GA utility closing 15 coal plants for carbon-free nuclear; says solar "would increase rates"

[wtmusic]

"Georgia Power Co., a unit of Southern Co. (NYSE: SO), is asking permission from state regulators to close 15 coal-fired power generators or convert them to gas and that closing plants to add solar power would increase rate prices, according to a report from the Athens Banner-Herald.

The company’s testimony came during a series of hearings on its long-term plans before the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Executives from Georgia Power are seeking to close 15 coal-fired generators across the state or convert them to natural gas, which would remove 2,100 MW of generating capacity, the Banner-Herald reported. That number is roughly the amount that will come online in 2017 with the addition of two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro and would still leave a 25 percent excess in capacity."

http://www.power-eng.com/articles/2013/06/georgia-power-plans-to-close-coal-fired-power-plants-favors-nuclear-for-replacement.html

[kristopher]

1. Article continues...

...Georgia Power also said a proposal to make Georgia Solar Utilities Inc. a monopoly provider of solar power was unworkable, according to the report. Georgia Solar Utilities has been pushing a plan for the monopoly in the state Lesiglature and in front of the commission and has said it would build a large installation in Putnam County, where Georgia Power is closing its Plant Branch.

[RobertEarl]

2. Georgia power is one of the most polluting

Any support for them or their subsidized nuke plants is supporting their continued disrespect for the environment.