History

Upstream from Columbus, the Goat Rock Hydroelectric Plant has experienced sustained growth to keep pace with increasing demand for electric power. The powerhouse is operated by remote control from the Bartletts Ferry plant. The concrete dam is 68 feet high, spanning 1,320 feet across the river. The reservoir, Goat Rock Lake, has 1,050 acres of water surface, a crest elevation of 404 feet and a shoreline of 25 miles.

Constructed by the Columbus Electric and Power Company and acquired by Georgia Power in 1930, Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation in 1912 with a total output of 6,000 kilowatts. (A goat served as mascot during construction.) As more homes and businesses began to use electricity, and as its availability brought about the development of new businesses and industries, Goat Rock was expanded.

In 1915, Unit 3 added 5,000 kilowatts of capacity. Five years later, Unit 4, with still another 5,000 kilowatts of capacity, began operation. Units 5 and 6, also at 5,000 kilowatts each, began producing electricity in 1955 and 1956 respectively, bringing the plant's capacity to 26,000 kilowatts.

Goat Rock is the most original plant in the Chattahoochee Hydro Group. Although Georgia Power has made necessary repairs to the dam and powerhouse over the years and continues to maintain them, they are essentially the same today as when first constructed.