Kirkwood Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this project and why is it necessary?
The demand for electricity in the Edgewood, Kirkwood, and Decatur areas will soon exceed our capabilities to supply electric service from Georgia Power's existing substations and distribution power lines. The increase in electric demand is due to a combination of residential and commercial load growth.
What benefit will the community derive from the new substation?
This project will ensure that the community will continue to have reliable electric service and serve the electrical needs for the expected development in the area.
Why are you doing this work in this area and not in other areas of town?
This project addresses and relieves the growing strains on local distribution and substation facilities in the area. We are performing this work here because the number of customers is increasing and our existing customers continue to add electrical appliances and equipment to their homes and businesses. Georgia Power, like other utilities, has similar projects all across Georgia, including in Metro Atlanta, where electricity use is rising.
Where will you build the substation?
The substation will be located in the northeast corner of the 32-acre tract owned by the State of Georgia. Georgia Power will purchase two acres to construct the Kirkwood Substation. The two-acre site will be near property owners on Warren Street.
Will any houses, businesses, fences or other structures have to be removed so as not to interfere with the construction, operation and maintenance of the new substation and, if so, how many?
The company worked with the State of Georgia, Kirkwood Neighbors Organization, NPU-O, and State Archaeologists & State Historic Preservation Office to choose the location of the substation to minimize removal of existing buildings on site. Georgia Power plans to remove the metal sheds near the railroad tracks and the smaller brick building behind the large sawtooth building that was damaged by fire several years ago. If we find a need to remove or relocate any other structures, we will address those on a case-by-case basis.
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.
How many property owners will the substation and new lines affect?
Since the substation is located adjacent to the existing transmission line, there is no direct impact to a property owner. Minimizing the impact to the surrounding area is a major factor in selecting substation sites. Screening and landscaping will help to shield the station from the roadways and other residents in the area.
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. With that said, any large construction site contains safety hazards. Georgia Power designs and constructs facilities according to the National Electric Safety Code. We are performing all work on the substation site behind a fenced enclosure or visible barrier and employees 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.
What is the timeline for this project?
We currently expect to have the new facilities in service by November of 2008. You can find the current schedule of work on the Kirkwood Project Intro page.
