Press Releases
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: McKenzie Lewis, Georgia Association of Broadcasters
[email protected]
GAB honors Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp with ‘Georgian of the Year’ Award
On Monday, December 16th, 2024, the Georgia Association of Broadcasters presented Georgia Governor Brian Kemp with the Association’s Georgian of the Year Award.
The Georgian of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition presented annually to an outstanding individual who has made a significant and lasting impact on the citizens and the state of Georgia.
GAB President Randy Gravley said, “I was honored to be joined with Georgia broadcasters from across the state in presenting Governor Brian Kemp the Georgia Association of Broadcasters – “Georgian of the Year Award”. Governor Kemp joins a long list of incredible Georgians both past and present in receiving the GAB’s highest honor.”
Under Governor Kemp’s leadership, the state of Georgia has been named the top state for business for an unprecedented 10 consecutive years. The GAB appreciates Governor Kemp’s service to our great state of Georgia.
Past recipients have included honorees such as Arthur Blank, co-founder of the Home Depot and Owner of the Atlanta Falcons, former First Lady of Georgia, Sandra Deal, Former Governor and President, Jimmy Carter, and many others who through their unselfish dedication and contributions have had an enormous impact on the citizens and our great state of Georgia.
Congratulations, Governor Kemp!
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Sydney Cummings, Manager of Communications & Events
Georgia Senior Living Association
[email protected]
Georgia Senior Living Association Presents Culinary Awards and Honors Sen. Matt Brass of Newnan as Legislator of the Year
Annual Awards Recognize Individuals Who Embody Heart & Soul of Senior Living Industry in Georgia
Atlanta, Ga. (December 19, 2024) – The Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA) recently honored exceptional individuals who embody the heart and soul of the senior living industry by honoring them with the association’s annual awards. These leaders are an invaluable resource in creating communities where residents can age in place with dignity, purpose, and personalized care. The awards were presented as part of the GSLA’s 2024 Grounded & Growing Conference & Trade Show.
GSLA’s final two awards of 2024 celebrated extraordinary achievements:
- Chef Juan Lasprilla of the Oaks at Gracemont took home the top prize in the GSLA Culinary Competition for the second year in a row as the Chef of the Year, showcasing his dedication to his craft and his incredible talent in serving residents with skill and passion.
- Senator Matt Brass (R-Newnan) was recognized as Legislator of the Year for his dedication to supporting policies that enhance the lives of seniors and the senior living industry.
Throughout the year, GSLA has continued to spotlight the people who make senior living a trusted choice for older adults and their families. From chefs like Juan Lasprilla to executive leaders, caregivers, and volunteers, these individuals ensure that residents are cared for, empowered, and supported.
“Awards like the Culinary Competition and the annual GSLA Hero Awards build a community outside of the corporate name tag and inside the industry,” said Catie Ramp, president and CEO of GSLA. “If we can give talented people spaces where they feel seen, they feel like partners and are doing something important together, we build lasting value for staff and residents alike.”
Honoring Excellence Across the Industry – At GSLA’s Annual Awards Gala earlier this year, the association recognized outstanding contributions from professionals across the field. Winners included:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Alex Salabarria, founding GSLA Board Member and former president & CEO of Oaks Senior Living, for his decades-long dedication to residents and staff in Georgia.
- Direct Care Staff: Judith Grant, The Phoenix at Milton
- Community Staff Member: Carla Burns, Addington Place of Brunswick
- Community Staff Leader: Diamond Udell, Brookdale Chambrel Roswell
- Executive Director: Kailey Hooper, Orchard at Athens
- Corporate Staff Member: Pam Polley, Beacon Communities
- Industry Partner: Lori Hamilton, Managed Health Solutions
- Volunteer of the Year: John Edmondson, Manor Lake Hamilton Mill, Dawsonville & Hoschton
Creating Community and Connection GSLA’s events such as the Annual Conference & Trade Show foster an environment where senior living professionals come together beyond their roles. These spaces cultivate partnerships, inspire collaboration, and strengthen the unique connections that make the senior living industry exceptional.
As GSLA looks to the future, the organization remains committed to celebrating these industry heroes and supporting their mission to promote the quality of life for Georgia’s seniors.
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About the Georgia Senior Living Association
The mission of the Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA) is to promote the quality of life for Georgia seniors by leading the senior living industry through education, advocacy, and partnerships.
Founded in 1998, GSLA is a non-profit, member-based, 501(c)6 trade association representing Georgia’s senior living industry and the growing population it serves. Members range from state-licensed assisted living communities (ALC), personal care homes (PCH), Memory Care Communities (MC), and retirement campuses where assisted living, personal care, and memory care may be a component (CCRC), as well as Industry Partners (IP) that provide products and services for the senior living industry.
While GSLA membership is diverse, our mission is shared by all. GSLA works to ensure the right of every Georgia senior to receive quality care in a choice-driven, dignified, safe, and clean residential home environment. GSLA is the only association that exclusively represents and supports Georgia’s Senior Living Communities. Learn more at www.gasla.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Caroline Gentry, [email protected]
Speakers Announced: Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting January 29, 2025
The Georgia Cotton Commission is pleased to announce the guest speakers at the Commission’s 2025 Annual Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. The annual meeting is held in conjunction with the UGA Cotton Production Workshop conducted by the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team.
The UGA Cotton Production Workshop will feature breakout sessions where attendees will learn the latest technical production strategies from the researchers whose projects are funded by the Commission’s research program. The Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting will follow the breakout sessions and feature speakers from several industry organizations.
The program speakers are William Kimbrell, President and CEO, Cotton Incorporated; Stanley Culpepper, Professor – Extension Weed Scientist, University of Georgia; and Jeff Kuckuck, Senior Government Relations Director, National Cotton Council.
- William Kimbrell is a 20-year veteran of Cotton Inc. and has experience in Research and Development and Marketing. In his most recent role as Vice President of Supply Chain Marketing Asia, Kimbrell managed marketing teams in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Osaka and was responsible for marketing initiatives across Asia. He has extensive international experience working with manufacturers, brands and retailers on technology and marketing programs. Kimbrell attended North Carolina State University receiving a bachelor’s degree in Textiles and achieving his MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management.
