Georgia Power has announced plans for a new underground electric transmission and substation in response to the rapid growth of Atlanta’s downtown district. This installation, which will be located near Davis Street and the West End, is deemed necessary to ensure reliable and affordable energy services for the expanding community.
Misty Fernandez, a Georgia Power executive in the Atlanta area, acknowledged the community’s concerns about having electrical infrastructure close to residential areas. She emphasized the company’s commitment to balancing the needs of customers with the urgency of infrastructure improvement. “We understand that most customers do not want to have electrical infrastructure near their homes or in their neighborhoods, but we also know that everyone wants reliable and affordable service,” Fernandez stated.
The location was chosen after thorough evaluations of safety, land use, environmental conditions, and cost effectiveness. Fernandez assured residents that the project was designed with considerations to minimize any health risks and remain within safe operational parameters.
However, local residents from Vine City have voiced strong opposition to the planned substation, expressing fears over potential decreases in property values and health implications. Longtime resident Alma Lott highlighted the pressures her community faces from rising rents and displacement due to development. “We got more developers coming and high prices in the rent,” she remarked, urging the need for assistance in navigating these changes.
The community gathered in protest, advocating for a different location for the substation. Former state representative “Able” Mable Thomas articulated residents’ concerns, emphasizing a desire for involvement in planning decisions affecting their neighborhood—”We are tired of being updated. We want to be a part of the planning team.”
In response to community feedback, Georgia Power hosted two information sessions to address questions and concerns. The utility company has indicated a willingness to continue engaging with residents as they move forward with the project.
While the project has sparked some controversy, it also highlights the shifting dynamics within Atlanta’s neighborhoods, where rapid growth brings both challenges and opportunities. Many hope that ongoing dialogue with Georgia Power will lead to solutions that satisfy both the infrastructural needs of the city and the concerns of its residents.