Bethabara to East Walton FAQs
What is the purpose of this project and why is it necessary?
The electrical energy demand of northeast Georgia has been met largely by importing power over high-voltage transmission facilities from northwest and central Georgia, and from outside Georgia. A long lead-time planning study addressed generation uncertainty issues and high load growth in these areas. The study results indicated need for the system improvements that would include construction of 500 kV and 230 kV transmission system facilities. Doing nothing will reduce reliable service in the northeast Georgia.
What benefit will the community derive from the project?
This project will help ensure that northeast Georgia will continue to have reliable electric service.
Why are you doing this work here and not in other areas?
Georgia Power, like other utilities, is doing work similar to this across Georgia. The need for the work is driven by the residential and commercial growth in the area and because our existing customers continue to use more electricity in their homes and businesses.
What will the transmission line look like?
Georgia Power will be using two types of pole construction, single (mono) pole and H-frame structures; both types use concrete and steel components. In general, we will use single pole construction along existing road right-of-way and H-frame construction on the cross-country portion of the route. The line design is not yet finalized.
How big will the transmission poles be?
The poles will range in height from about 90' to 120'. The diameter of the poles will be about 5' at the base of the poles.
The span lengths will generally range from 700' to 1200'. We consider many factors in determining span lengths, including locations for angle structures the changes in vertical height of the terrain, road crossings and other physical limitations along the route.
Who will build the East Walton and Bethabara substations?
Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) will build both substations. As part of the Integrated Transmission System (ITS) in the state of Georgia, Georgia Power works together with the ITS partners to build the most efficient transmission system possible. As partners in the northeast Georgia Transmission Improvement Project, Georgia Power Company, Georgia Transmission Corporation and Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG) all are responsible for building individual components of the project.
Georgia Transmission Corporation already plans to build a transmission line in Oconee County from East Walton substation to Bethabara substation.
Why does Georgia Power need to build another line between these two same substations?
The project requires that two independent 230 kV transmission lines connect East Walton and Bethabara substations. Building these two transmission lines on independent routes reduces the chance of losing both lines at the same time during peak times.
Will Georgia Power pay for any damage to my property that may occur because of crews working on this project?
Georgia Power will accept responsibility for any property damage it causes and will repair, restore or replace any structures or landscaping disrupted during the construction process. After construction, Georgia Power will leave the area clean and in good condition.
Will the electric bills of area residents and other ratepayers increase because of these projects and, if so, how much per month?
These costs are a part of Georgia Power's normal capital improvement budget and are eventually added into the overall rate base. This project will not be included in the rate base until it actually goes into service. Even then, rates will only change when the Georgia Public Service Commission approves a base rate case.
What are you going to do to ensure the safety of residents, children and pets while the work is ongoing?
Safety is a "Core Belief" at Georgia Power for both employees and the public. Still, any large construction site contains safety hazards. Georgia Power designs and constructs facilities according to the National Electric Safety Code. When building transmission lines, we use traffic and warning signs, utilize local police for traffic control and monitor access to our work areas. Our workers are highly trained on safe work practices. Despite these safety measures, please caution others, especially children, never to go near electric facilities whether they are under construction or already in service.
My neighbors and I want more information. How can we talk to someone or learn more?
Georgia Power will participate in several public meetings about this project in Oconee and Walton counties. Here are the details:
August 19, 2008: Title 22 meeting for Oconee County, Bethabara Baptist Church, 4651 Monroe Hwy. Statham, GA. Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
August 20, 2008: Title 22 meeting in Walton County, Monroe Community Center, 602 E. Church St, Monroe, GA. Time: 2:00pm to 4:00 p.m. and a second meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
You may also use the "contact us" links in the gray boxes on these pages to send a non-urgent question or comment by email.
What is the timeline for this project?
We currently expect to have the new facilities in service by June of 2014. You can find the current project schedule on the Bethabara - East Walton Project Intro page.