- Stanley Culpepper began his professional career at The University of Georgia as cotton, vegetable and small grain weed scientist in 1999, and continues with those same responsibilities today. Culpepper has authored 16 successful Section 18 packages/critical use nomination packages and coauthored 33 Section 24(c) state herbicide labels bringing new weed management tools to Georgia growers. He has received numerous honors with his greatest award accomplishment being the first person in Extension to win the EPA’s Montreal Protocol Award for assisting in the preservation of the ozone layer and his greatest professional honor was being invited to serve as a member of the Agricultural Science Committee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board.
- Jeff Kuckuck serves as Senior Government Relations Director for the National Cotton Council. Prior to joining the NCC, he spent a decade on Capitol Hill working for three Members of Congress: Representatives Reid Ribble of Wisconsin, Andy Biggs of Arizona, and Tom Emmer of Minnesota. In his final Hill role as Legislative Director, Kuckuck was instrumental in advancing key policy priorities for Rep. Emmer as the Congressman worked to secure his position as House Majority Whip. Kuckuck, who holds degrees from the University of Chicago and the College of William & Mary, brings a unique perspective to his role and uses that to help NCC tackle complex priorities and serve the industry.
Following the Annual Meeting speakers, the Commission will host lunch where sponsors will be recognized, door prizes will be given away, and awards will be presented. The meeting, production workshop, and lunch are open to not only cotton growers, but anyone interested in the cotton industry. The UGA Cotton Production Workshop breakout sessions will be repeated after lunch.
There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. Register online at https://forms.gle/b1cJ3QzSfjb2BA5C7 or call (229) 386-3416.
Thank you to our sponsors:
John Deere – Deltapine/Bayer Crop Science – PhytoGen/Corteva Agriscience Farm Credit Associations of Georgia – Stoneville/BASF
Ag Technologies – Americot, Inc.-NexGen – Armor Cotton – Cargill Cotton – CNI DeltaAg – Georgia Farm Bureau – Helena Agri-Enterprises – ICL Growing Solutions
Kelley Manufacturing Co. – Langston Companies – Lasseter Tractor – Magnolia Loom Olam Cotton/Liberty Cotton Co-op – Quail Forever – R.W. Griffin – SePRO Corporation Smith Farm Supply – South Georgia Banking Company – Southeast AgNet – Staplcotn Syngenta – Synovus – Tama USA – Tidewater Equipment/CASE-IH
Triangle Chemical Company – Triangle Insurance – Valent USA – Valley Irrigation
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, [email protected]
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Honored as Best Museum in Georgia
Pooler, GA — The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is thrilled to announce it has been named Best Museum in the 2024 Best of Georgia Awards, presented by Georgia Business Journal. This prestigious award celebrates the museum’s excellence and recognizes its dedication to preserving the history and legacy of the Eighth Air Force.
Out of more than 30 museum contenders across the state, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force was selected as the top institution by public vote. This award underscores the significant role the museum plays in education, preservation, and community engagement as it shares the compelling story of the Eighth Air Force’s impact during World War II.
“The museum is honored to receive this award from the people of Georgia,” said Museum Director of Communications and Marketing, Dawn Brosnan. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to preserving the legacy of the Eighth Air Force and inspiring visitors of all ages to learn about the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served.”
The Best of Georgia Awards is an annual event conducted by Georgia Business Journal, which invites the public to cast their votes for their favorite organizations across various industries in Georgia. This recognition reflects the museum’s growing popularity and solidifies its place as a premier educational and historical institution.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, [email protected]
Author Talk: Memoir of a WWII B-24 Bomber Pilot | The Story in His Own Words
Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m.
Chatham County, GA – The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Author Talk series is proud to present Carole Engle Avriett, who will read and discuss her book, Midnight in Ironbottom Sound: The Harrowing Story of Heroism in the Shark-Infested Waters of the Guadalcanal with a special introduction by Rear Admiral Cedric E. Pringle. This program will take place on Saturday, December 7h, at 11:00 a.m. at the museum.
The program is free to the public, but registration is requested https://forms.gle/75rsYoGWCsNSMzem9
About the Book:
In Midnight in Ironbottom Sound, Carole Engle Avriett brings to light the heroic yet overlooked story of the USS Gregory, a “minor” vessel in World War II that played a crucial role in the Pacific. Focusing on Lt. Commander Harry F. Bauer and Mess Attendant Charles J. French—two men from opposite ranks—Avriett captures their courage and resilience as they faced unrelenting battles to transport Marine Raiders. Through vivid storytelling, this book honors the ship’s brave crew and reminds us that valor knows no rank or color, only dedication and courage.
About the Author:
Carole Engle Avriett is a nationally known speaker and author of the bestselling Coffin Corner Boys: One Bomber, Ten Men, and their Harrowing Escape from Nazi-Occupied France. Currently, she invests her skills full -time in writing Christian books and military history memoirs, as well as hosting a weekly Bible study and leading women’s conferences—often sharing her powerful testimony of personal struggle until Christ came into her life at the age of thirty. She and her husband live in central Florida.
About the Admiral:
Rear Admiral Cedric E. Pringle, is a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral with over 34 years of distinguished service, culminating as the 31st commandant of the National War College. His career includes leadership of complex joint, combined, and multinational operations, notably as commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and the USS Makin Island, the Navy’s first hybrid-propulsion ship. He led major crisis responses, such as disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Matthew, and served as Director of the Navy’s Senate Liaison Office. Pringle holds degrees in Economics, Financial Management, and National Security Strategy and currently serves as President of the National Naval Officers Association, promoting diversity within the Sea Services.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Caroline Gentry, [email protected]
2024 King Cotton Award Winners
CONTACT: UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Cassie Ann Kiggen, [email protected]
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Offers Preliminary Damage Assessments of Hurricane Helene
From Dean Nick Place, UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences:
I am reaching out to share the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ comprehensive impact assessment for Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
From the beginning, UGA Cooperative Extension agents have been on the ground, holding meetings with producers and Extension specialists to ensure that our numbers reflect the impact this storm has had on our state. Together, we have produced a report detailing loss estimates across a wide variety of Georgia commodities, including timber assessments reported by the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and the Georgia Forestry Commission.
