Debate Intensifies Over Community Solar Program in Georgia

Georgia Power and solar industry representatives once again found themselves at odds during a meeting with lawmakers to discuss the potential benefits of establishing a new community solar program. The meeting, held by the House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Ad Hoc Committee on Community Solar, provided a platform for clean energy and utility experts to voice their opinions.

The discussion revisited earlier Republican-backed efforts to introduce community solar legislation, which had stalled in Georgia’s Senate and House. Proposed measures aimed to allow small- and mid-scale developers to create state-regulated community solar programs. These programs would enable developers to build solar arrays on Georgia Power’s domain, with subscribers receiving credits on their bills.

Georgia Power opposed the initiative, citing high costs and structural issues. Bob Sherrier, staff attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center, disputed claims from Georgia Power, arguing that the alleged cost shift, which could burden non-participating ratepayers, is unsupported by data. «In Georgia, there is no data backing up this argument,» Sherrier stated. He emphasized that the opposition from utilities may stem from fears of profit loss rather than genuine cost concerns.

Wilson Mallard, Georgia Power’s director of renewable development, argued that customer access to solar power through third-party developers could increase the financial burden on customers. «In the 2022 rate case, Georgia Power provided data showing that paying retail for a wholesale product increases rates for everyone,» he said.

Despite this, experts like Karl Rabago, a former Texas Public Utility Commission member, pointed out that community solar programs do not necessarily shift costs but add value to the grid. «Community solar customers pay their full share, including fixed service costs, and earn a credit for contributing positively to the grid,» Rabago noted.

Representative Ruwa Romman, a Democrat, sought clarity on the financial impact on consumers. Mallard responded, suggesting that utility rates under the program would nearly double compared to Georgia Power’s current 6-cent per kilowatt-hour solar procurement.

Jonathan Roberts, vice president of Soltage, acknowledged Georgia’s strides in solar generation, praised Georgia Power’s efforts, and advocated for community solar to benefit ratepayers financially. He cited the Solar Energy Industries Association, which ranks Georgia seventh in the U.S. for solar power generation.