MCLB Albany solar project reaches milestone

ATLANTA, April 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today a major milestone in the development of the new 31 megawatt (MW) alternating current, or 44 MW direct current, solar generation facility at Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany. The company recently executed a real estate outgrant with the Department of the Navy (DON) that authorizes the company to use land on the base for the solar project. The agreement is a significant achievement for the project, which will further diversify the company's energy portfolio and increase DON's energy security.

"As work continues at the Submarine Base Kings Bay project near Savannah, we're excited to move one step closer to starting construction on our second Department of the Navy project at MCLB Albany," said Norrie McKenzie, vice president of Renewable Development for Georgia Power. "Our continued partnership with the Navy is helping us grow solar in Georgia while strengthening our state's military bases and stimulating investment in Georgia communities."

The outgrant provides Georgia Power with access to 150 acres of land at MCLB Albany for the development of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to deliver energy to the state's electric grid. The company expects to bring the facility online in less than a year at or below the company's avoided cost, the amount projected it would cost the company to generate comparable energy from other sources. The solar project at MCLB Albany is estimated to represent an approximate $75 million investment at the installation.

"MCLB Albany has a strong commitment to energy security. Through our recent adoption of cutting-edge technologies, to include landfill gas-to-electric generators and ground source heat pumps, and our current effort to construct a biomass steam-fed electric generator, we are on track to achieve 'net zero' status well ahead of the Secretary of the Navy mandate," said Marine Corps Col. James C. Carroll III, commanding officer, MCLB Albany. "This project with Georgia Power will add to the base's energy security and diversify the area's power supply, making the grid and all who rely on it more resilient."

Renewable energy serving Georgia electric customers today includes solar, wind and biomass. Georgia Power's innovative solar programs, such as the Advanced Solar Initiative and new solar projects at five Georgia military bases, have been developed in coordination with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) and are adding thousands of solar panels to the state's energy landscape with all of the company's renewable energy being procured at costs designed to prevent upward pressure on customer rates. In addition, as part of the 2016 Integrated Resource Plan recently filed with the Georgia PSC, the company has proposed an additional 525 megawatts of renewable generation and studies for potential new future wind generation in Georgia.

To learn more about Georgia Power's renewable energy initiatives, including solar programs and services for customers, as well as how the company maintains high reliability and low rates with a diverse generation portfolio, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.   Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower). 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the development, completion of construction and cost of the MCLB Albany solar project. Georgia Power Company cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power Company; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development and construction of generating facilities, to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, to satisfy any operational and environmental performance standards, and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; and potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Georgia Power Company. Georgia Power Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.

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SOURCE Georgia Power

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