Georgia Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols energized Glennville Rotarians with his comments at their Wednesday, July 17, 2024, meeting.
He informed the group that natural gas comprises 50 percent of the energy resources, followed by nuclear, coal, gas and oil, and renewables. Most of the Rotarians were surprised that solar only comprises eight percent of the energy resources.
Echols added that the big solar sites in Georgia are not subsidized, but many counties are encouraging these super large sites with the offering of tax abatements. (One of the largest business solar sites in Glennville is located off Hwy. 301 S. to provide electricity for the Mascot Pecan Company.)
In reference to EV vehicles, Echols reported about 80,000 of these are in the state of Georgia. By most vehicle owners charging their EVs at night when many household appliances are not using electricity, this provides a balance for electric use.
When Echols took office as a Public Service Commissioner in 2010, Georgia was 34th in solar power. Now, 14 years later, Georgia is seventh in the nation in approved solar. His commitment to promoting clean energy has resulted not only in millions of solar panels being installed but an increase in electric vehicles, with Georgia now ranking in the top ten in the nation in electric vehicles.
Echols has tried to lead by example when it comes to solar. His Athens home includes a solar hot water heater, and he has installed solar panels on the roof of his home. In addition, he has owned a natural gas car and a propane van, and now owns an electric vehicle.
Echols has created the Clean Energy Roadshow that has visited the state every summer for the past 14 years. This educational event travels to cities helping commuters, businesses, and municipal governments evaluate alternative fuel for their transportation and residential use.
"I support recycling the nuclear waste and using the remaining energy resident in those fuel rods as the most sustainable course of action for the state and nation," said Tim, who has represented the United States at the World Nuclear Exhibition for the last seven years.
Echols' other energetic pursuits have included being at the forefront in fighting sex trafficking and advocating for the youngest of Georgia's citizens. He created the "Unholy Tour," which helps policy makers see firsthand the harms of sex trafficking; the tour is credited with rescuing two children in Atlanta.
Of special interest to Glennville Rotarians was the fact that as a senior in high school in 1978, the Atlanta Airport Rotary Club selected Tim Echols as "Student of the Year." While at the luncheon, he met Truett Cathy (founder of Chick-fil-A), who was a member of the club. Truett invited Tim to his Hapeville office where he challenged Tim to pursue a pathway to civic leadership and involvement.
Tim and his wife, Windy, have been married 38 years and live in Hoschton, Georgia; they have seven children.
Glennville Rotary Club meetings are held each Wednesday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Glennville Garden Club Center. If you would like to attend a meeting or are interested in joining the club, please call Club Membership Chair Pam Waters at 912-237-0248 or Club President Lisa Barry at 912-505-0063.