In this preliminary assessment, we estimate that Hurricane Helene’s damages to our state’s agriculture and forestry industries will cost the state economy at least $5.5 billion in 2024 present value.
To view a detailed summary of damages, please visit the Helene Report webpage. For a ready-to-print version, please refer to the Helene Report PDF.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, Director of Communications and Marketing, 912-988-1847, [email protected]
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m.
Chatham County, GA – The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is proud to host a special event on December 1st at 2 pm to commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Sponsored by the Navy League of Savannah, this event will feature keynote speaker Colonel Mark D. Bortnem, along with readings, music, and a special tribute to Pearl Harbor survivors and WWII veterans.
We invite you to join us for this special occasion with a Two-Bell Ceremony and presentation of a flower wreath to honor those who fought valiantly for our country. This program is free and open to the public. Let us come together to pay our respects and show our gratitude to the brave men and women who served our country during WWII.
About Colonel Mark D. Bortnem | Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
Colonel Mark D. Bortnem grew up in Milford, MI, and has been a Marine for over 30 years, first enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1991.
As an enlisted Marine, Colonel Bortnem served as a Supply Administration and Operations Specialist in Camp Lejeune, NC, before being selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program. From 1994 – 1998, Colonel Bortnem attended The Ohio State University, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, ending his time as an enlisted Marine and beginning his career as an officer. Colonel Bortnem has served in a variety of global locations, including the Pacific region, the Middle East, and the Arctic. He has nearly 3,000 flight hours, including more than 500 hours of combat time.
Colonel Bortnem is a graduate of The Ohio State University (1998, BA Political Science) and the US Air Force’s Air War College (2021, MA Strategic Studies).
In July 2023, Colonel Bortnem assumed command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
About the Navy League of the United States
The Navy League of the United States is a worldwide organization dedicated to supporting our nation’s sea services (US Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and US-Flagged Merchant Marine) and educating our leaders and citizens about the importance of a strong maritime policy. To learn more visit www.savannahnavyleague.us. 501(c)3 Organization.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
Organizer Contact:
Gary A. Johnson
Savannah Navy League Chairman
912.509.1607 | [email protected]
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, [email protected]
48th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show set for Jan. 16 in Tifton
TIFTON, Ga. — Make plans to attend the 48th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The one-day show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend.
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with nearly 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry. Farmers will be able to earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting-edge research and developments during the University of Georgia Peanut Production Seminar and industry-wide sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar.
Farm Show chairman Rodney Dawson is looking forward to the 2025 show.
“I encourage farmers to attend this one-day show in Tifton,” Dawson says. “The knowledge they will gain from industry representatives and seminars is an investment in the future of their farm.”
The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with OneBlood, will host a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16. At the close of Thursday, there will be nearly $10,000 in door prizes presented to farmers, as well as a Grand Door Prize, vendor products, certificates and equipment.
For more information on the show, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission office at 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Jessie Bland, 229-386-3472, [email protected]
Georgia Peanut Commission announces 2025 calendar photo winners
TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission hosted a photo contest throughout 2024 to fill the pages of the 2025 Georgia Peanut Calendar. Peanut farmers and industry representatives from across Georgia were encouraged to submit their best, high-resolution photo from the farm for a chance to feature the photo in the 2025 calendar.
Nearly 90 entries were submitted from across the peanut belt and only 12 were selected as a monthly feature. Photos were selected based on quality, originality and diversity in the field. Winners are as follows:
January: Shannon Voorhees, Berrien County
February: Gayle Barry, Mitchell County
March: Kayla Metcalf, Turner County
April: Shannon Voorhees, Berrien County
May: Sarah Sowell, Jeff Davis County
June: David & Lauren Dixon, Burke County
July: Branson Beasley, Mitchell County
August: Blake Johnson, Emanuel County
September: Shelby Harrell, Terrell County
October: Lauren Turner, Decatur County
November: Whitney Sheppard, Screven County
December: Trey Jones, Webster County
Photo submissions will be used in promotional materials produced by GPC throughout the year. All Georgia peanut farmers with a mailing address on file with GPC will receive a copy in the mail. For more information on GPC programs and to view the winning photos, visit www.gapeanuts.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, [email protected]
Author Talk: Memoir of a WWII B-24 Bomber Pilot | The Story in His Own Words
Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m.
Chatham County, GA—The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Author Talk series is proud to present Karen Hoaglund & Donna Burgard, who discuss the story of Lt. John R. “Bob” Hanzlik in Memoir of a World War II B-24 Pilot | The Story in His Own Words. This program will take place on Wednesday, November 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at the museum.
This program is free to the public, but registration is requested at https://forms.gle/9qhHn4zb4cejJDo57
About the Book:
This powerful story brings WWII history to life through the vivid, unfiltered letters of a young aviator. In his own words, readers witness his journey from a fresh-faced recruit to a battle-hardened combat pilot and, ultimately, a prisoner of war—all within three transformative years. Through his candid letters to his mother and father, we see a rare, intimate view of his daily experiences, capturing moments of humor, resilience, and raw honesty. Rediscovered decades later, these letters are a poignant gift, offering an authentic glimpse into one man’s personal wartime journey and his unwavering connection with family.
About the Authors:
Karen Hanzlik Hoaglund and Madonna Zay Burgard have been friends since they were neighbors in Indianna 20 years ago. Because of their parents, the two, along with their husbands, have had a lifelong interest in WWII. Karen’s father, Lt. John R. “Bob” Hanzlik, was a B-24 Bomber Pilot in the ETO.
Karen currently lives in Athens, Alabama with husband Ron. They travel extensively and have recently focused their attention on locations where Karen’s Father was in WWII, including the UK, France, Germany, and Poland.
