About the Project
Georgia Power is constructing the Cash Creek – McGrau Ford 500 kV Transmission Project as part of its ongoing investments in the statewide transmission system to support Georgia’s growing energy needs and ensure reliable electric service for years to come. The project includes construction of a new approximately 65‑mile, 500 kV transmission line connecting the McGrau Ford Substation in Cherokee County to the Cash Creek Substation in Banks County, crossing through Dawson, Lumpkin, Hall, and Habersham counties. Some portions of the line will be located within existing Georgia Power right-of-way, while other segments will require new right-of-way and easements. Details will continue to be refined as planning and engineering progress.
Identified in Georgia Power’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), this critical infrastructure will add capacity, strengthen system reliability and resiliency, and support long‑term growth across the region.
Strengthen
the electric grid to support reliable service now and in the future
Support
growing energy needs across Georgia
Enhance
long-term reliability and resiliency.
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
- Restoration
- Site Grading
- Noise and Traffic
- Construction Activities
Project Timeline
| Q2 2025 | Survey Notification to Landowners |
| Q3 2026 | Land Acquisition Begins |
| Q4 2026 | Community Meetings |
| Q2 2028 | Construction Begins |
| Q1 2030 | Project Completion |
Note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change.
MAP NOT BASED ON FIELD SURVEY DATA
Structure and Line Locations based on Pre-Engineering data and subject to change
- Substation
- Proposed transmission line
Please note:
If you're located near the project, general updates will be shared to keep you informed of key milestones and progress.
We've Lowered Rates
Since June, Georgia Power customers will see lower electric rates, delivering meaningful savings while maintaining reliable energy service.
Connecting Communities
We’re investing in generation, smart grid infrastructure, and advanced technologies to deliver reliable energy to 2.8 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?
This project includes construction of a new approximately 65‑mile transmission line connecting the McGrau Ford Substation in Cherokee County to the Cash Creek Substation in Banks County, crossing through Dawson, Lumpkin, Hall, and Habersham counties. This project is part of Georgia Power’s ongoing commitment to strengthen and expand the electric grid. Over the next 10 years, we have proposed building more than 1,000 miles of new transmission lines to improve efficiency and resiliency and serve a growing state. These investments are necessary to support Georgia’s growing energy needs, enhance system reliability, and ensure safe, resilient service for decades to come. Learn more about Transmission Projects
How will the transmission line be constructed?
The project will be developed in multiple segments across the project area. Some portions of the line will be constructed within existing Georgia Power right-of-way, while other segments will require new right-of-way and easements. Planning and construction activities may occur at different times along the line as the project progresses. If your property may be affected, you will be contacted directly and provided with additional information.
How will this project benefit my community?
By strengthening the electric grid and preparing for future energy needs, this project will help support reliable electric service for homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in the area.
Is this transmission line being built to serve a specific customer or facility?
This project is not being built to serve a specific customer or facility. The Cash Creek – McGrau Ford 500 kV Transmission Line project is part of Georgia Power’s broader, long-term investment in strengthening and expanding the electric grid across the state. Over the next 10 years, we have proposed building more than 1,000 miles of new transmission lines to improve efficiency and resiliency and serve a growing state. These projects are essential to support Georgia’s growing energy needs, improve system reliability, and ensure safe, resilient service for decades to come. Learn more about Transmission Projects
How was this route 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.
Will trees or vegetation be removed?
Vegetation removal is part of the project, including the removal of trees, brush, and other vegetation along the transmission line route to ensure compliance with safety standards and required clearances. All work will be conducted with careful consideration to minimize environmental impact, and restoration will follow construction.
How can I stay updated on the project?
We will share updates, maps, and key milestones on this webpage.
Community meetings scheduled in various counties during Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 will provide opportunities to learn more, ask questions, and engage directly with project experts on topics such as land acquisition, environmental considerations, and construction timelines. If you have questions at any time, you can contact the project team directly using this form.
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.
