Alabama Power to add up to 500 MW of renewable energy generation

The Alabama Public Service Commission has approved a proposal by Alabama Power to install up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy projects.

Alabama Power spokesman Michael Sznajderman said the firm is seeking a way to provide renewable energy for corporate customers who desire it in their energy portfolio or have renewable energy mandates to meet.

"This allows us to negotiate with these companies so that we can find ways to provide them with renewable energy, either by building our own projects, or possibly purchasing renewable energy from other sources."

According to Sznadjerman, the renewable electricity would come at a premium cost, which would not be passed on to the broader customer base, and that the program was not designed for residential customers, at least at the start. The individual projects could be up to 80 MW each.

Nick Sellers, Alabama Power vice president of regulatory and corporate affairs, stated:

"This proposal provides a common-sense path for expanding renewables in Alabama. The Public Service Commission has been clear that they do not want renewables to be subsidized by all of our customers. This filing achieves that policy directive while also allowing for solar and new renewable energy projects that are expected to provide economic benefit for all of our customers."

Alabama Power currently has a total of 1,600 MW of hydropower in place across Alabama and a total of 404 MW of purchased wind generation from projects in Kansas and Oklahoma.