Karen graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Environmental Geography. She retired from a 35-year career in containerboard sales, concluding her tenure with International Paper. Karen and Ron spend as much time as they can on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama, at the family home where her parents lived.
Madonna (Donna) Zay Burgard and husband Dale live in Columbia, Tennessee. They recently returned from a trip following the footsteps of Dale’s Father, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and took part in the liberation of Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria.
Donna graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis, with a degree in journalism, and later from Indiana University with an MBA and law degree. Her career was in publishing for many years before working for her husband’s company.
The two friends have just completed four years of collaboration and research based on the wealth of WWII material left by Karen’s Father. This has culminated in the 500-page hardbound book Memoir of a World War II B-24 Bomber Pilot-The Story in His Own Words.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, [email protected]
Author Talk: World War II in Simple Poetry by John Patrick Murphy
Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m.
Chatham County, GA—The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Author Talk series is proud to present John Patrick Murphy, who will read and discuss his collection of poetry, World War II in Simple Poetry. This program will take place on Wednesday, November 13th, at 11:00 a.m. at the museum.
World War II in Simple Poetry offers a unique glimpse into the heart of history through accessible, evocative verses. With each poem, readers are taken back to pivotal moments and daily realities faced by those who served during WWII. This brief yet impactful collection connects readers to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the men who fought for victory, making it an ideal introduction for those looking to understand the war’s essence in a simpler, poetic form.
The program is free to the public, but registration is required: https://forms.gle/HRPg3iLoPtJm8e1P8
About the Author:
John Patrick Murphy, a devoted WWII enthusiast, has spent years studying and preserving the stories of the Greatest Generation. Living in Marietta with his wife, he dedicates much of his time to exploring the history of WWII and sharing his insights with fellow history buffs.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
Nov. 1, 2024
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, [email protected]
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Opens for Veterans Day: Honoring All Those Who Served
Monday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m.
Chatham County, GA – In tribute to our nation’s heroes, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force will open its doors on Monday, November 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for Veterans Day, welcoming veterans with free admission as a token of gratitude for their service.
A special “Ringing of the Bells” ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the museum’s Memorial Garden near the Chapel, an annual tradition to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. This solemn event commemorates the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, with each bell toll symbolizing peace, remembrance, and the courage of all who have served.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity for us to express our appreciation for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women,” said Dawn Brosnan, Director of Communications and Marketing. “We invite all to join us in honoring our veterans and reflecting on the history and impact of their service.”
The museum’s exhibits and historical artifacts offer visitors an immersive experience into the stories of the Eighth Air Force, known as the ‘Mighty Eighth,’ whose members courageously defended the skies over Europe during World War II. The public is welcome to explore these powerful displays and reflect on the significance of Veterans Day.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, [email protected]
Author Talk: Eighth Air Force Technology | WWII to the Cold War with Jeff Duford
Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m.
Chatham County, GA – The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s Author Talk series is proud to present Jeff Duford, who will be discussing Eighth Air Force Technology | WWII to the Cold War. This program will take place on Saturday, November 9th at 11:00 am at the museum.
Duford will explore the critical role of technological advancement in shaping American air and space power. Discover how the Air Force’s labs have been instrumental in developing essential capabilities throughout history, from the technologies that enabled the strategic bombing campaigns of World War II to Cold War innovations that countered communist numerical superiority, such as stealth, laser-guided bombs, and GPS.
The presentation will delve into the significant contributions of early pioneers like Sanford Moss and Sam Heron at McCook Field in the 1920s, as well as the Aeromedical Research Laboratory under Harry Armstrong’s leadership in the 1930s. Through these stories, we’ll uncover how key technologies like radial engines, turbosuperchargers, the Norden bombsight/autopilot system, and aircraft pressurization were developed to support the USAAF’s efforts against Germany and Japan.
The event is free to the public, but registration is required: https://forms.gle/PMzuvcumGSZehUXZ7
About the Speaker: Jeff Duford is a seasoned history and museum professional, dedicated to excellence and integrity. He has a proven track record of planning, leading, and developing award-winning projects and exhibits that communicate complex historical narratives with precision, sensitivity, and an acute awareness of diverse audiences. Jeff’s expertise extends to public speaking, with extensive experience in interviews with local, national, and international media, bringing history to life.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force:
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
Museum highlights include a fully restored B-17 “Flying Fortress” and the multimedia “Mission Experience,” an immersive simulated bombing mission in a special theater utilizing actual combat footage.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Joy Crosby, 229-386-3690, [email protected]
Nominations open for Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award
TIFTON, Ga.— Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer. The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Tifton, Georgia. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF.
The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award is based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership, civic, church, and community service activities.
“We have so many young peanut farmers making a difference in their communities, and I consider this awards program a great opportunity to recognize one young peanut farmer for their contributions to the agricultural industry,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission.
The award is open for any active Georgia peanut farmer who is not over 45 years of age, as of Jan. 16, 2025. An individual may receive the award only once. There is no limit on the number of applicants from each county in Georgia.
“BASF is honored to be a sponsor of the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award,” says Dan Watts, district manager of BASF Crop Protection Products. “We are committed to agriculture and bringing innovative solutions to producers that will allow them to continue to be successful.”
Applications are due to the GPC office by Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. The award application is available online at www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Crosby at 229-386-3690 or [email protected].
The 2024 winner was Mallory Harvey of Baxley, Georgia. The award winner receives registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July 2025, at Panama City Beach, Florida, and a sign to display at his or her farm.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Dawn Brosnan, 912-988-1847, [email protected]
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Announces Premiere Sponsorship of G.I. Jive Radio
Pooler, GA – The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is proud to announce its new role as the Premiere Sponsor of G.I. Jive Radio (WGIJ), a 1930s and 1940s Big Band music station. The partnership will begin this November, bringing the history and legacy of the Eighth Air Force to listeners across the country.
