Georgia Power is continuing its efforts to modernize its hydroelectric fleet as part of a broader strategy to meet the state’s growing energy needs. The company owns and operates 15 hydro generation facilities in Georgia, with an ownership interest in a 16th, totaling 66 hydroelectric generating units and over 1,100 megawatts of capacity. These facilities have been supplying emission-free electricity for more than a century and are licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Federal Power Act.
The utility’s investments in its hydro fleet are reviewed and approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). In its most recent Integrated Resource Plan for 2025, Georgia Power received approval to move forward with modernization projects at several sites, including Tallulah, Yonah, Bartlett’s Ferry, and North Highlands. These upgrades focus on replacing or refurbishing critical equipment such as turbines, generators, and other plant systems that have reached or are nearing the end of their useful life. The aim is to ensure these resources can continue operating for at least another four decades while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
Rick Anderson, senior vice president and senior production officer for Georgia Power, stated: “For more than a century, Georgians have enjoyed reliable electricity from our hydro plants located on lakes and rivers across the state. As we continue to work with the Georgia PSC to invest in our generation fleet to meet the needs of a growing Georgia, modernizing our hydro facilities helps to ensure continued compliance with federal regulations and our licenses, as well as providing additional longevity for the units and overall value for customers.”
Recently filed updates with the PSC detail completed work at Plant Tugalo near Turnerville. The modernization project there included generator replacements, turbine replacements, and upgrades to balance-of-plant systems such as lubricating oil supplies and control systems across all four units—originally brought online in 1923-1924. Similar upgrades were previously completed at nearby Plant Terrora.
Progress has also been made at Plants Bartlett’s Ferry (located north of Columbus), Nacoochee, Oliver, Burton, and Sinclair. At Bartlett’s Ferry specifically—where three units began service in the 1920s and one unit in 1951—the first unit has returned to service following generator rewinds and system replacements this July.
In addition to power generation benefits, these hydropower facilities provide recreational opportunities for residents throughout Georgia. Lakes managed by Georgia Power—including Oconee, Burton, Tugalo among others—are open for public activities such as camping and watersports.
National Hydropower Day will be observed this Sunday as part of an annual initiative led by industry groups like the National Hydropower Association. The event highlights hydropower’s role in supporting clean energy infrastructure nationwide.
