ATLANTA, Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today that it has named Norrie McKenzie to the newly created position of vice president of renewable development. McKenzie, elected by the company's board of directors, will lead a team responsible for supporting and cultivating the company's growing 1,100 megawatt (MW) renewable generation portfolio, managing purchase power agreements related to renewable generation and fostering capital investment in Georgia.

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"Renewable generation sources are an integral piece of Georgia Power's integrated strategy for delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to all of our customers throughout the state," said Paul Bowers, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "Norrie's experience across Southern Company and in other segments of the energy industry makes him uniquely qualified to support this growing portfolio and ensure that cost-effective renewable sources are a part of our long-term energy planning." 

Georgia Power continues to pursue economic opportunities to add to its portfolio of renewable generation sources, currently consisting of more than 1,100 MW: 

• 796 MW of solar capacity including existing operational resources and 785 MW to be added through the Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative and the company's 2013 Integrated Resource Plan. 
• 250 MW of wind generation sourced through an agreement with EDP Renewables North America.
• 142 MW of biomass generation.

McKenzie joined Southern Company in 1999 to lead the company's natural gas procurement for its gas-fired generation fleet. Since 2003, he has served as chief commercial officer for Southern Power and directed the company's expanding wholesale activities including business development, acquisitions and asset management. 

Prior to joining Southern Company, McKenzie worked with Sonat, a major interstate pipeline company, where he held various positions in onshore and offshore pipeline construction, gas supply procurement, exploration planning and gas marketing.  McKenzie is a Fort Valley, Ga., native and holds a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

About Georgia PowerGeorgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.  Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower)  and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

SOURCE Georgia Power

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