Expand New Energy Sources, Not the Old.

In December, Georgia Power proposed an expansion that would create an additional 10,000 megawatts of energy generation to the grid of Georgia. This initiative was proposed because Georgia Power estimated that 80% of future demand will come from data centers. To accomplish Georgia Power’s goal, the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved building five new methane gas-burning units in the state at Plants Bowen, McIntosh and Wansley. The PSC defended their approval of the project with their projection that electricity bills would go down $8.50 a month by 2029 if this piece passed.

 

Georgia Power and Alabama Power will receive a $26.5 billion loan package from the U.S. Department of Energy for this expansion. Georgia Power will be receiving the majority of this money, about $22.5 billion, to expand harmful infrastructure. 

 

Critics argue that there is a lack of evidence for the predicted demand for this energy addition considering data centers that aren’t fully constructed are their main concern. Arguments about bill prices have also been brought up since there is a possibility that electric bills could increase. Arguments that this addition will have negative impacts on the environment have also been made and are supported. 

 

A study conducted by Business Insider estimated that data centers across the U.S. emit about 2,500 tons of nitrogen oxides a year. The study focussed in on Virginia where data centers have already sprung up across the state. They found that the two data centers scheduled to be built would cause up to 1,350 tons of sediment to be dumped into rivers and wetlands. Georgia does not want the “dirty energy” these data centers need ruining its natural beauty. 

 

Last month, several environmental organizations and faith communities filed a petition to the Fulton County Superior Court. They requested a review of the Georgia Public Service Commission’s decision to approve this proposal. They raised concerns about the proposal’s financial burden on consumers and the disregard of legal framework when approving new energy resources. 

 

Expansion of energy can be a good and necessary thing; however, expanding current infrastructure is not necessary. Instead of just expanding current infrastructure, Georgia can expand green energy sources to produce more energy. 

 

Georgia Power’s current Integrated Resource Plan lacks any true additions to green energy infrastructure. They have discussed reinforcing their hydro sources and nuclear plants but include nothing new. When does Georgia begin to invest in solar powered energy like our neighbor state of Florida? When does Georgia begin to invest in wind power like Texas? 

 

Instead of funding infrastructure that produces more carbon emissions, Georgia should shift gears and focus on expanding renewable energy. Funding the development of more solar panel housing or coastal wind turbines, would make this state a leader in renewable energy. All of this could be done with the funding that is surrounded with uncertainty for Georgia Power’s expansion. 

 

Increasing Solar Energy infrastructure will create new jobs for Georgians. The unemployment rate in Georgia is at 3.5% with new jobs being created yearly. Positions such as hands-on installation work, construction, system design, project management, and sales could be created when going green. These are jobs that will be stable for the next generation as the state would continue to evolve from wasteful ways. 

 

Individual Georgia families already save up to $4000 a year when they switch to solar energy sources. Imagine what those savings would look like for an entire state of people. Additionally, increasing just solar water heating systems in Atlanta would save 712,000 metric tons of global warming pollution annually by 2030. When the state of Georgia takes on the brunt of investing into solar energy, Georgia residents will see benefits in their bills and environment. 

 

In the same vein, Wind Power is far less expensive than any other energy source. It costs two cents per kilowatt hour in comparison to the current 11 cents per kilowatt hour Georgians pay for electricity now. Georgia also has offshore wind opportunities that would account for a third of the state’s electrical needs. Georgia has already begun exploring the potential of wind power for the state. If this exploration continues, it is projected that 500,000 cars worth of carbon pollution would be eliminated in the state. 

 

Renewable energy sources exist in Georgia and work in the state. It is up to policymakers, state officials, and the people of Georgia to determine the future of power. This state has the potential to lead the nation in green energy. The loans it is getting from the federal government are better invested into the future of its people. 

 

The Fulton County Superior Court now has the task of making a decision that impacts every light switch in the state. As citizens, Georgians must demand an energy policy that prioritizes the future of the people of Georgia. Georgia has the technology, the sunshine, and the workforce to build a green grid. It is clear that this funding exists and the opportunity has presented itself to move into a greener future. Georgians must now take this opportunity into their own hands and demand a change for a greener tomorrow. 

Anna-Jewel is a third-year at the University of Georgia studying political science and communications studies. She is a member of our Environment and Agriculture group.