About the Project
Georgia Power is planning the Callaway Road – Thomson Primary 500 kV Area Transmission Project. The project is expected to include a new 500/230 kV Callaway Road Substation, approximately 17 miles of new 500 kV transmission infrastructure, and associated facilities in McDuffie and Columbia Counties. The project is being planned to provide the transmission infrastructure needed to serve a large-load customer while also strengthening the local electric grid in a rapidly growing area. These improvements are expected to add capacity, enhance reliability for homes and businesses, and help support continued growth and evolving energy needs.
Although some project elements are being planned to meet specific customer requirements, the improvements are also expected to strengthen the transmission network and support future growth. As planning progresses, project details will continue to be refined based on engineering, environmental, and routing studies.
Strengthen
the electric grid with added transmission capacity
Support
large-load demands while reinforcing local system
Prepare
for growing energy needs in
Georgia.
What to Expect
As the project progresses, you may experience different impacts depending on your location in relation to the project. Below are some examples of what you may encounter.
- Vegetation Removal
- Site Grading
- Noise and Traffic
- Construction Activities
- Restoration
Project Timeline
The project timeline is tentative and subject to change as planning continues. Additional project activities and milestones, including transmission line activities, will be added as they are identified and scheduled.
| Early Spring 2026 | Substation Location Process Begins |
| Summer 2026 | Substation Survey Notifications for Property Owners |
| Late Summer 2026 | Substation Land Acquisition Begins |
| Early Spring 2027 | Substation Grading and Clearing Begins |
| Fall 2027 | Substation Construction Begins |
Project Map Not Currently Available
A project map is not available at this stage of the planning process. As the project advances and additional details are finalized, maps and other project information will be shared on this webpage.
Along the Line
See how we're investing in our communities, protecting Georgians from rising energy costs, and building a reliable energy grid.
Our Customer Protection Pledge
As Georgia grows, our pledge reaffirms our commitment to serving and protecting the interests, the communities, and the priorities of our 2.8 million customers—making sure new large-energy users, like data centers, are paying for the infrastructure built to serve them. Learn more about how we're dedicated to keeping energy reliable and affordable while preparing for growth in the state we all call home.
Helping Augusta Grow Back
Following Hurricane Helene, Georgia Power is supporting the Grow Back Project, a community-led initiative to restore Augusta's tree canopy. Working alongside the University of Georgia and the Community Foundation for the CSRA, the project provides residents with resources and support to replant trees, enhance neighborhood green spaces and help build a stronger, more resilient community.
Energy Prices are Rising Nationwide—Not in Georgia
As Georgia grows, customers want to know how it affects their everyday lives. By putting customers at the center, we’re working to ensure growth works for everyone.
Connecting Communities
We’re investing in generation, smart grid infrastructure, and advanced technologies to deliver reliable energy to 2.7 million customers—every day, in every season.
Keeping You Informed
Throughout this project, you may receive updates via email, letter, postcard or door hanger.
Have questions about this project?
Below are answers to common questions and what you can expect as work moves forward.
About the Project
What is this project and why is it happening?
The Callaway Road–Thomson 500 kV Transmission Project includes construction of new transmission lines and substations in Columbia and McDuffie counties to support the electrical needs of a large load customer and strengthen the local transmission system. The project is necessary to provide reliable electric service in an area experiencing continued growth, while ensuring Georgia Power’s transmission network can safely and effectively serve current and future demand. The improvements also enhance overall grid reliability and support long‑term infrastructure needs for the region. Learn more about Transmission Projects
How will this project benefit my community?
The Callaway Road–Thomson 500 kV Transmission Project will strengthen the local electric grid by adding capacity and improving reliability in Columbia and McDuffie counties. The project supports the energy needs of a large load customer that requires new transmission infrastructure, while also enhancing the system that serves homes, businesses, and critical facilities and increasing flexibility to support future growth and evolving energy needs across the region.
Is this transmission line being built to serve a specific customer or facility?
Yes, this project is being developed to serve the electric needs of a large load customer that requires new transmission infrastructure. The improvements also enhance the overall system, providing broader reliability benefits for the surrounding area. Learn more about data centers & Georgia Power
How are substation locations and line routes determined?
We have a thorough process for determining transmission line routing and facility placement. We carefully evaluate routes and consider factors such as safety, existing land uses in the area, existing corridors, environmental conditions, and engineering practices related to the construction and operation of the lines. Learn how Georgia Power selects project locations and routes.
General Transmission Questions
Why does Georgia Power need land for energy projects?
Energy infrastructure like transmission lines and substations helps ensure electricity remains reliable and affordable for the communities we serve. As Georgia continues to grow, we must responsibly expand and strengthen the grid to meet increasing demand. Learn more about the land acquisition process.
What are transmission lines?
Transmission lines transmit high-voltage electricity from the generation source or substation to another substation in the electric grid. Overhead transmission lines carry a three-phase current and can vary in voltage. Learn more.
What is a line route?
A line route refers to the path or corridor that a transmission line follows from its starting point to its endpoint. The route is selected based on various considerations, including safety, existing land uses in the area, existing transmission corridors, environmental conditions, engineering practices related to the construction and operation of the lines.
What is the Integrated Resource Plan?
The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) guides investments in generation and transmission to meet forecasted demand, ensuring reliable service for all customers. More about the IRP and our long-term energy planning process managed by the Georgia PSC
What is an easement?
An easement is a legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, where a payment is paid to the owner of the property in return for the right of easement. This right allows the easement holder to enter and use the land for activities such as utility installation, access, or maintenance. The original owner retains legal title to the land, but the easement holder has the right to use it as specified in the easement agreement.
Are there health risks or safety concerns from living near substations or power lines?
Decades of research show no link between EMF exposure from power lines and disease. EMFs are common in everyday electrical devices, and power lines meet national safety standards. Read our Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Information Guide (PDF) for an overview of the science and research about EMFs.
We are committed to keeping residents, business owners, and all community members informed throughout every stage of the project. Please submit any questions you have here. Your feedback is important, and we encourage you to reach out so we can provide the support and information you need throughout the project.