As part of this collaboration, the museum will present a weekly segment titled “Mail Call: Wartime Letters of the Mighty Eighth.” Each week, the museum’s team will delve into its archives to share authentic letters exchanged between Eighth Airmen and their families during World War II. These letters, donated to the museum by veterans and their descendants, provide a deeply personal view into the lives of those who served and the loved ones who waited at home. This segment aims to preserve and share the human stories behind the history of the Mighty Eighth.
“Partnering with G.I. Jive Radio allows us to reach a broader audience with the powerful stories of courage, resilience, and sacrifice that are a part of our nation’s history,” said Dawn Brosnan, Director of Communications and Marketing. “We are excited to share these personal wartime accounts with listeners, along with the music that defined an era.”
G.I. Jive Radio is dedicated to the music and history of the WWII era, offering a unique listening experience with 1930s and 1940s Big Band tunes. The station is accessible on multiple platforms, including Live365, TuneIn, Alexa, Roku, iTunes, and many other music and podcast apps.
Tune in starting this November to enjoy “Mail Call: Wartime Letters of the Mighty Eighth”, every Monday and immerse yourself in the stories of the Eighth Airmen. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of vintage music, or just curious about the past, this partnership is sure to offer a meaningful and nostalgic journey through time.
About the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
The Museum educates visitors about the character, courage, valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the Eighth Air Force, the largest air armada in history. The Museum uses films, exhibits, artifacts, and archival materials to tell the stories of individuals who served in the Eighth Air Force. Their sacrifices made victory in World War II possible.
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located at 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA. Operating hours are Tue-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun, Noon – 5 pm. For more information, call (912) 748-8888 or www.mightyeighth.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Jacob Hawkins
[email protected]
470-727-7733
Georgia Power’s CEO Kim Greene: We are here for Georgia. We are here for you.
An open letter to our our communities following the destruction of Hurricane Helene
(Newspapers are welcome to use this letter and photos for their editorial pages and websites)
I can’t recall a time in my career, or maybe my life, when I’ve seen anything like Hurricane Helene. It’s impossible to believe unless you’ve seen it up close, and even then, it is difficult to describe – pictures simply don’t do it justice. I visited some of the hardest-hit areas in Georgia in the days following the storm, and what I saw broke my heart.
The destruction was never-ending in places, it just continued for miles and miles. And it’s even more sobering when I stop to think that some of our very own teammates — many working to restore power themselves — were facing devastating damage to their own homes, cutting their way through fallen trees (and some even walking for miles) to get to work, and waiting for power to be restored for their families.
When I saw the devastation in Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta and Vidalia — and many other areas in between — it quickly became clear to me that this was no ordinary storm. In fact, Helene was the most destructive hurricane in our company’s 140-year history, exceeding the damage caused by hurricanes Michael, Matthew and Irma combined.
Thankfully, we have a world-class team that ensured Georgia Power was ready to respond. We monitored Helene’s progress from the moment it formed and put plans into place for what we expected to be an extended restoration process. We pre-positioned more than 10,000 personnel around the state who were ready to get to work as soon as the storm passed and it was safe. As damage assessment reports came in from across the state, we ultimately doubled the number of personnel engaged to more than 20,000 with crews coming from across the country.
Usually after a major storm, we talk about our work in terms of restoration. For Helene, we’re talking about rebuilding sections of the power grid entirely. Helene damaged more than 8,300 power poles and almost 350 transmission structures, downed more than 1,000 miles of power lines, damaged more than 4,500 transformers and toppled thousands of trees that had to be removed before power could be restored. This was a major restoration and reconnection project that had to be completed as quickly as possible. Fortunately, our team is the best in the business, and we were able to restore power to more than 1.5 million customers safely and efficiently. However, we know full reconstruction will be a much longer process.
This was a historic storm that required an unprecedented response and coordination from so many other teams across Georgia. State leaders including Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies, members of the Georgia Public Service Commission, as well as members of the Georgia legislature and its leadership, alongside local county commissioners, mayors, first responders, law enforcement and countless others, were all on the ground with us and continue to be incredible partners as we rebuild our infrastructure.
As so many of our customers and neighbors try and return to some semblance of “normal,” Georgia Power will be here to help. From working directly with customers to suspend disconnections and waive late fees, to quickly getting funding directly to local organizations serving our state’s most impacted communities, we’re committed to being “A Citizen Wherever We Serve.”
While I felt disbelief at the devastation I saw, I am inspired by the kindness, resilience and fighting spirit exhibited by our employees and neighbors. From handwritten cards and signs with words of encouragement for lineworkers posted at the areas around our staging sites, to communities coming together to share essential resources like food and water, to local leaders going above and beyond to coordinate aid, the worst of Helene brought out the best in us.
For your kindness, compassion and patience, thank you to our Georgia Power customers, communities, employees and partners. More than ever, I am proud to be a Georgian, proud to be a part of this team and grateful to be a part of this community.
Our road to recovery may be long, but we are here for Georgia, and we are here for you!
# # #
Kim Greene was named chairman, president and chief executive officer of Georgia Power in 2023. She leads Georgia Power in serving its 2.7 million customers across the state. The company is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s leading energy providers.
Click here for Kim’s full bio.
Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene looks at a map during power restoration work following Hurricane Helene.
Georgia Power Chairman, President and CEO Kim Greene.
Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene talks with an employee in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Pearson Farm
Gracie Bryant
864-978-8690
[email protected]
Pearson Farm Launches ‘Pecan Week’ to benefit Hurricane Helene Victims
Proceeds from restaurant sales will be donated to Weathered But Strong Releif Fund for Georgia’s impacted farmers
FORT VALLEY, Ga., October 22, 2024 — Pearson Farm, a fifth-generation family-owned peach and pecan farm in Fort Valley, Georgia, announces the first Pecan Week to be recognized Oct. 25-31 in restaurants throughout the state. Pecan Week celebrates the season’s statewide pecan harvest and this year will raise funds to support Pearson’s fellow farmers whose crops were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
“We were incredibly fortunate to have minimal damage from the storm, but many of our fellow farmers were not so lucky,” says Lawton Pearson, farmer and co-owner of Pearson Farm. “Pecan Week allows us to raise awareness about the importance of Georgia’s agriculture and encourage others to provide relief funds for those in need.”
