Georgia Power receives approval for 1,137 MW of new solar power purchase agreements through CARES program
Georgia Power adds over 1.1 GW of approved solar PPAs and opens up to 3,000 MW of new CARES options for large customers.
Rhea-AI Summary
Georgia Power (SO) received Georgia Public Service Commission approval for 1,137 MW of new solar power purchase agreements under its CARES 2023 and CARES 2025 RFP programs, expanding its renewable portfolio across the state.
The approval covers seven solar PPAs in Appling, Decatur, Jefferson, Sumter, Warren, Emanuel and Irwin counties, with projects expected to begin commercial operation as early as 2029. The 2023 procurement period represents the largest single solar procurement in the company’s history and follows 1,068 MW of CARES 2023 projects approved in September 2025.
Georgia Power also opened enrollment for the CARES Customer Identified Resource program, approved for up to 3,000 MW of additional renewable projects for eligible commercial and industrial customers.
Positive
- PSC approval for new solar PPAs totaling 1,137 MW across seven projects
- Largest single solar procurement in Georgia Power’s history under CARES 2023
- Prior CARES 2023 approvals of 1,068 MW of solar projects in September 2025
- CARES CIR program approval for up to 3,000 MW of additional renewable projects
Negative
- None.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
CARES 2023 solar procurement is largest in company history;
Successful multiyear program expands renewable energy portfolio for customers
ATLANTA , Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power has received approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) for 1,137 megawatts (MW) of new solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) through the CARES 2023 and CARES 2025 request for proposals (RFP) programs, expanding the company's renewable energy portfolio for customers across the state. Procurement under the 2023 program period represents the largest single solar procurement in Georgia Power's history.
The CARES program has been developed with the Georgia PSC and allows eligible subscribers to support their sustainability initiatives by purchasing a subscription for a pro-rata share of the production of renewable resources. Customer demand for such subscriptions continues to grow from customers. Georgia Power, which is recognized as a national leader in cost-effective solar development, seeks renewable resources to enhance its diverse generation portfolio through competitive RFP processes, a process which helps maintain flexibility amid changing market conditions and enables the company to continue to provide more carbon-free energy to customers.
"These new solar resources will deliver affordable and reliable energy at a fixed price for the benefit of all Georgia Power customers for years to come," said Wilson Mallard, director of renewable development for Georgia Power. "The approval of these agreements by the Georgia PSC helps advance cost-effective renewable energy in our state and adds more than 1,100 megawatts of renewable energy resources to our diverse generation portfolio. Renewable energy plays an important role in how we are meeting Georgia's continued growth and expanding access to carbon-free energy for customers through the CARES subscription program."
Approved Solar Power Purchase Agreements
The Georgia PSC approved seven solar PPAs totaling 1,137 MW through the CARES 2025 RFP, which was approved in the 2022 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), and additional CARES 2023 procurements. The projects are expected to begin commercial operation as early as 2029.
Appling County : 78 MWDecatur County : 130 MWJefferson County : 194 MWSumter County : 200 MWWarren County : 150 MWEmanuel County : 185 MWIrwin County : 200 MW
The recent approval of additional procurements follows 1,068 MW of projects approved for the CARES 2023 program in September 2025. Projects approved at that time include
Expanding Renewable Energy Options
Georgia Power's renewable energy strategy continues to evolve through customer-driven programs and competitive renewable procurements. The company recently opened enrollment for the new CARES Customer Identified Resource (CARES CIR) program, which allows eligible commercial and industrial customers to identify renewable energy projects for potential participation in the CARES program at prices designed to create value for all Georgia Power customers.
CARES CIR, which is approved for up to 3,000 additional MW of renewable energy projects, divides projects into two distinct programs:
- CARES CIR Utility-Scale allows eligible metered customers with annual energy demands above 3 MW to subscribe to renewable projects larger than 6 MW.
- CARES CIR Distributed Generation allows eligible metered commercial and industrial customers with smaller annual energy demands between 1 MW and 3 MW to subscribe to locally sourced solar projects in
Georgia ranging from 250 kilowatts to 6 MW in size.
For more information about Georgia Power's CARES programs, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/CARES.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power offers rates below the national average, focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
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SOURCE Georgia Power
FAQ
What is the CARES program and how does it work for customers?
The CARES program, developed with the Georgia PSC, allows eligible subscribers to support sustainability initiatives by purchasing a subscription for a pro-rata share of the production of renewable resources. The company said customer demand for these subscriptions continues to grow.
Which specific counties will host the newly approved 1,137 MW of solar PPAs?
The approved solar PPAs are located in seven Georgia counties with the following capacities: Appling County 78 MW, Decatur County 130 MW, Jefferson County 194 MW, Sumter County 200 MW, Warren County 150 MW, Emanuel County 185 MW and Irwin County 200 MW.
When are the newly approved solar projects expected to begin commercial operation?
The seven newly approved solar projects under the CARES 2025 RFP and additional CARES 2023 procurements are expected to begin commercial operation as early as 2029.
What is the CARES Customer Identified Resource (CARES CIR) program?
The CARES CIR program allows eligible commercial and industrial customers to identify renewable energy projects for potential participation in the CARES program at prices designed to create value for all Georgia Power customers. It is approved for up to 3,000 MW of additional renewable energy projects.
How are the CARES CIR Utility-Scale and Distributed Generation options structured?
CARES CIR Utility-Scale allows eligible metered customers with annual energy demands above 3 MW to subscribe to renewable projects larger than 6 MW. CARES CIR Distributed Generation allows eligible metered commercial and industrial customers with annual energy demands between 1 MW and 3 MW to subscribe to locally sourced solar projects in Georgia ranging from 250 kilowatts to 6 MW in size.