This week, Georgia Power and state energy regulators acknowledged uncertainty in the utility’s future energy demand forecasts, needing updates in the coming years. During a Public Service Commission hearing, critics argued that Georgia Power is not promoting energy efficiency enough.

Next week, the commission will vote on Georgia Power’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which seeks to increase electric capacity significantly for growing data centers. The IRP proposes up to 8,500 megawatts, but an agreement highlights the challenges in accurately determining future power needs.

Georgia Power committed to regular reports on large-load projects and updating forecasts in October 2023, February 2027, and in its 2028 IRP. Witnesses urged the commission to require more demand-side management to reduce power needs, while Georgia Power proposed increasing its budget for such programs. Environmental groups opposed portions of the IRP that involve continuing coal operations.