HOW WE OPERATE WHERE POWER COMES FROM Generation Transmission Substations Distribution DISTRIBUTION Finally, local EMCs deliver energy to homes and businesses over separate networks of lower-voltage distribution lines. This journey from plant to plug happens at almost 186,000 miles per second. GENERATION At the opposite end of a light switch is a generating plant producing the energy all of us depend on daily. Oglethorpe Power and other generators provide Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) with nuclear, natural gas, coal, solar and hydropower. 1 2 3 4 HOW GEORGIA TRANSMISSION WORKS 700 substations. 3,200 miles of transmission lines. 4.3 million residents served. We plan, build and maintain the Georgia energy grid infrastructure, ensuring our local communities have access to reliable, affordable energy. Planning PLANNING Our planners routinely evaluate and anticipate the current and future energy needs of Georgia communities so no one will have to worry about whether or not the lights will come on. Forecasting To minimize outages and maintain the flow of reliable power, we study grid activity during peak hours and use the data to forecast future usage. With this info, we can determine when we need to build or upgrade lines and substations to meet increasing demand. Load-Serving Planning Because EMCs work directly with consumers, they can anticipate the changing energy needs of their local communities. As upgrades become necessary, our engineers work with EMCs to determine the best strategies for serving current and new customers. Bulk Planning While Load-Serving Planning is localized, Bulk Planning is a statewide strategy. With a focus on the highest voltage lines, known as bulk transmission, Georgia Transmission collaborates with other electric utilities to move electricity from generators to consumers. Integrated Transmission System Together with Georgia Power, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG) and Dalton Utilities, we plan and operate the electric transmission system through the Integrated Transmission System (ITS), ensuring transmission remains efficient and reliable. OUR SITING MODEL Evaluating possible routes for new power lines takes time. Because we know these decisions affect individuals and communities across Georgia, we partnered with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop our award-winning GTC-EPRI Siting Model to facilitate the process. Learn more about our approach. Methodology More than 200 industry experts, government officials, business operators, homeowners and environmental advocates selected and ranked the factors we should consider when scouting locations for new lines. How it Works We collect satellite imagery and use software to evaluate possible pathways for future lines. Then, the team fills in the reports with additional detail before offering recommendations. Benefits This model lets us analyze data and consider stakeholder opinions. Then, we can make sound decisions supported by thoughtful reasoning. A testament to its success, other utilities are now using our siting model. Using the model to help select new power line routes As Georgia communities grow and our state welcomes new businesses, we use the siting model as our guide for meeting increased demand. Gain Consensus Our staff finds areas where new power lines could be built. They consider the location of other lines, current rights of way, existing land uses and environmental conditions. 1 Identify Alternative Corridors Our teams collect data and divide larger areas into smaller sections, so they can evaluate co-location opportunities, engineering challenges and the impact of new lines. 2 Locate Potential Routes Having organized the study area, engineers and planners collaborate to identify specific routes for the new lines. We use the data and stakeholder input to narrow down the options. 3 Use Suitability Maps Throughout the process, we capture the data and insights on a suitability map. From general observations to geographic specifics, this tool is a resource as we move toward construction. 4 Select a Preferred Route With a list of possible routes, we evaluate the options and select an ideal path, considering stakeholder opinions, engineering requirements and environmental impact. 5 Gather On-Site Data We visit the preferred site to assess the environmental, economic and community impact of any new construction and other on-site considerations. 6 Incorporate Public Input To ensure we accurately understand the needs of the community, we meet with affected stakeholders, gather input and make adjustments where needed. 7 Finalize Plans With quantitative and qualitative data supporting the selection, planners share their findings and recommendations with the decision makers. 8 Industry Adoption Since its inception, the siting model has been adopted by E.ON US, East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Big Rivers Electric Cooperative, Vectren, Georgia Power, Exelon, Bluegrass Water Supply Commission, Pepco Holdings Inc., Oglethorpe Power Corp., The MillionMile Greenway and the Korean Power Engineering Company. It earned the Cooperative Research Network’s 2006 Cooperative Innovators Award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). It has been featured at utility conferences and in major trade publications, including Transmission & Distribution World, GeoWorld and Electric Transmission Week. The Team Research was conducted by Dr. Joseph K. Berry, Colorado State University; Dr. Steven P. French, Georgia Institute of Technology; Dr. Elizabeth A. Kramer, University of Georgia; Steven Richardson, attorney; and Dr. Paul D. Zwick, University of Florida. Georgia Transmission’s project managers were Christy Johnson and the late Gayle Houston. EPRI's project manager was John Goodrich-Mahoney. Photo Science’s Jesse Glasgow and Chris Smith provided technical expertise and developed the Corridor Analyst software. Georgia Transmission acquired the copyright and intellectual property rights to the methodology. CONSTRUCTION Power lines and substations don't magically appear wherever people need energy. Our planners partner with construction teams to build facilities that support the grid. Our Ever-Growing Grid From homes to