ATLANTA (AP) — Utility regulators will require that Georgia Power add more solar energy to its system.

The elected members of the Public Service Commission voted 4-1 on Thursday to require that Southern Co. subsidiary Georgia Power seek to add 525 megawatts of solar energy to its network.

The utility did not propose adding any additional solar energy when it presented its plan for meeting the state's energy needs for the next 20 years.

Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald made the proposal to require more solar energy use. He says solar energy costs have come down, making the technology more competitive.

His critics say adding more solar energy could raise costs in the long run. McDonald disputed that solar energy would cause rates to increase.