GAS SOUTH
Gas South’s Future is Bright
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significant change to the Florida energy market has been building steadily since October 2020, when Atlanta-based Gas South acquired Infinite Energy in a deal that turned heads throughout the region. As the preferred natural gas provider of FRLA, Gas South is a leading and largest natural gas provider in the Southeast, specializing in the energy needs of hoteliers and restaurateurs. But while “gas” may be quite prominent in the company’s name, its ambitions for the future of energy are incredibly diverse. In March 2021, Gas South announced a staggering $50 million commitment to solar initiatives by 2023, recognizing a shift in the industry and pledging to join the movement toward renewable energy sources. “In addition to the charitable giving we do, our pledge to ‘Be a Fuel for Good’ also means doing our part to build a sustainable future for our children and future generations,” said Kevin Greiner, Gas South’s President and CEO. “To show our commitment, we have already invested $17 million in solar energy projects thus far and look forward to further expanding our efforts.” Gas South’s push into solar began locally in 2020 with the development of a utility-level solar farm in partnership with parent company Cobb EMC. Highlighted by three 18-foot-tall Smartflowers, the 6,000-square-foot installation produces 13,400 kWh of solar energy — enough to power 200 houses. This initiative
enables Gas South to supply renewable energy to the power grid and study ways to support large customers with solar power. While the solar garden is specific to Gas South’s backyard in Atlanta, the company has also funded additional community projects around the country through its relationship with Sol Systems, a leading national solar energy firm. Through this partnership, Gas South has invested $12 million in eight residential solar projects, providing energy to more than 2,600 homes. “At Sol Systems, we create solutions that combine community impact with sustainable infrastructure finance and development,” said Yuri Horwitz, Sol Systems’ CEO. “Our partnership with Gas South is a great example of how some utilities are taking a new look at sustainability solutions that create scalable, long-term solar energy solutions.” As evidenced by the $50 million target, Gas South is just getting started when it comes to investing in renewable energy sources, and down the road, it hopes to bring solar capabilities directly to its new customers in Florida. “Investing in solar projects provides us with an opportunity to gain experience with alternative energy while also generating an additional financial return,” said Jamie Tiernan, Gas South’s Chief Financial Officer. “We hope to have an opportunity to invest in additional solar projects, especially within our core geographic footprint of the Southeast.”
For more information on Gas South and its renewable energy initiatives, please visit GasSouth.com. 20 SUMMER
2021
FLORIDA RESTAUR ANT & LOD GING A S SO CIATION
