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1/29/2009
Plant Mitchell hearing highlights concerns over sourcing bio-energy facilities |
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The Public Service Commission held hearings on January 20 to consider whether to certify a Georgia Power coal-fired plant as a wood-burning facility. Plant Mitchell, located near Albany, would be one of the largest biomass facilities in the country if converted. The company expects to begin producing power in mid-2012 after extensive retrofitting of the 60 year old facility.
Testifying in favor of the conversion was the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), suggesting that Georgia Power Company was finally becoming serious about green energy. Stephen Smith, SACE Executive Director, said "Southern Company and Georgia Power are finally beginning to have a serious conversation about renewable energy".
Georgia Power officials point out that the coal-fired plant is past its prime and that the conversion to biomass is proof that the company does not turn a blind eye to the environment. The new energy facility is projected to employ 50-75 workers.
Packaging Corporation of America filed testimony opposing the plan, concerned that the utility has underestimated the cost of fuel and that the project would drive up wood prices. David Carmon, the Valdosta paper mill operator, noted that "Unlike Georgia Power, PCA has no way to automatically recover the cost of its raw materials". He warned that the mill, which employs about 80 people in Valdosta, cannot compete or survive with subsidized, incentivized wood purchasers such as Georgia Power.
A rebuttal hearing is scheduled on February 19 should Georgia Power need it, and the Public Service Commission will make its final decision March 17.
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