As previously reported, on February 7, 2012, Georgia State Sen. Buddy Carter (R-Pooler, Dist. 1) introduced SB 401, which seeks to remove barriers to renewable energy development in the state and ensure a full range of financing tools, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), are available to finance such projects in a way that draws investment and jobs to Georgia. PPAs are currently permitted in 45 other states.

Facing stiff opposition by Georgia’s utilities, and the realization that the Georgia Senate Natural Resources Committee was likely not going to move on SB 401, the bill sponsor Sen. Carter amended another bill in the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee, SB 459, to which the issue of alternative energy development is germane.

On Thursday, Feb. 23, the committee took public comment on the SB 459. Proponents included SGR attorney Steve O’Day, consumer advocate Clark Howard and GSEA Public Policy Committee Chair Sylvia Minton. The bill was tabled to be considered again on Monday, Feb. 27.

For more information, please contact Steve O’Day (soday@sgrlaw.com) or Jessica Lee Reece (jreece@sgrlaw.com).