Utility regulators approve plan for Georgia Power to add new generating capacity

Georgia Power Co.'s Plant Bowen generates electricity, Dec. 14, 2020, in Euharlee, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Georgia Power Co. got the go-ahead Tuesday to build and buy more electrical generation from the Georgia Public Service Commission, despite questions from environmentalists about the demand forecast driving the move and who say it’s unwise to let the company burn more fossil fuels.

Four of the Republican commissioners voted to approve the plan put forward by the largest unit of Atlanta-based Southern Co., while Republican Bubba McDonald abstained.

Georgia Power pledges the deal will put downward pressure on rates for existing customers.