A Sunny Future for Renewable Energy?

A state regulator wants Georgia Power to invest in solar energy. 

On June 7, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald asked the power company to present, in 30 days, a plan for expanding solar energy projects in the state, according to a news release.

McDonald may be pushing Georgia Power for solar solutions. But the company could decide not to invest, as Creative Loafing points out. 

So will sunshine fuel Georgia's future?

You can delve into the topic at the Southern Solar Summit.

The summit is set for June 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the on 14th Street. Tickets are $79 before June 15. 

"This is a soup-to-nuts presentation of information on solar technology, policy and practice," said Julie Hairston, spokeswoman for the Georgia Solar Energy Association, the group that organizes the event.

CNN International anchor Natalie Allen, a leading environment and climate correspondent, is the keynote speaker. 

Retired Col. Dan Nolan is another featured speaker. Nolan leads the Green Hawks, a military group that presses for alternative energy and energy conservation. 

Panelists include: 

• Jennifer DeCesaro, U.S. Department of Energy
• Chuck Eaton, Georgia Public Service Commission
• Steve Lomax, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
• Jaime Hockin, Georgia Power
• State Sen. Doug Stoner 
• State Rep. Don Parsons

"Solar Summit will bring key players together for an objective look at how sound solar policies can contribute to making Georgia more competitive for jobs and private investment," Steve Chiariello, chair of the summit, said in a release.

Click here for more information about the summit.