The US Solar Energy Industries Association has applauded Alabama
Power’s proposal to install up to 500 MW renewable energy generation,
the organization just announced in an email to Solar Love.
Also posted on its website,
the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has urged the Alabama
Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve the proposal put forth by
Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company, which
would see up to 500 MW of renewable energy generation installed in the
state.
Alabama Power released information on its proposal earlier in the month,
which included a variety of projects of up to 80 MW each, totalling
around 500 MW over a six year period. According to Alabama Power, the
proposal “would provide broad options for the company to work with
customers who have made renewable generation a priority, while
protecting other customers from bearing additional costs.” It also notes
that such capacity expansion could provide clean energy up to 100,000
homes across the service area.
“This proposal provides a common-sense path for expanding renewables
in Alabama,” said Nick Sellers, Alabama Power vice president of
Regulatory and Corporate Affairs. “The Public Service Commission has
been clear that they do not want renewables to be subsidized by all of
our customers. This filing achieves that policy directive while also
allowing for solar and new renewable energy projects that are expected
to provide economic benefit for all of our customers.”
In response, SEIA is urging the Alabama Public Service Commission to
approve the proposal, explaining that Alabama would therefore “finally
get to enjoy the economic and environmental benefits so much of the
country is already reaping.”
“Approving this proposal is a no-brainer,” said Rhone Resch,
president and CEO of SEIA. “In addition to the vast environmental
benefits, increasing a state’s solar energy capacity will create
numerous jobs and stimulate the local economy. Not to mention — satisfy
the Alabama Power customers who have publicly stated their desire to
have access to expanded renewable energy options.”
Alabama is currently among the bottom 10 states in the US in terms of
installed solar capacity, with only 2 MW of solar installed across the
whole state. However, as SEIA notes, “the state’s solar resource is
actually greater than states like New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York
– all of which rank in the top 10 nationally in installed solar
capacity. In fact, Alabama receives nearly 50 percent more energy from
the sun per square foot than Germany, the global leader in solar
energy.”
“Alabama Power’s sister companies – Georgia Power, Mississippi Power
and Gulf Power – are already adding renewable energy as part of a
diverse generation portfolio,” Resch added. “PSC approval will allow
Alabama Power the chance to join in, fueling the Southeast’s momentum as
one of the fastest growing solar markets in the nation. When it comes
to Alabama’s clean energy future, this would be one major step forward
for a state that’s lagged behind in the renewables sector for far too
long.”
http://cleantechnica.com/2015/07/24/alabama-power-renewable-energy-proposal-gets-seias-backing/
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