Georgia § 46-3A-3 - Actions prohibited without a certificate of public convenience and necessity.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 46-3A-3 — Actions prohibited without a certificate of public convenience and necessity., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 46-3A-3. Actions prohibited without a certificate of public convenience and necessity.

After January 31, 1992, no utility shall commence the construction of an electric plant, sell an existing plant or any portion thereof which is included in the retail rate base or which has been certified, enter into a long-term purchase of electric power, or make expenditures for a demand-side capacity option for serving the utility's Georgia retail customers without having first obtained from the commission a certificate that public convenience and necessity requires, or will require, such construction, sale, purchase, or expenditure. No utility shall increase or decrease the capacity of: A generating unit of an electric power plant; A long-term power purchase; or A demand-side capacity option by more than 15 percent of its demonstrated capacity in megawatts for serving the utility's Georgia retail customers without first obtaining a certificate or an amendment to a certificate, as appropriate, that public convenience or necessity requires or will require such increase or decrease; provided, however, no certificate shall be required if the increase or decrease is caused by a rule, regulation, or law mandated by any duly constituted local, state, or federal governmental body or agency or is caused by power pooling, forced or maintenance outages, or short-term sales for a period of less than one year. (Code 1981, § 46-3A-3 , enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 1696, § 1.)

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 46-3A-3

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 46-3A-3 cover?

Section 46-3A-3 ("Actions prohibited without a certificate of public convenience and necessity.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Georgia § 46-3A-3?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 46-3A-3" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Georgia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

How does Georgia § 46-3A-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.