Sen. Ossoff Empowers Georgia’s Energy Security with $250 Million Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Strengthening Georgia’s Energy Security and Grid Resilience

Historic Investment to Enhance Energy Independence

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is proud to announce a transformative investment in Georgia’s energy security and independence. Through the bipartisan infrastructure law, Senator Ossoff is delivering a historic $250 million investment to strengthen Georgia’s energy grid. This funding aims to provide reliable and affordable electricity to Georgia families, small businesses, and the agricultural industry.

The investment is made possible through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) program. This program will fund projects across the state, including rural and underserved communities, to improve service reliability, reduce power outages, and lower energy bills for families.

Improving Grid Resilience and Energy Deployment

The proposed projects will not only enhance grid resilience but also drive energy development in Georgia. With an estimated total investment of approximately $507 million, these initiatives are expected to generate over 140 jobs. The funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law amounts to $250 million, making it the largest-ever direct investment in critical grid infrastructure.

The partnership between the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission, Georgia System Operations, and Green Power EMC will enable comprehensive smart grid infrastructure updates. This includes investments in battery storage, local microgrids, grid reliability, and new transmission lines.

Supporting Reliable and Affordable Power

Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission, and Georgia System Operations serve 38 not-for-profit electric membership corporations (EMCs) in Georgia, providing retail electric service to over 4.4 million residents. These projects will help these organizations meet the growing demand for reliable and affordable power while incorporating renewable energy sources.

Positive Remarks from Key Figures

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm expressed confidence in President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, stating it will ensure the power grid’s reliability and affordability. She added that this announcement represents a significant milestone in critical grid infrastructure investment, supporting projects that will create union jobs and improve energy reliability and affordability.

GEFA Executive Director Hunter Hill emphasized the importance of building a resilient energy future for Georgia. He highlighted the public-private partnership as a crucial step towards achieving that goal.

Oglethorpe Power President & CEO Mike Smith stated that utility-scale batteries and enhanced grid resiliency will enable the deployment of more clean energy on Georgia’s electric grid. Green Power EMC President Jeff Pratt emphasized the grant’s role in meeting renewable energy demands, while Georgia Transmission President & CEO Barbara Hampton highlighted the funding’s potential to increase reliability and resiliency through advanced microgrid technology and infrastructure upgrades. Georgia System Operations Corporation President & CEO Gregory S. Ford highlighted the enhancements that will support the transition to renewable energy and integrate the funded projects into their day-to-day operations.

Continued Commitment to Georgia’s Energy Security

Senator Ossoff remains dedicated to delivering federal resources to strengthen Georgia’s energy security and lower energy costs for families. The Inflation Reduction Act, which he helped pass, is expected to bring an estimated $180 million of investment in large-scale clean power generation and storage to Georgia between now and 2030.

Earlier this month, Senator Ossoff, along with Rev. Warnock, delivered over $500,000 from the Inflation Reduction Act to farmers in Colquitt County. This funding aims to modernize poultry houses and install solar panels, further enhancing energy security and reducing costs.

Lastly, Senator Ossoff’s Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act, which has become law, has spurred the largest clean energy investment in American history by Qcells.

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Read More of this Story at www.ossoff.senate.gov – 2023-10-18 20:17:51