Georgia Power Seeks $15 Billion Boost for 10 GW Data Center Power Expansion

Georgia Power is proposing a $15 billion plan to add nearly 10,000 megawatts of new power capacity primarily to serve the rapidly growing data center industry in Georgia, which accounts for about 80% of the anticipated energy demand increase. The plan involves a significant reliance on natural gas, which would supply nearly 60% of the new power, while less than half of the additional capacity would come from carbon-free sources; no new nuclear power is included. This expansion would increase Georgia Power's generation capacity by 42%, roughly equivalent to the output of ten Plant Vogtle nuclear reactors. The proposal has raised concerns among residents and environmental advocates about the potential financial burden on utility customers and the environmental impacts of increased natural gas use, which emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Georgia Power argues that natural gas plants are necessary due to their ability to be built quickly, operate continuously, and produce fewer emissions than coal, but critics worry about price volatility and climate change effects. The Georgia Public Service Commission is holding hearings on the proposal and is expected to vote in December.