Georgia Public Service Chairman Jason Shaw has said he embraced biomass energy after the south Georgia resident witnessed the large number of fallen trees and debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in 2019. Dan Chapman/U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Georgia regulators have signed off on a controversial Georgia Power plan to build new biomass power plants that will burn wood pellets and other organic material to generate electricity.
With a 4-1 vote Tuesday, the Georgia Public Service Commission endorsed Georgia Power’s plans to add nearly 80 megawatts of biomass energy, a move that critics contend will result in extensive cost overruns affecting ratepayers for several decades to come.
The state regulatory body approved agreements for Georgia Power to purchase biomass energy from three facilities that will convert wood pellets and waste from timber and paper mills into enough electricity to power thousands of homes and businesses.
The biggest controversy is over a proposed 30-year agreement with Altamaha Green Energy for a Wayne County facility for 70 megawatts of biomass.