Vienna - Bratcher Creek
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this project and why is it necessary?
Due to increasing energy use in west Georgia, Georgia Power needs to strengthen the electric transmission system serving this area. Building a new transmission line provides an additional transmission source that will reduce the likelihood of overloads and give an alternate source of power to area substations serving homes and businesses in the area.
What benefit will the community derive from the new transmission line?
This project will ensure that west Georgia will continue to have reliable electric service.
Why are you doing this work here and not in other areas?
Increasing energy use by existing customers is beginning to strain the electric system in the area. Georgia Power, like other utilities, has similar projects all across Georgia where electricity use is rising.
What will the transmission line look like?
Georgia Power will use single (mono) pole structures. These structures are made of concrete and steel components. Please refer to the photos on this project's website for examples.
How big will the transmission poles be?
The poles will range in height from about 90' to 100'. The diameter of the poles will be approximately 2' to 3' at the base of the poles.
What is the distance between poles?
The span length will range approximately 700' to 1200'. Many factors affect the span lengths, including location for angle structures, changes in vertical height of the terrain, road crossings and other physical limitations along the route.
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 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 this project, and if so, how much per month?
These costs are part of the Georgia Power capital budget and are eventually added into the overall rate base when the transmission line is placed in service (scheduled for fall 2010). Even then, rates will only change when the Georgia Public Service Commission approves a base rate case.
>What is Georgia Power 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 builds 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.
We currently expect to have the new facility in service by fall 2010. You can find the current project schedule on the Vienna - Bratcher Creek Project Intro page.
