Working with local Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), Georgia Transmission helps ensure communities have the reliable, cost-effective energy they need today while preparing for future needs. When new transmission infrastructure is necessary, deciding where it should go requires careful analysis, local knowledge and thoughtful planning.
Georgia’s energy needs are always changing. Georgia Transmission is constantly reviewing projected demand and when we find that a new line or substation is necessary to support an EMC’s reliable, cost-effective service, the siting process begins.
How Routes Are Identified, Evaluated and Refined
Georgia Transmission uses specialized siting tools, research and field work to identify potential routes. Because every community and project is different, the team then evaluates those options based on engineering needs, environmental considerations, existing and planned land use, community impact and cost.
No single factor determines where a transmission line is built. Georgia Transmission compares potential routes and identifies the best path that meets the reliability need while avoiding or reducing impacts where practical.
After a preferred route is identified, the work continues. Georgia Transmission engages local officials and affected property owners to share information, answer questions and learn more about the area.
Local knowledge can make a difference. A landowner or community leader may know about a property, road or planned development that is not apparent from maps, records or other research. That information becomes part of the review and can help Georgia Transmission refine the route.
Working With Property Owners
Georgia Transmission’s land team works directly with affected property owners to explain what is needed, answer questions and seek a fair, voluntary easement agreement.
The team understands that any impact to private property is personal. That’s why Georgia Transmission approaches landowner conversations with respect and transparency and the team goes above and beyond to collaborate on a voluntary agreement whenever possible.
Eminent domain is always a last resort if an agreement is not reached. In fact, less than 1% of parcels acquired for Georgia Transmission projects over the past decade have required the use of eminent domain. It’s important to remember, eminent domain provides a legal process, when an agreement is not reached, for acquiring necessary property while ensuring property owners receive fair compensation based on the value of what is acquired.
Planning With Communities in Mind
Transmission infrastructure is necessary to keep power available at the flip of a switch, but Georgia Transmission also understands that process requires intentional collaboration with property owners.
By carefully evaluating multiple routes, incorporating on-the-ground knowledge and working directly with affected property owners, Georgia Transmission puts its community-first siting approach into practice: plan before we build, lead with respect and treat every community as our own.