Peach Tree Times

The House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Ad Hoc Committee on Community Solar is set to convene for its second meeting on November 19, 2024. The session will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 403 of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.

State Representative Beth Camp (R-Concord), who chairs the committee, expressed gratitude towards the experts and industry leaders who contributed during the initial hearing. "Thank you to the experts and industry leaders who gave comments during the first hearing," said Chair Camp. She emphasized her commitment to exploring the benefits and challenges of community solar, adding, "I appreciate the time and efforts of all the committee members and staff who are working outside of legislative session on this important topic. I believe this is a very worthwhile discussion on how we can generate savings for ratepayers."

Pete Corbett, President of Georgia Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), highlighted the importance of educating lawmakers about community solar's potential benefits. "The community solar industry is extremely grateful for the opportunity to inform and assist lawmakers in understanding how diversifying the grid with the cheapest form of energy can benefit all Georgians," he stated. Corbett also noted that Georgia SEIA members are prepared to invest significantly in infrastructure if given a chance, asserting that solar energy reduces costs across all energy forms.

The committee was established following Chair Camp’s introduction of House Bill 1152, known as the Georgia Homegrown Solar Act of 2024, during this year's legislative session.

Details regarding future public meetings will be made available online.