Our Commitment to Landowners & Communities
Building and maintaining the energy infrastructure that powers homes and businesses across Georgia requires careful planning—and partnership with property owners. We understand that your property is personal, and we’re committed to treating every landowner with fairness, respect, and transparency throughout the process.
What does this mean for Georgia Power customers?
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.
- Reliable Power – Fewer outages and faster restoration when issues occur.
- Stronger Grid – Upgrades make service more resilient to storms and growth.
- Ready for the Future – Expanding energy capacity to meet demand.
How are project locations and routes selected?
We follow a comprehensive, multi-step evaluation process led by a cross-functional team of experts.
This includes reviewing:
- Existing land uses (residential, agricultural, commercial, etc.)
- Opportunities to use or align with existing utility and road corridors
- Environmental factors such as wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife
- Engineering, safety, and reliability requirements
- Community considerations, including proximity to homes and public spaces
- Construction and long-term maintenance costs
Each potential route involves tradeoffs, and we work to identify a practical and feasible option that balances reliability, community impact, and environmental stewardship
Land Acquisition Questions & Answers
Below are answers to other common questions about how land is evaluated, acquired, and used for transmission and generation projects.
How does the land acquisition process work?
Our goal is to reach voluntary agreements with property owners.
The typical process includes:
Initial Contact – We reach out to introduce the project and begin a conversation.
Property Survey & Evaluation – Independent assessments help determine fair market value.
Offer & Negotiation – We present a written offer and work collaboratively to address questions or concerns.
Agreement – When an agreement is reached, we finalize the terms and proceed accordingly.
We communicate openly throughout the process to ensure you feel informed and supported.
How are property owners compensated?
We follow a structured and fair approach to compensation, offering payment that reflects or exceeds market value. Our goal is to reach an outcome that is fair and mutually agreeable.
Will I have to sell my entire property?
Not necessarily. In many cases, we only need a portion of land—called a right-of-way or easement—rather than full property ownership. This allows you to continue using your land in certain ways, depending on the agreement.
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.
How are project locations and routes selected?
We follow a comprehensive, multi-step evaluation process led by a cross-functional team of experts.
This includes reviewing:
Existing land uses (residential, agricultural, commercial, etc.)
Opportunities to use or align with existing utility and road corridors
Environmental factors such as wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife
Engineering, safety, and reliability requirements
Community considerations, including proximity to homes and public spaces
Construction and long-term maintenance costs
Each potential route involves tradeoffs, and we work to identify a practical and feasible option that balances reliability, community impact, and environmental stewardship.
What is eminent domain?
Eminent domain is a legal process that allows utilities to acquire land for essential infrastructure when an agreement cannot be reached. However, it is used as a last resort.
Our focus is always on working collaboratively with property owners to reach voluntary agreements.
Eminent domain is considered only after all reasonable efforts to negotiate in good faith have been exhausted.
It is used in less than 1% of land transactions.
We understand this is a sensitive topic and remain committed to transparency, respect, and fairness throughout the process.
How does Georgia Power work with homeowners and businesses?
We recognize every property—and every situation—is unique.
Our team is committed to:
Listening to your concerns and answering questions clearly
Providing timely updates throughout the process
Working to minimize impacts wherever feasible
Treating you with respect and professionalism at every step
How does this process support reliable and affordable energy?
Acquiring land for critical infrastructure helps ensure the energy grid remains strong, resilient, and capable of meeting future needs—while helping to keep costs as low as possible for all customers.
Property ownership is deeply personal. That’s why we prioritize collaboration, transparency, and respect in every interaction. Our goal is always to reach fair, voluntary agreements—while balancing the responsibility to serve the broader community with reliable, affordable energy.