All across Georgia, restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and bars will use donated Pearson Farm pecans to create specialty dishes and beverages during the seven-day event. Proceeds from the sale of each Pecan Week item will be donated to Weathered But Strong Relief Fund, a fundraising effort made possible by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and leading agriculture organizations launched following Hurricane Helene. Weathered But Strong hopes to raise $1 million for affected farmers.
Preliminary data from University of Georgia estimates agricultural damages from Hurricane Helene will cost Georgia’s economy at least $6.46 billion. For pecans, specifically, the estimates include a total loss of pecan trees at 42,000, with the total financial loss estimated at $138 million, including $62 million in crop damage and $76 million in replanting costs. The long-term impact, based on the timing and growth of the new trees, could reach a future income loss of $417 million.
“Numbers like these are devastating to any size farm, but especially the smaller ones with deep family roots in our state,” Pearson says. “There’s no heartier group than our fellow pecan farmers, and they’ll put in more work to rebuild than seems humanly possible, but they can’t do it alone. We’re grateful for the restaurants who’ve joined us to help our farming family.”
For the growing list of participating food and beverage outlets across the state, please visit @pearsonfarmga on Instagram.
Please visit www.SupportGeorgiaFarmers.org for more information on Weathered But Strong Relief Fund.
About Pearson Farm: Nestled in the heart of Georgia, Pearson Farm is fueled by a deep love for farming and the expertise gained from five generations of cultivating the same land. As one of the few remaining family peach farms in the state, its 4,000+ acres of peach and pecan orchards are more than just a workplace – they’re a legacy where memories have been made for more than 135 years. Pearson Farm provides a true orchard-to-kitchen experience, shipping the world’s finest peaches and pecans to homes and restaurants nationwide. Learn more at pearsonfarm.com.
About Georgia Foundation for Agriculture: The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares the next generation of Georgia leaders for success in agriculture and also supports programs that address the challenges facing agriculture and works to preserve the future of farming. Donations to the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund go to the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and are tax-deductible under IRS 170(b)(A)(VI). Learn more at GAFoundationAg.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power awarded $160 million from Department of Energy to enhance Georgia’s power grid
Funding focused on innovative approaches to expanding transmission capacity and adding resiliency as company works to meet the energy needs of a growing Georgia
ATLANTA – October 21, 2024 – Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric utility serving 2.7 million customers, has been awarded more than $160 million in funding by the Department of Energy (DOE) through its Grid Deployment Office. As Georgia continues to grow, the company is ensuring that customers have access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable power, and actively pursued the funding available under the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help reduce the costs of necessary investments for the benefit of customers.
Investments under the GRIP Program are intended to enhance grid flexibility, improve the resilience of the power system against extreme weather and ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable electricity when and where they need it.
“We know our customers depend on us to make the investments needed in the state’s power grid to ensure that we provide the energy resilience and reliability they value and expect, while keeping energy prices affordable,” said Fran Forehand, senior vice president of Transmission for Georgia Power. “Leveraging federal funding and working with the DOE to integrate innovative technology is a great example of how we do this. Thanks to the robust and long-term planning process we have in place with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), the investments we’re making in a smarter and more resilient power grid are showing value for our customers during extreme weather events such as Hurricane Helene, and every day.”
Projects funded by the grant will be varied and will benefit communities across Georgia. As Georgia Power continues to transition to cleaner forms of energy and transform its electric grid, investments in the state’s transmission system – the high voltage power lines that transport electricity from generation sources to individual communities – are critical.
Through funding from the GRIP program, Georgia Power will deploy new grid-enhancing technologies including dynamic line rating technology and reconductoring of high voltage power lines. Improved conductor technology can be deployed on existing structures, placed in service much faster than a traditional line build, and can help maximize the amount of power that can be carried through existing transmission lines and in existing rights of way. These investments are important to not only serve existing and new customers but also to help connect a growing amount of clean generation required to serve Georgia’s growing electricity needs. For example, Georgia is a Top 10 state for solar growth and, as renewable generation continues to come online, these investments will unlock additional opportunities for renewable generation deployment within critical locations and disadvantaged communities. The investments also increase energy resilience, including reducing outage frequency and duration.
Increasing collaboration, community and stakeholder engagement, and industry improvement are also key elements of projects under the GRIP Program. As the company invests in its system, Georgia Power plans to share insights, lessons learned and best practices with the broader industry through its work with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies and others.
Many community organizations assisted the company in its application such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, Fort Valley State University, the Savannah Economic Development Authority and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, among others. Georgia Power is grateful for the support of these organizations during the application process and will continue to solicit input and expertise of these organizations and other stakeholders throughout the state. For example, through the project, Georgia Power will work with IBEW union crews to provide training on the installation and configuration of new types of transmission conductors being installed. The use of these new technologies is expected to provide community benefits such as decreased environmental impacts, increased clean enterprise contracting for businesses majority owned or controlled by underrepresented persons or groups, increased high-quality job creation and job training.
Click here to access the full Georgia Power GRIP fact sheet.
Over the past 10 years, Georgia Power has invested more than $10 billion in strengthening the power grid through programs and initiatives approved by the Georgia PSC. Georgia Power continued this ongoing work on projects throughout Georgia communities in 2023 resulting in a strong year for reliability performance. Read more here.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visitwww.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power offers Installment Payment Plans for customers following Hurricaen Helene
Enrollment in latest customer assistance initiative open through November 30
ATLANTA – October 17, 2024 – Georgia Power announced today its latest initiative to support customers as Georgia continues to recover and rebuild following Hurricane Helene – flexible Installment Payment Plans that allow customers to pay their current account balance over multiple months. The company previously announced efforts to extend and expand customer assistance options following the historic hurricane, with disconnections suspended, eligible late fees waived, and collection activities paused for residential and business customers through December 15, 2024. Read more here
Under this initiative, eligible customers may choose to pay their balance over a period of 2, 4 or 6 months in equal installments which will be added to future payments. Existing late fees will not be included and, once an installment payment plan is established, customers will need to make timely payments to prevent any collection activities. Georgia Power encourages customers to continue paying their bills on their usual billing cycle and avoid falling behind.
