Georgia Power, the electric subsidiary of Southern Company, began construction on a 260‑megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) in Jefferson County, just outside Wadley, on March 31 2026. The new facility will sit next to an existing third‑party solar plant and adjacent transmission lines, allowing the company to store surplus renewable power and dispatch it during peak demand periods.
The project received approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission and is slated for completion in 2027. It is part of Georgia Power’s broader Integrated Resource Plan, which projects 8,500 MW of load growth over the next six years and calls for substantial storage to support that growth. The BESS will help the utility meet its net‑zero greenhouse‑gas emissions target for 2050 by enabling higher penetration of intermittent renewables.
"At Georgia Power, our collaboration with the Georgia PSC and other stakeholders is key to making necessary investments for a reliable and resilient power grid. With the construction of the 260 MW BESS in Jefferson County, we are able to better serve our customers today and support Georgia's growth. As we expand our energy mix to include more renewable sources, these batteries will play an invaluable role in helping ensure reliability and flexibility, particularly when renewable sources are not available," said Kerry Bridges, regional executive for Georgia Power.
On behalf of the Jefferson County community, the county’s board chairman said, "We welcome this Georgia Power project. We're so proud to have your investment in Jefferson County, and we hope for more in the future."
The BESS is expected to create jobs during construction and operation, increase local tax revenue, and strengthen the region’s energy resilience. It also positions Georgia Power to meet future demand while reducing reliance on fossil‑fuel peaking plants, aligning with the company’s long‑term sustainability strategy.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.