Georgia Power's 2025 IRP: A Blueprint for Reliable, Economic Energy Growth

Georgia Power, the state's largest electric utility, has filed its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), outlining a comprehensive strategy to meet the energy needs of a growing Georgia while maintaining reliability, affordability, and environmental responsibility. The plan, submitted to the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), builds on the company's long-standing commitment to investing in its generation fleet, transmission system, and customer-focused programs.

Georgia Power's 2025 IRP focuses on three key areas: expansion of a diverse energy mix, enhancements to the power grid, and customer-focused programs. By pursuing these strategic initiatives, the company aims to support Georgia's continued economic growth and serve Georgians with clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy well into the future.

Expansion of a Diverse Energy Mix

Georgia Power's diverse generation mix has evolved to include cleaner and more efficient forms of energy generation, with a strong commitment to research and development of emerging energy technologies. The 2025 IRP proposes continued investments in existing power plants already in operation today to serve the needs of a growing Georgia more economically and with increased efficiency.

Extended power uprates to reliable, emission-free units at Plants Hatch and Vogtle will enable these units to deliver an additional 112 MW of carbon-free energy to Georgia Power customers. Additionally, the company plans to invest in upgrades to existing power plants, including Plant McIntosh near Savannah, which would add an additional 268 MW of capacity. The company has also proposed extended operation of certain coal and natural gas units through at least 2034, with additional upgrades and compliance activities planned at multiple facilities.

Enhancements to the Power Grid

Georgia Power's ongoing investments in the grid, totaling more than $10 billion over the past 10 years, have resulted in a stronger and more resilient power grid. The company's multi-year Grid Investment Program has targeted underperforming circuits, enhancing service for more than a quarter million customers across the state. The program aims to achieve a system wide SAIDI score of 80, providing the most reliability improvement for the least cost to customers while keeping customer bills affordable.

The Grid Investment Program has involved replacing transformers, installing smart devices, improving substations, and placing power lines underground, among other enhancements. These investments have led to an up to 50% improvement in reliability for some customers, demonstrating the company's commitment to delivering the most reliable service for the lowest total cost.

Customer-Focused Programs

Georgia Power's 2025 IRP includes expanded renewable energy options and increased initiatives for income-qualified customers. The company continues to invest in programs that help customers save energy and money, while also promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. By offering a diverse range of energy-saving programs and incentives, Georgia Power is empowering customers to take control of their energy usage and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, Georgia Power's 2025 IRP provides a comprehensive plan to support Georgia's continued economic growth and serve Georgians with clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy well into the future. By expanding its diverse energy mix, enhancing the power grid, and focusing on customer needs, Georgia Power is poised to meet the energy demands of a growing state while maintaining its commitment to environmental responsibility and affordability. As Georgia continues to grow, this state is well-positioned for the future thanks to proactive planning, policies, and processes like the Integrated Resource Plan.