Energy Equity & Environmental Advocacy
Our Approach
Southface Institute’s Advocacy team takes a nonpartisan approach, focusing on policies that impact the sustainability of communities across Georgia. In collaboration with other environmental justice organizations, we advance energy equity, attainable housing with affordable utility bills, and climate action through grasstops and grassroots efforts.
Our Resource Planning Work
One of our biggest efforts is our work with the Georgia Public Service Commission on the Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). For more than a decade, we have empowered the public to engage in the Georgia Power IRP and intervened for greater utility-scale investments in clean energy, demand side management (e.g., residential energy efficiency programs), and solutions to other environmental justice issues.
Explore the Issues
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Energy burden—the percentage of your income that goes toward energy bills—is three times higher for low-income households. (DOE LEAD Tool). We strive to increase energy equity by advocating for all Georgians to have access to clean energy resources, energy efficient housing, and decision-making on environmental justice issues that impact communities. We co-lead multiple coalitions to increase community education, engagement, and awareness of energy efficiency incentives.
Projects
- City of Savannah low-income energy efficiency program
- City of Atlanta Clean Energy Advisory Board (CEAB)
- Georgia Energyshed Project
- DOE ENERGYWERX and Energy Future Grants
- Inflation Reduction Act outreach
Climate Action
Climate Action
Climate change is a global threat to our communities and economy, but the most meaningful, sustainable solutions for Georgia are found at the local and state levels. We collaborate with policymakers, regulators, businesses, community-based organizations, and community members to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase Georgians’ resilience to disasters. Initiatives focus on utility-scale clean energy, behind-the-meter demand side management, and empowering everyone to be advocates.
Projects
- Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
- Demand side management (DSM) working group
- Regional energy future scenario planning
- Georgia State to Federal Climate Initiative (SFCI)
Energy Policy and Codes
Energy Policy and Codes
Forward-thinking energy policies, legislation, codes, and regulations are central to ensuring that all Georgians have access to affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy. We advocate for research-backed renewable energy solutions, strong building performance standards, and attainable housing that’s energy efficient too. Our goal is to shape a future in which Georgia leads in the clean energy transition and fosters economic opportunity without compromising our natural resources.
Projects
- Georgia Renewable Energy Action Table (GREAT)
- Housing Finance Authority (HFA) Qualified Allocation Process (QAP)
- Georgia Energy Code
- Commercial rooftop and warehouse solar power
- Community solar power
- Newly elected officials program
