The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has been met with demands from a divided Tea Party Movement to require Georgia Power to focus more on solar energy. This demand comes on the heels of a proposal made by PSC Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. to require Georgia Power to nearly double solar energy output over the next 20 years.
Opponents of the proposal fear that the requirement will raise energy costs for Georgia Power customers, while supporters claim that Georgia should begin exploring alternative energy to lessen dependence oil and coal.
It should be noted that Ga. Power has doubled the capacity required by law and PSC staff is recommending the Public Service Commission approve the current Georgia Power plan as it currently stands.
The Georgia Public Service Commission remains divided on the issue. Leading the opposition is PSC Commissioner Stan Wise who states that with an excess in power, as it stands in Georgia, it would be financially irresponsible to contribute funds to the solar energy effort.
Backing McDonald is PSC Commissioner Doug Everett and PSC Commissioner Tim Echols. Echols believes McDonald’s proposal is a compromise with the federal government placing limitations on coal and possibly fracking methods.
The vote will occur at today’s PSC meeting.
Council for Quality Growth Member Georgia Power wrote an editorial discussing alternative energy for a recent Priorities of the Week. Read Georgia Power’s editorial HERE
