Statement on GA Power’s Coal Retirements
SACE Media Statement from Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Smith, regarding Georgia Power’s Coal Retirement Announcement: Southern Alliance for Clean Energy applauds Georgia Power’s announcement this morning that it will retire several of its least economical, oldest, and dirtiest electric generators. The decision is good news for ratepayers and for public health in Georgia and we’re glad the company isn’t waiting any longer to seek retirement of these units. Georgia Power’s own studies in 2011 showed that these coal-fired units aren’t economical to run and the Union of Concerned Scientists named them as “Ripe for Retirement” in its November 2012 report. These proposed retirements are a laudable step toward modernizing Georgia Power’s system and cleaning up its generation mix, and we hope they will be accompanied by an increased commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy in order to continue to provide reliable service. # # # Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. For more information, go to: www.cleanenergy.org