Georgia Power files its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan

Georgia Power recently filed its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), which outlines its plans for delivering energy to its customers over the next years.

“At Georgia Power, we are committed to making smart investments for Georgia’s energy future while ensuring our customers have the clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy they expect and deserve,” Allen Reaves, senior vice president and senior production officer at Georgia Power, said. “Working with the Georgia Public Service Commission, we have invested in a diverse energy mix of nuclear, natural gas, hydro, renewables, coal and energy efficiency resources in order to maintain high levels of reliability for our customers that have resulted in rates that are 15 percent below the national average.”

As part of its filing, Georgia Power proposed new renewable energy programs, including the procurement of up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new renewable resources. If approved, the company’s total renewable energy capacity would grow to 18 percent of its portfolio by 2024.

In its filing, the company also requested the decertification of five coal units and proposed not to renew the operating license for its Langdale and Riverview hydro project dams.

The proposal also includes energy efficiency targets and energy-saving programs for residential and commercial customers. The programs are designed to reduce peak demand by approximately 1,600 MW by 2022.

“As our generation mix evolves toward more natural gas fueled plants and intermittent renewable resources, resilience will grow in importance,” Reaves said. “This IRP discusses considerations that may go into future planning processes.”