Environmental groups challenge Georgia PSC approval of new Georgia Power gas plants

Environmental groups are urging state utility regulators to reconsider a recent decision they say could raise electric bills and lock Georgia into costly fossil fuel infrastructure for decades.

The Sierra Club, the Southern Environmental Law Center and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy have filed a motion asking the Georgia Public Service Commission to reopen a case approving Georgia Power’s plan to build new methane gas power plants.

The commission approved the expansion in December as part of Georgia Power’s long-term resource plan. Opponents argue the decision raises unresolved questions about cost, timing and whether the additional power is actually needed.

Isabella Ariza, a senior attorney with the Sierra Club, said the proposal comes at a risky moment for consumers.

“This is not a good time to stock up on gas resources that are extremely expensive at the moment, and ratepayers will see no benefit from doing that at this time,” Ariza said.

The groups point to analysis by the commission’s own staff estimating the projects could raise average monthly electric bills by about $20 — adding up to tens of billions of dollars over the lifetime of the plants. The motion also argues Georgia Power has not shown that all of the new capacity is necessary to serve existing customers by 2031.

One project drawing particular scrutiny is a proposed gas unit at Plant McIntosh. The groups say Georgia Power’s modeling shows the plant would produce more electricity than projected demand, potentially saddling customers with billions in unnecessary costs.

Ariza said communities across Georgia are raising concerns about long-term impacts on health, the environment and household budgets.

“Community members are saying they don’t want to pay for gas plants that will stay online for 40 years, pollute their air and primarily serve data centers,” she said, adding that large industrial users should bear those costs.

The groups are asking regulators to reopen the case, hold another hearing and limit approvals to power resources proven necessary for Georgia Power’s customers, while adding protections to prevent existing ratepayers from subsidizing speculative growth.