Enrollment for Installment Payment Plans is available through November 30, 2024. Customers can enroll online by logging into their account, and visiting the Payment Arrangements page, or through the company’s automated phone system at 877-403-7149. If enrolling via the automated phone system, customers will be asked to provide the phone number and social security number associated with their account to verify eligibility. Additional information including a step-by-step guide and frequently asked questions, is available at GeorgiaPower.com/HurricaneSupport.
Georgia Power’s response to the most destructive hurricane in its history involved more than 20,000 personnel, including Georgia Power’s full workforce as well as crews from dozens of other companies around the country. The company safely and quickly restored power to more than 1.5 million customers following the storm. Hurricane Helene spared virtually no part of the state and severely impacted areas such as Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta and many other communities.
The Southern Company system, including Georgia Power, also continues to coordinate and contribute to restoration and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. On October 4, multiple charitable foundations across the system pledged $3 million to support the recovery effort. Read more here.
Programs to Help Customers Manage Energy Costs, Obtain Assistance
Georgia Power partners with nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations to offer assistance programs to those in need year-round. Popular programs include the longstanding Project SHARE program with the Salvation Army, as well as the recently expanded Income-Qualified Discount, which may amount to $33.50 per month for qualified customers. Other programs include Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency (EASE), and continued partnerships with community action agencies across Georgia that offer services such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), emergency assistance, home weatherization and more. Georgia Power encourages customers to use online tools such as My Power Usage to track and manage energy use, and visit GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy to explore all of the tools and resources available from the company to help predict and lower their bill.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce
Abby Turano, [email protected]
Atlanta Metro Chamber Supports Georgia Constitutional Amendment No. 2
Georgia voters can approve changes to tax appeal process In General Election
ATLANTA (September 12, 2024) — The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) advocates for a pro-business tax climate, working to ensure that Georgia remains the top state for business. During the 2024 legislative session, MAC successfully led the effort to advocate for the passage of legislation amending Georgia’s Constitution to transform the Georgia Tax Tribunal into a court to resolve tax disputes more quickly and fairly. This constitutional amendment will appear on the ballot for Georgia voters to consider in November.
“Replacing the Georgia Tax Tribunal with the Georgia Tax Court will provide Georgians with the operational clarity and certainty they need when resolving disputes with the Georgia Department of Revenue,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “It will help Georgians resolve important business cases faster, simplify government, and save taxpayers time and money.”
If approved by voters during the November 2024 General Election, the Georgia Tax Court will streamline the tax appeal process for taxpayers across the state by no longer requiring cases to first go through the Fulton County Superior Court. Instead, a taxpayer would appeal a Georgia Tax Court decision directly to the Georgia Court of Appeals.
MAC remains committed to creating a more efficient and equitable tax system for all Georgia taxpayers. This update streamlines Georgia’s tax appeal process by making it more accessible and fairer for businesses and individuals. The Chamber encourages voters to support Constitutional Amendment #2 during the 2024 General Election in November to ensure Georgia remains a leading state for economic growth and business success. To learn more, visit GeorgiaQTA.com.
For more information on MAC’s broader policy and advocacy efforts, visit www.macpolicy.com.
About Metro Atlanta Chamber:
The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. We work to advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta’s quality of life across the 29-county metro Atlanta region. Our charge is to unleash Atlanta’s ambition, and we do this by growing, advocating and promoting the region’s economy, talent and community. MAC expands the region’s thriving economy, advocates for a competitive business climate and elevates metro Atlanta’s story on a global scale to ensure that this continues to be a region that rises as one. For more information, visit www.MetroAtlantaChamber.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power monitoring, prepared to respond to effects of Hurricane Milton in Georgia
Company is coordinating with state and local emergency partners in wake of Helene recovery, Georgia Power campgrounds at Lakes Oconee and Harding available for evacuees
ATLANTA – October 8, 2024 – Georgia Power is monitoring the track of Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico and, with restoration efforts from Hurricane Helene nearly completed, the company is now preparing crews to safely and quickly respond to the latest severe weather threat. While the path of the storm may change in the coming days, current forecasts could bring damaging winds and heavy rain to South Georgia as early as Thursday.
Georgia Power is in touch with its response partners, including local and state governments, as well as other regional utilities. The company is maintaining available crews and resources in Central and South Georgia to respond to potential impacts from Milton.
Georgia Power Campgrounds Open for Evacuees
For those evacuating the coast from Hurricane Milton, three Georgia Power campgrounds are open at Lake Oconee in East-Central Georgia and one Georgia Power campground at Lake Harding, near Columbus. Normal campsite fees will be waived during the evacuation. Lawrence Shoals, Old Salem and Parks Ferry are at Lake Oconee. Blanton Creek is at Lake Harding. Sites offer full-service campgrounds, primitive campsites, restrooms, laundry facilities, day-use picnic areas, grills, etc. Campgrounds have a limited number of handicapped accessible sites. To check specific campsite availability and to register, call the Campground Information Line 855-607-6462 or visit www.gplakes.com.
The Mutual Assistance Network
Georgia Power is part of a mutual assistance network consisting of dozens of utilities from around the country. As part of this partnership, Georgia Power line crews assist other utilities when service to their customers is interrupted due to severe weather, but only after service is restored to its customers in Georgia. The company is also able to tap into reinforcements when needed to restore power quickly to Georgia customers, as it recently did with Hurricane Helene, fielding a response team 20,000 strong. The company also has access to resources from its sister power companies in Alabama and Mississippi.
Staying informed is most important during an emergency situation. Georgia Power has developed multiple ways for customers to stay connected.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Androiddevices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
Safety Tips – Before, During and After a Storm
- Before a Storm: Stay aware, heed advice from officials, and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Check your emergency kit and family plan. Unplug major appliances and charge cell phones in case you lose power.
- During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects and water.
