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Georgia Power Expands Renewable Energy Options for Customers

In a significant move towards greener energy solutions, Georgia Power has launched the Clean and Renewable Energy Subscription Customer Identified Resource (CARES CIR) program. This initiative, recently approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission as part of the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, aims to significantly increase the accessibility of renewable energy for commercial and industrial customers throughout Georgia.

Opening the Door to Renewable Energy

With the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources, Georgia Power has taken considerable steps to facilitate renewable energy subscriptions. The primary goal of the CARES CIR program is to afford customers the opportunity to identify renewable projects they would like to support. This customer-led approach ensures that the renewable solutions offered align with the unique sustainability goals of participating businesses. Moreover, Georgia Power has successfully procured over 2,200 megawatts of solar energy in just the last two years through its broader CARES program, showcasing a strong commitment to renewable energy growth.

Components of the CARES CIR Program

The CARES CIR initiative divides into two main components:
1. Utility-Scale Projects: This category is designed for eligible customers with an annual energy demand exceeding 3 megawatts, allowing them to subscribe to larger solar projects exceeding 6 megawatts.
2. Distributed Generation: Targeting smaller commercial and industrial customers with annual energy demands of 1 to 3 megawatts, this program enables subscriptions to locally sourced solar projects ranging in size from 250 kilowatts to 6 megawatts.

The flexibility provided by the CARES CIR program gives customers a personalized experience in managing their energy needs while contributing to a larger purpose of environmental responsibility. The program will start accepting submissions through the traditional Distributed Generation Request for Proposals (RFP) process, with applications expected to open later this year.

Performance and Future Outlook

Georgia Power is also in the process of expanding its renewable energy partnerships. Recently, they announced approval for contracts totaling over 1.4 gigawatts concerning solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), providing a strong foundation for future renewable energy projects. The planned facilities for these PPAs will be strategically located throughout Georgia, ensuring a wide-ranging impact on local communities. These include:

• - Appling County: 78 MW solar capacity
• - Decatur County: 130 MW solar capacity
• - Jefferson County: 194 MW solar capacity
• - Sumter County: 200 MW solar capacity
• - Warren County: 150 MW solar capacity

These investments are part of Georgia Power’s commitment to sustainable growth and customer satisfaction, affirming their role as an industry leader in utility-scale renewable initiatives.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Georgia Power's Director of Renewable Development, Wilson Mallard, emphasized the program's significance: “The CARES CIR program represents the next step in giving our customers more choice and flexibility in how they meet their sustainability goals. By enabling customers to identify and subscribe to renewable energy projects that align with their priorities, we’re expanding access to clean energy while maintaining reliability and value for all of our customers across Georgia.”

With the growing interest in renewable energy subscriptions, Georgia Power continues to pave the way for a more sustainable future. By prioritizing customer engagement and innovative renewable strategies, they are not only contributing to environmental goals but also enhancing the value proposition for all Georgia Power customers.

To find out more about the CARES program or the recent developments, visit Georgia Power's official website.

As the world shifts toward renewable solutions, initiatives like Georgia Power's CARES CIR serve as a model for how energy companies can evolve, adapt, and ultimately contribute to a greener planet.