The fact Georgia Power is considering new nuclear energy isn't new, but the utility's decision to move ahead with the purchase of land indicates just how serious the proposal may be.

“We’re looking at Stewart County because as we know, nuclear is going to be an important part of our future, especially as a zero-carbon-emitting clean technology,” Alison Chiock, Georgia Power's director of resource policy and planni

WABE reports from the PSC proceeding considering the utility's 20-year plan.ng, told regulators. “There's a lot of benefits at that base load that reliable generation brings and so we want to make sure nuclear continues to be an option."

Questioned why the utility went ahead with the land purchase, wihout informing regulators, Chiock said it is not unusual for Georgia Power to purchase sites for future generation. The utility is the largest landowner in Georgia.

“We’re simply saying 'let’s do the studies to understand whether Stewart County is a viable nuclear site.' Based on preliminary studies, we believe the answer is yes and that would take a three-year period,” Chiock said.

Earlier this year, the utility also asked regulators for authorization to retire some older, dirtier generation units, including selling its share of an oil-fired combustion turbine in Intercession City, Florida to Duke Energy Florida. But critics say that plan is less ambitous than the previous IRP, which aimed to retire 15 coal-and-oil-fired units.

Less controversial, the utility also asked for authorization to move ahead with its Renewable Energy Development Initiative, designed to add 525 MW of renewable generation to the 525 MW approved in 2013.

Regulators also questioned why Georgia Power has not submitted plans for complying with the Clean Power Plan, currently delayed as it is reviewed by the courts. "We would come back to this commission with additional costs or recommendations for decertifications if and when that is needed," Chiock told the commission. Georgia is one of 27 states suing to halt implementation.

Energy efficiency targets in the plan are similar to Georgia Power's previous IRP, the utility has said, while adding new programs for both residential and commercial customers. By 2019, the programs will reduce peak demand approximately 1,900 MW, which is 12% of the company's current load.