HB 1152 & Revised SB 210 to Expand Community Solar and Address Energy Shortage
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Atlanta - February 13, 2024 – The Georgia Solar Energy Industries Association (GASEIA) applauds state Senator Jason Anavitarte and Representative Beth Camp for sponsoring Senate Bill 210 and HB 1152 to improve and expand community solar in Georgia.
Senate Bill 210 (new draft will be unveiled in committee) and HB 1152 allows solar developers to participate in a community solar program established under the Georgia Public Service Commission. It will opens the community solar market to private investment where developers build small solar arrays (6 MW and less) and utility customers of all classes subscribe for a portion of the generation output. This will drive down rates while increasing supply, simple economics. It’s a proven solution for enabling broader clean energy access among families and small businesses.
The bill will also ensure future business models require cost-effective innovation that saves the state, individuals and small businesses money. A working group will bring electric distribution utilities, consumers and community solar industry representatives together to engage in proactive conversation to ensure the program operates smoothly. The power will still be supplied and billed by the utiltiy, subscribers will receive a bill credit. The utilites will not lose one customer, just receive more solar power to drive down costs.
“This is a simple bill that will only allow community solar developers to operate while leaving the rulemaking process up to the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC),” said GASEIA President Pete Corbett. “The PSC has done an amazing job with solar; Georgia needs this legislation to authorize further growth of the community solar market and to help meet Georgia’s energy shortage. GASEIA members greatly appreciate Senator Anavitarte and Representative Beth Camp, the other bill sponsors and the entire Georgia General Assembly for their support, input and consideration.”
“Solar energy has been an amazing benefit to Georgia and I want to expand the community solar market to benefit ratepayers,” stated Paulding County Republican Senator Jason Anavitarte. “Georgia is top 10 for solar production and there are solar facilities in over 80 counties bringing jobs, economic development and low-cost solar energy to local communities. Solar energy is also the cheapest energy source per kilowatt in Georgia. Senate Bill 210 is about expanding energy choices, driving down rates and improving the energy market for Georgia’s residents and businesses.”
“I first got involved with solar as a realtor,” explained Representative Beth Camp. “Passing HB 1152 will allow residents, churches, schools and local communities to grow through local solar power produced right here in Georgia. Georgia has seen incredible economic growth and now an energy crisis. It is time we did something at the legislature to help lower rates for consumers while also providing our businesses with the energy they need to operate.”
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The Georgia Solar Energy Industries Association (GASEIA) is a statewide, non-profit trade organization representing the interests of the 200+ solar companies located throughout the state. GASEIA serves as the voice for Georgia’s solar industry, working to remove market barriers, engage in solar outreach and education, and expand solar markets. GASEIA seeks to encourage the widespread use of solar energy and maintain Georgia's position as a top state in the solar industry.
GASEIA proudly serves the 4,500 Georgians working in the solar industry and supports a statewide industry that generates approximately hundreds of millions of dollars in investments each year. GASEIA's diverse membership ranges from educational organizations to solar developers, engineers, distributors, and financiers. Members conduct business in-state, nationally, and abroad, with individually-owned groups and large solar organizations represented. GASEIA the state affiliate for the national solar trade organization, SEIA.
For More Information Contact:
Steve Butler
steve@connectpublicrelations.net