As the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) kicks off its second round of hearings today, May 27, 2025, Georgia Power finds itself under intense scrutiny for its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The utility giant’s proposal to ramp up fossil fuel use to meet soaring energy demands, particularly from data centers, has sparked fierce criticism from environmental groups and consumer advocates. These hearings, set to run through May 30, come ahead of a critical PSC vote on July 15, which will decide whether Georgia Power’s plan to extend the life of coal plants and build new methane gas units moves forward. Critics argue the utility is prioritizing costly, polluting energy over cleaner, more affordable options like solar.
Why Georgia Power’s Plan Sparks Controversy
Georgia Power’s 2025 IRP outlines a strategy to address an projected 8,200-megawatt increase in electricity demand over the next six years, driven largely by power-hungry data centers. The plan includes keeping coal-burning plants like Plant Bowen near Cartersville and Plant Scherer near Macon operational, delivering about 4,000 megawatts of electricity. Additionally, the utility proposes new methane gas units to generate up to 9,000 megawatts by 2031. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and Southern Environmental Law Center, slam this approach, arguing it locks Georgia into decades of reliance on climate-warming fuels. They point out that solar energy, which has no fuel costs, could meet demand more affordably while reducing emissions.
- Key Points of Contention:
- Extended operation of coal plants previously slated for closure.
- New methane gas units at Plant Yates in Coweta County.
- Concerns over rising customer bills, already up $43 monthly since 2023.
Georgia Power’s Defense and the Data Center Boom
Georgia Power insists that maintaining and expanding fossil fuel capacity is essential to ensure reliable power for Georgia’s growing economy. Company executives, including Jeff Grubb, director of resource planning, argue that under-forecasting demand poses a greater risk than overbuilding capacity. They highlight the unprecedented growth of data centers, which are expected to consume 80% of the state’s new electricity demand by 2030. These facilities, powering AI and cloud computing, require consistent, high-volume energy that Georgia Power claims renewable sources alone can’t yet provide. The utility also points to upgrades at Plants Hatch and Vogtle, adding 112 megawatts of carbon-free nuclear energy, as part of a balanced approach.
Environmental and Consumer Pushback
Critics aren’t buying Georgia Power’s rationale. Environmental advocates like Patrick King II from the Natural Resources Defense Council argue that the utility is sidelining cost-effective solar power in favor of expensive fossil fuel infrastructure. They question the accuracy of Georgia Power’s demand projections, suggesting the utility may be overestimating data center growth to justify costly projects. Consumer groups, meanwhile, worry about the financial burden on ratepayers. Since 2023, the average Georgia Power customer has seen bills rise by $43 a month due to fuel costs, coal ash cleanup, and the completion of two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. A proposed rate freeze from 2026 to 2028 offers temporary relief, but many see it as a political move to shield PSC commissioners facing elections.
The PSC’s Role and Public Outcry
The PSC, a five-member elected body, holds significant power in shaping Georgia’s energy future. Its hearings this week will feature testimony from commission staff, environmental groups, and other stakeholders challenging Georgia Power’s plan. Nearly 1,000 public comments submitted to the PSC, with 90% opposing fossil fuel expansion, reflect widespread concern about climate impacts and rising costs. Advocates like Jennifer Whitfield from the Southern Environmental Law Center argue that the utility’s projections lack rigorous analysis, risking unnecessary infrastructure costs. The PSC’s July 15 vote will determine whether Georgia Power can move forward with its fossil fuel-heavy plan or if regulators will push for more renewable energy.
A Path Forward for Georgia Power
As Georgia Power navigates these hearings, the tension between economic growth and environmental responsibility takes center stage. The utility’s plan includes some renewable investments, like 500-megawatt solar facilities with battery storage by 2027, but critics argue these steps fall short. They urge the PSC to demand a more aggressive shift toward clean energy, leveraging Georgia’s abundant solar potential to meet demand without burdening ratepayers or the planet. The outcome of these hearings will shape not only Georgia Power’s future but also the state’s role in addressing climate change and ensuring affordable energy for all.
Get Involved in Shaping Georgia’s Energy Future
The PSC hearings are a critical moment for Georgians to make their voices heard. Attend the public sessions through May 30, 2025, or submit comments to the PSC before the July 15 vote. Advocate for a cleaner, more affordable energy mix that prioritizes renewables and protects ratepayers from soaring bills. Your input can push Georgia Power and regulators toward a sustainable future.