Georgia Power, the largest electric subsidiary of The Southern Company, has long been a cornerstone of Georgia’s clean, emission-free energy through its hydroelectric portfolio. The company owns 15 hydro plants and has an interest in a 16th, operating 66 hydroelectric generating units that collectively exceed 1,100 MW of carbon-free capacity. These facilities also offer public recreational opportunities around lakes such as Oconee, Burton and Tugalo, which are open for camping and watersports.
Modernization for Long-Term Reliability
To meet Georgia’s growing energy needs, Georgia Power is investing in a broader modernization of its hydro fleet with approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission. As part of the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, upgrades are underway at Tallulah, Yonah, Bartlett’s Ferry and North Highlands. The work includes refurbishing turbines, generators and balance-of-plant systems to extend the life of these facilities by another four decades while ensuring compliance with federal licensing requirements.
Recent Progress Across Facilities
Significant progress has been made across the hydro fleet. At Plant Tugalo, units dating back to the 1920s recently received new turbines, generators and updated control systems. Earlier upgrades were completed at Plant Terrora. Additional work is underway at Bartlett’s Ferry, Nacoochee, Oliver, Burton and Sinclair, with Bartlett’s Ferry Unit 1 returning to service in July after major upgrades.
Powering Georgia’s Future
Georgia Power emphasizes that modernizing its hydro plants is about more than maintaining aging infrastructure. It’s about ensuring reliable service, staying compliant with regulatory requirements, and delivering long-term value to customers. By investing in carbon-free, resilient energy sources, the company says these upgrades support a sustainable future for Georgia’s power supply.
SO’s Market Context
The Southern Company, which serves roughly 9 million electricity and natural gas customers through its seven distribution units, trades as SO in the market. Its current Zacks Rank stands at #3 (Hold), reflecting a measured approach to balancing infrastructure upgrades with broader energy market dynamics.
What this means for the state and customers
– Continued reliability: Upgrades aim to keep hydro generation stable and predictable, supporting Georgia’s energy mix.
– Carbon-free portfolio preservation: Modernizations help maintain hydro’s role as a clean energy backbone.
– Recreational value preserved: The hydro fleet’s lakes remain accessible for public use, contributing to quality of life and local economies.
– Strategic alignment: The upgrades align with Georgia Power’s long-range plan to meet demand while advancing a sustainable, low-emission energy future.
Summary
Georgia Power is advancing a multi-year modernization of its extensive hydroelectric fleet to extend plant lifespans, ensure regulatory compliance, and keep carbon-free power central to Georgia’s energy future. With upgrades already delivering tangible improvements at several facilities and more on the horizon, the program strengthens reliability and supports continued public access to the lakes and recreational opportunities that accompany these installations.
Optional value add
For readers tracking energy infrastructure, this ongoing modernization highlights how state planning and utility investment converge to maintain aging assets while expanding clean energy capabilities. It also underscores the importance of regulatory approvals in safeguarding long-term reliability and environmental compliance.