Georgia Transmission and Oglethorpe Power showcased generation and transmission projects supporting reliable, cost-effective electricity for Georgia communities

ATLANTA (Oct. 26, 2026) – Georgia Transmission and Oglethorpe Power welcomed U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of Electricity Assistant Secretary Katie Jereza to Georgia today for a tour of two major electric infrastructure projects under construction.

During the visit, Assistant Secretary Jereza met with Georgia’s energy leaders and saw firsthand the progress underway at Georgia Transmission’s East Central Georgia Reliability Projects in Walton and surrounding counties and Oglethorpe Power’s Smarr Combined-Cycle Energy Facility in Monroe County. The visit highlighted how Georgia’s electric membership corporations (EMCs) are investing in critical infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand and support long-term economic growth.

“America’s energy future won’t build itself,” said Katie Jereza, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. “It takes bold decisions, real investment, and the determination to turn plans into progress. That’s what I see in Georgia—critical projects moving forward to help deliver the power Americans will depend on for decades to come.”

The East Central Georgia Reliability Projects include four new high-voltage transmission lines, two new substation facilities and upgrades to existing infrastructure across Walton, Morgan, Oconee and Putnam counties. The projects will help reduce the risk of overloaded lines and service disruptions, improve operational flexibility and strengthen reliability for the EMCs and communities that depend on the system.

“Our member EMCs depend on us to help deliver reliable, cost-effective electricity to the homes and businesses they serve,” said Barbara Hampton, Georgia Transmission president & CEO. “We’re proud to show Assistant Secretary Jereza the work underway to strengthen Georgia’s electric transmission infrastructure and prepare our communities for the future.”

Following the Walton County visit, Assistant Secretary Jereza toured the construction site of Oglethorpe Power’s Smarr Combined-Cycle Energy Facility in Monroe County. The two-unit, 1,425-megawatt facility will use advanced U.S.-manufactured technology to generate enough electricity to power an estimated 800,000 homes. The project also represents a major investment in the local economy, supporting up to 1,200 workers onsite at peak construction. Once operational in 2029, the facility will be among the most efficient, highest-performing and lowest-emitting natural gas facilities in Georgia, providing reliable, around-the-clock electricity for Oglethorpe Power’s member cooperatives.

“We appreciate Assistant Secretary Jereza taking the time to see the scale of investments underway in Georgia and the important role electric cooperatives play in serving a growing state,” said Annalisa Bloodworth, Oglethorpe Power president & CEO. “Investing in advanced generation resources like the Smarr Combined-Cycle Energy Facility is essential to keeping pace with rising electricity demand while helping ensure the communities our members servehave the reliable electricity they depend on.”

Through their complementary roles in generating and transmitting electricity, Oglethorpe Power and Georgia Transmission serve 38 not-for-profit electric membership corporations (EMCs) that provide electricity to approximately 4.7 million Georgians.

About Oglethorpe Power

Oglethorpe Power is among the nation’s largest power supply cooperatives and one of the largest energy producers in Georgia. Through a diverse portfolio of generating resources, Oglethorpe Power provides reliable, affordable, safe and environmentally responsible electricity to 38 consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric membership corporations (EMCs) serving approximately 4.7 million Georgians. For more information, visit opc.com.

About Georgia Transmission

Georgia Transmission Corporation is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by 38 of Georgia’s electric membership corporations (EMCs). The company plans, builds and maintains high-voltage electric transmission infrastructure that supports the EMCs serving approximately4.7 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.

 

Media Contacts:

Oglethorpe Power	Georgia Transmission
Blair Romero	Craig Heighton
770-270-7290 | blair.romero@opc.com	770-270-7552 | craig.heighton@gatransmission.com