Georgia Power Bolsters Grid Resilience with $160 Million DOE Award

Georgia Power, the state's largest electric utility serving 2.7 million customers, has been awarded over $160 million in funding by the Department of Energy (DOE) to enhance Georgia's power grid. The funding, part of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, aims to improve grid flexibility, increase power system resilience, and ensure affordable, reliable electricity access.

The awarded funds will be allocated between immediate grid improvements and long-term strategic investments. Georgia Power plans to deploy new grid-enhancing technologies, such as dynamic line rating and reconductoring of high voltage power lines, to increase grid flexibility and resilience. These investments will serve existing and new customers, connect clean generation sources, and reduce outage frequency and duration.

Priority in grid enhancement projects will be given to regions and areas of Georgia most vulnerable to extreme weather events and with the highest growth potential for clean energy sources. The company will balance the need for immediate grid resilience with the goal of transitioning to cleaner energy sources by integrating renewable energy projects and modernizing the grid.

Georgia Power will ensure that the deployment of funds aligns with the goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the GRIP Program. The company will collaborate with various organizations, including the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), to share insights, lessons learned, and best practices with the broader industry.

The expected timeline for these projects will be integrated into Georgia Power's long-term grid modernization plans. The company will work with community organizations and stakeholders, such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), to provide training on new transmission conductor installation and configuration. This project is expected to bring community benefits, including decreased environmental impacts, increased clean enterprise contracting, and job creation.

In conclusion, Georgia Power's $160 million award from the DOE will significantly enhance Georgia's power grid resilience and flexibility. The company's strategic investments in new grid-enhancing technologies and collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders will ensure a more reliable and sustainable energy future for the state.