Georgia companies face hurdles in cutting emissions due to utility policies

Businesses in Georgia are striving to meet clean energy targets, but utilities are not keeping pace, hindering progress.

Emily Jones reports for Grist.

In short:

• Georgia Power’s new nuclear reactors provide carbon-free energy but still leave less than half the state’s electricity carbon-free.
• Hyundai and other companies are offsetting their energy use with out-of-state renewable sources due to insufficient local clean energy.
• Local governments and large corporations are pressuring the Georgia Public Service Commission for more renewable energy and affordable rates.

Key quote:

“Our clean energy plan says it explicitly. We’re not going to be able to meet our clean energy goals without the utility.”

— David Nifong, Decatur’s energy and sustainability manager

Why this matters:

Clean energy targets are critical to combat climate change, but progress is slow due to lagging utility policies. Companies and governments must collaborate with utilities to meet emissions goals, underscoring the need for accelerated renewable energy development.