GA Power gets the go-ahead with a hurdle

The Public Service Commission's approval yesterday of Georgia Power's long-range energy plan comes with a big stipulation -- the company must consider energy sources other than nuclear power.

Georgia Power wants to expand the nuclear energy facility Plant Vogtle near Augusta, but Public Service Commission Chair Bobby Baker says the company must accept bids from other energy companies. "That will allow us to check the marketplace to see what options are available and at what prices," said Baker.

Energy alternatives include coal and natural gas. Other energy sources such as wind power or bio-mass are not considered cost-effective.

Georgia Power will submit its own bid for nuclear energy, and an independent evaluator will determine the most viable option.