Editor:

In an article about a proposed community solar-power measure to be reintroduced in Georgia’s General Assembly, a misleading statement was made objecting to it.

Under the proposal, market benefits would enable residential energy customers to subscribe with community solar-power providers and be eligible for proportional clean-energy tax credits. Although the measure would only apply to Georgia Power customers, some EMC operators remain apprehensive about losing business if an amendment extended state requirements to them.

In raising this dubious concern, Chris Stephen with Coweta-Fayette EMC, said the state already ranks 7th in the nation for solar power generation, but that is a misleading indicator. When ranked by the number of solar installations, Georgia is near the bottom, 47th among the 50 states.

That is a direct result of Georgia’s unjust policies that favor large solar farms because they generate higher profits for Georgia Power, while the PSC complies with Georgia Power’s request to block net-metering, a program that makes rooftop solar more affordable.

The legislation offers advantages for both customers and the environment, while also stabilizing the state’s energy network by decentralizing power generation, making it less vulnerable to storms and brownouts. Georgians deserve the lower-priced power provided through this proposal, which is opposed by Georgia Power.

Company profits have soared while the Public Service Commission unfairly shifted Georgia Power’s project cost overruns onto unwary customers. Over the past two years, residential Georgia Power customers have suffered power an average monthly bill increase of $47, an increase of more than 30%.

David Kyler, Center for a Sustainable Coast