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GA HB402

Public Service Commission; establishment of renewable energy sources and renewable energy portfolio standard goals for electric service providers; provide


summary

Introduced
02/11/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Titles 46 and 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public utilities and public transportation and state government, respectively, so as to provide for the establishment of renewable energy sources and renewable energy portfolio standard goals by the Public Service Commission for electric service providers; to provide for the inclusion of existing or planned renewable energy resources in integrated resource plans; to authorize the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to finance and perform certain duties in connection with projects relating to renewable energy facilities; to provide for limited liability; to revise and provide for definitions; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a framework for promoting renewable energy in Georgia by directing the Public Service Commission (PSC) to set renewable energy portfolio standard goals for electric service providers by July 1, 2026. The goals will not exceed 20 percent of annual net electricity sales and will be developed after evaluating the costs and installed capacity of various renewable energy generation methods through 2050. The bill provides comprehensive definitions for renewable energy sources, which include wind, solar, low-impact hydropower, geothermal resources, biofuels, landfill gas, biomass materials, and other sustainable energy sources. Electric service providers will be encouraged to voluntarily comply with these goals, and the PSC will be required to create a reporting system to monitor compliance, including tracking renewable energy usage, generation costs, and pricing. Additionally, the bill expands the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority's role to include financing and supporting renewable energy facilities, and requires integrated resource plans from utilities to now include existing and planned renewable energy resources. The legislation aims to reduce Georgia's dependence on fossil fuels, promote energy diversity, and create a more sustainable electricity market by encouraging the development and adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

House Energy, Utilities And Telecommunications (15:00:00 2/25/2025 403 CAP) (on 02/25/2025)

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