Georgia PSC Certifies Battery Storage Projects

The state Public Service Commission (PSC) voted unanimously Tuesday to certify Georgia Power’s plan to build battery energy storage systems (BESS) at four locations.

The Atlanta-based utility’s proposal, which was approved without discussion, will add 500 megawatts of electrical generating capacity to Georgia Power’s energy supply portfolio. One megawatt is enough electricity to power 750 homes.

Two of the new BESS facilities will be built adjacent to both Robins Air Force Base in Houston County and Moody Air Force Base in Lowndes County. They will be colocated with existing solar facilities.

A third standalone BESS will be located at the retired coal-burning Plant Hammond in Floyd County. The fourth site will double the battery-storage capacity of the McGrau Ford Battery Facility being built in Cherokee County.

An agreement Georgia Power reached with the PSC’s Public Interest Advocacy Staff in October requires the company to submit quarterly reports while the BESS projects are under construction updating spending and the construction schedule.