Millions of Georgians are anticipating the first significant solar eclipse to cross the state in more than 30 years and, to illustrate the real-time nature of solar generation, the company invites energy fans to tune in to a special Facebook Live event at Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower on August 21. Beginning at 1 p.m., fans will get an unprecedented look at how the eclipse will affect solar generation from the company's solar research and demonstration project at its Atlanta headquarters. As solar continues to grow, Georgia Power customers can expect continued reliable service thanks to the company's diverse, flexible generation mix including solar, as well as nuclear, natural gas and other sources.

"Georgia's energy planning process focuses on ensuring that our generation resources are balanced and optimal to keep reliability high and rates as low as possible," said Greg Roberts, vice president of pricing and planning for Georgia Power. "While we continue to work to bring cost-effective solar energy to our state, including researching new technologies such as battery storage, this eclipse offers an exciting opportunity to observe how solar generation responds to a unique astronomical event."

Georgia Power was ranked in the Top 5 nationally for solar connected to the grid in 2016 and is adding millions of solar panels to Georgia's energy landscape. Solar growth in Georgia continues thanks to new programs developed with and approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission. Most recently, the Georgia PSC approved the 2016 Integrated Resource Plan, which includes the addition of up to 1,600 MW of renewable capacity, including solar, wind and biomass, through 2021.

This spring, Georgia Power announced plans to build a 139-MW solar facility at Robins Air Force Base near Macon, its largest to date. Additionally, the company's 150-plus MW of large-scale solar facilities at other Georgia military bases includes projects with the U. S. Army at Fort Benning, Fort Gordon and Fort Stewart and with the Department of the Navy at SUBASE Kings Bay and Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.