Georgia regulators approve compromise power plan

A thick funnel emits steam into a blue sky at Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia, a four-unit nuclear power plant.

Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia. (Emily Jones/WABE)

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

Georgia Power will expand its renewable energy generation and keep some of its coal plants open longer than previously planned under a compromise deal approved by state regulators Tuesday.

The Georgia Public Service Commission unanimously approved the deal that maps out Georgia Power’s energy plans for the coming years, despite objections from consumer advocates who claimed the agreement violates a previous commission order. Although several interest groups requested changes, the commissioners did not propose any amendments before voting.