Overview
- Georgia Power and the Public Interest Advocacy staff agreed to support roughly 9,900 megawatts of new capacity through 2031 to serve anticipated data-center demand.
- The stipulation guarantees at least $556 million in annual revenue from large-load customers, which the utility says will reduce pressure on typical residential bills by at least $8.50 a month at the 2028 rate case.
- The proposed portfolio includes 3,600 MW of new natural-gas plants, 3,000 MW of battery storage, 350 MW of solar paired with storage, and 2,800 MW of purchased power.
- Consumer protections in the agreement include minimum-bill payments for at least two years if a large-load contract terminates early and a bar on seeking cost increases until six months before a project's expected completion, with staff pledging close oversight.
- Commissioners are set to vote Dec. 19, as PIA staff cite expectations that contracts will materialize within six to 12 months and opponents warn of financial and environmental risks tied to new gas generation.