hospitals, Georgia depends on the electric distribution system every day. With the state's growing population and status as best-in-class for new business, transmission lines and substations need frequent upgrades to meet changing demands. Building New Lines and Substations With new power lines being built or upgraded all the time, our team completes nearly one hundred projects every year. Whether working on the ground or from the air, our focus is on making sure Georgia's communities have access to power when they need it. Construction Resources Power Line Safety Your Right to Light Paths of Electricity Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Research Locating New Power Lines Underground Transmission Lines ALL RESOURCES MAINTENANCE Whether working in a helicopter or working with a chainsaw, our constant care for the grid keeps power reliable and affordable. Inspections We monitor more than 3,000 miles of transmission lines and 700 substations for any potential problems. Our maintenance process includes monthly substation visits, an annual flyover of every line and an inspection of poles and towers every three years. Upgrades and Repairs Through our inspections, we replace dated or faulty equipment and address any obstructions. We also monitor usage and upgrade transformers, lines or substations in response to new or anticipated power needs. Federal Reliability Standards After a 2003 blackout in the northeastern United States affecting millions, the federal government introduced regulations to reduce outages and speed up restorations. That’s why we have a dedicated team to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Identifying a Line or Station To speed up our service call response time, we have marked all of our facilities. This signage is visible either on the power line poles or on substation fences. If there is a problem, we can quickly determine who owns the facility, its location and how to best respond. RIGHTS OF WAY More than 3,000 miles of power lines also means more than 3,000 miles of power line pathways. What Are They? Rights of way are obstruction-free paths under or around a power line allowing safe operation and quick access. They are often private property, so utilities negotiate land rights with the landowners. Acceptable Uses While rights of way have to be obstruction-free, most landowners can still use the property for greenspace and agriculture. Learn about other acceptable uses here. Encroachment Application Process Fill out the right of way application before making changes to an easement. Once complete, email or mail it back. Agreements can usually be drawn up in 45 days. Planting Brochure To find out what types of vegetation you can plant in and around rights of way, see our planting brochures. Who to Contact For questions about rights of way, please call: 1-800-241-5374, ext. 7246 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Maintenance crews actively manage vegetation threatening transmission lines or electrical substations. Acceptable Vegetation Most shrubs, vegetables and grasses can grow on rights of way. The mature height maximum is 15 feet for vegetation. In addition, landowners must leave a 25-foot radius around all structures. Inspection and Cutting During an inspection, we note vegetation encroaching on our infrastructure. To avoid power interruptions and other dangerous incidents, our teams work with landowners to remove problematic vegetation. Mowing and Herbicides By mowing the paths and using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved herbicides, we can manage vegetation while also reducing soil compaction, erosion and sedimentation. PROJECT WINGS WINGS, or the Wildlife Incentives for Non-Game and Game Species, is an opportunity for landowners and others to build a thriving habitat on their rights of way. Individuals and organizations can earn up to $1,350 over three years by maintaining power line easements. Who Runs the Program? WINGS is the work of Georgia Transmission, Georgia Power, MEAG Power, Atlanta Gas Light and the Two Rivers Research Conservation and Development Council with support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Georgia Forestry. Application Process Applications are available at the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offices. Applications are accepted from May 15 to July 15. More Information For more information and details on the program, see the WINGS brochure or call: 1-706-885-0101 WINGS brochure → Maintenance Resources Planting Guide “Project WINGS” Rights-of-Way Grant Program Right-of-Way Application Line Heights & Easements Widths ALL RESOURCES WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES As we determine when, where and how to build and maintain the power grid, we partner with communities to keep the lights on in Georgia. EASEMENTS & PROPERTY RIGHTS Overview Generally, we can negotiate easements for power lines and purchase property for substations. Treating all parties with respect and compensating them fairly is a priority. Reaching Agreements From the first time we survey property to the final signature, we want all parties to benefit from the process. We pride ourselves on finding mutually beneficial solutions. Rights of Way Widths The width of a right of way varies from 25 feet to 150 feet and depends on many factors including the voltage the line will carry, existing structures and topography. OUTREACH One-on-One Conversations Our land agents work with individual landowners. We also meet with homeowners associations, business forums and other local stakeholder groups. Community Leader Briefings We want to inform community leaders of our process. That’s why we invite elected officials and other leaders to meet us, learn about the project and offer input. Public Meetings We host public open house meetings when planning new projects. They give stakeholders an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and share insight. Community Resources Georgia Transmission Brochure Rural Utilities Service National Rural Electric Cooperative Association EIA Energy Kids Working with Communities MillionMile Greenway ALL RESOURCES About Careers News Resources FAQ Contact © 2021 Georgia Transmission Corporation Terms of Use Sitemap