February 16, 2025 - Georgia Power recently announced the filing of its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan with the Georgia Public Service Commission with the utility saying it provides a pathway to clean energy and others criticizing the continued inclusion of coal as a resource.

The IRP details the proposed investments in its power generation fleet and transmission system to ensure Georgia Power can continue providing customers with energy needs, according to officials with the utility company.

“An integrated resource plan is Georgia Power's long-term planning process,” said Jennifer Whitfield, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit environmental legal advocacy organization. “In it they identify how they are going to meet the energy needs for their customers in the coming years. And what's particularly important about it is the Georgia Public Service Commission, the board of five commissioners has to decide whether their plan is the right plan to serve Georgia.”

“At Georgia Power, our vision extends far beyond today — we plan for tomorrow, the next 10 years and decades to come,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “... The 2025 IRP provides a comprehensive plan to support Georgia’s continued economic growth and serve Georgians with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy well into the future.”

The 2025 IRP continues the company’s efforts to modernize its hydro fleet with new projects for nine existing hydro plants including critical replacements and refurbishments needed for turbines, generators and other equipment.

“The most concerning thing is that Georgia Power is walking back its prior recommendations to retire coal,” said Whitfield. “They’re asking to continue burning coal in order to meet the needs of the data centers that are coming to Georgia.”

Whitfield said there are negative impacts to burning coal.

“Burning coal is not only an expensive solution, it's also incredibly dirty,” she said. “It causes air pollution. Which will impact communities who live next door. It’s also bad for our climate. Generally, it releases harming pollutants into the air when it’s burned. Not only is burning coal expensive, managing the aftermath of burning coal is also expensive.

“It leaves a mess in its wake of coal ash that has to be cleaned up properly. If not, it ends up polluting our water.”