our customers find the solar option that works best for them.”
The interesting thing is that solar is largely now cheaper than everything except wind
in the United States, which makes it odd that you have to pay a premium
for it, but hey, maybe we’re missing something. Perhaps it is just that
getting electricity from new power plants — whatever the source — means
not using/paying for electricity from old, non-solar power plants?
The Simple Solar program was designed in
cooperation with the Georgia Public Service Commission to encourage
solar development. GPSC has approved the plan. Georgia Power uses the 1¢
per kilowatt-hour fee to purchase renewable energy credits from
certified solar generation sources. Because purchases are tied to
subscriptions, customers who volunteer are directly supporting the
growth of solar and solar generators throughout the region.
Simple Solar has several subscription
tiers available including Large Volume and Special Event purchase
options. Hundreds of residential and business customers have already
subscribed. Toto USA is a Georgia manufacturer known for its
sustainability efforts and renewable goals. It was the first customer to
match 100% of its monthly usage through the Large Volume option.
“We are pleased to increase our
commitment to match 100% of our usage through Georgia Power Simple
Solar,” says Bill Strang, president of operations and e-commerce for the
company. “Our partnership with Georgia Power allows us to provide both a
return on investment with cost effective electricity and a return on
environment with sustainable solar energy.” Georgia Power expects to add
up to 1,600 MW of additional renewable energy capacity by 2021.
source: https://cleantechnica.com
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