- After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
Georgia Power is prepared to respond to outages safely and as quickly as weather conditions allow.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Maddie Frost, 229-386-3470, [email protected]
Georgia Peanut Bank Week celebrates peanut harvest Oct. 21-25, 2024
Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Bankers Association unite to promote peanuts
TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Bankers Association will join forces Oct. 21-25, 2024, to promote the 48th annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week. Financial institutions and local banks across the state will offer a tribute to Georgia’s 4,000 peanut farm families and the sustainability they provide to Georgia’s state and local economies.
The 2024 theme, “Hold yourself accountable…Eat Georgia Peanuts,” will showcase the affordable and nutritious peanut. Recent research studies indicate and highlight regularly eating peanuts can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Individuals can reap these benefits by taking one daily ounce (about a handful) of peanuts or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
“We’re excited to continue Georgia Peanut Bank Week for the forty-eighth year and salute peanut farmers and the nutritional benefits of peanuts,” says Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “This promotion is a great way to highlight all peanuts have to offer our communities across the state.”
The annual promotion will be taking place during an opportune time of the year: peanut harvest. In 2023, Georgia peanuts were planted on more than 770,000 acres throughout Georgia and accounted for 53 percent of peanut production in the United States. Peanuts were planted in 77 of Georgia’s 159 counties with an average yield of more than 4,000 pounds per acre.
The Georgia Peanut Commission urges everyone to stop by their local participating bank or financial institution during Georgia Peanut Bank Week to learn more about Georgia peanuts. For more information, visit the GPC website at www.gapeanuts.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power extends, expands customer assistance programs following Hurricane Helene
Company continues suspension of disconnections, waives late fees and pauses collection activities for customers through December 15
ATLANTA – October 7, 2024 – As the devastation from Hurricane Helene became apparent in the days following the historic storm, Georgia Power moved quickly to suspend disconnections as emergency response efforts ramped up. The company announced today that it has further extended and expanded customer assistance programs with disconnections suspended, late fees waived, and overall collection activities paused for residential and business customers through at least December 15, 2024.
“Our commitment to customers goes beyond reconnecting power following a storm of this magnitude – we’re focused on helping many of our neighbors as they essentially rebuild their lives and communities,” said Latanza Adjei, senior vice president of Customer Experience for Georgia Power. “We encourage customers to continue paying their bills on their usual billing cycle and avoid falling behind. However, we recognize that times are challenging for many Georgians even without the impacts of Helene and we want to do all we can to support them. Every Customer Experience team member is dedicated to working with customers who may need assistance to help find a solution that works best for them.”
Georgia Power’s response to the most destructive hurricane in its history involved more than 20,000 personnel, including Georgia Power’s full workforce as well as crews from dozens of other companies around the country. As of October 7, the company has safely restored power to more than 1.5 million customers, or 99% of all impacted customers, following the storm. Hurricane Helene spared virtually no part of the state and severely impacted areas such as Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta and many other communities.
The Southern Company system, including Georgia Power, also continues to coordinate and contribute to restoration and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. On October 4, multiple charitable foundations across the system pledged $3 million to support the recovery effort. Read more here.
Programs to Help Customers Manage Energy Costs, Obtain Assistance
Georgia Power partners with nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations to offer assistance programs to those in need year-round. Popular initiatives include the longstanding Project SHARE program with the Salvation Army, as well as the recently expanded Income-Qualified Discount, which may amount to $33.50 per month for qualified customers. Other programs include Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency (EASE), and continued partnerships with community action agencies across Georgia that offer services such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), emergency assistance, home weatherization and more. Georgia Power encourages customers to use online tools such as My Power Usage to track and manage energy use, and visit GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy to explore all of the tools and resources available from the company to help predict and lower their bill.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Power restored to 95%-plus of Georgia Power customers impacted by Hurricane Helene
Crews managing final intensive restorative efforts in hardest hit areas and will remain in the field until all customers who can accept power are reconnected
ATLANTA – October 5, 2024 – Georgia Power has restored power to 1.3 million+ customers following Hurricane Helene – more than 95% of all customers who were impacted by the most destructive hurricane in the company’s history. Intensive restoration efforts remain underway to reconnect customers in the hardest hit areas of the state, notably Augusta where 80% of impacted customers had been reconnected as of Saturday morning and work was ongoing to reconnect the approximately 50,000 customers who remained without power. While damage and treacherous conditions remain, teams are working around the clock and will remain in the field until every customer who can accept power is reconnected.
“Our work isn’t done until every customer who can receive power has it – we want our customers to know that commitment is shared by everyone on our team,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “We have matched the devastation of Hurricane Helene with an army of thousands of lineworkers, who continue to work through fallen trees and miles of broken power poles and downed lines to bring light back to Georgia homes and businesses. I’m grateful for their tireless work to reconnect so many customers so quickly, and the continued resilience and patience of our customers and communities.”
Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction across the state of Georgia – from Atlanta’s northern suburbs, to Columbus, to Albany, to Valdosta and Savannah. Virtually no part of the state was spared by the storm. More than 20,000 personnel have contributed to the company’s rapid response to the hurricane and remain engaged with crews working their way through the power system efficiently and effectively to repair extreme damage and restore power to the most customers with every repair made. In many cases, the damage to infrastructure has been so severe that teams are essentially rebuilding sections of the grid and not just repairing specific elements.
Georgia Power is a part of the Southern Company system, which continues to coordinate and contribute to restoration and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. On Friday, multiple charitable foundations across the system pledged $3 million to support the recovery effort. Read more here.
“As Georgia continues to rebuild in the weeks and months ahead, we know that our customers will continue to need support. We are actively working with community leaders across the state, and identifying opportunities for us to provide assistance and demonstrate our commitment to being a citizen wherever we serve,” added Greene.
Updated damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:
- 8,300+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
- 21,000+ spans of wire damaged equivalent to approximately 1,000 miles
- 2,000+ transformers damaged
- 3,200+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power
Restoration Status & Reconnection
Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic hurricane. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts are taking multiple days in many areas due to the extensive damage from Helene. Georgia Power continues to post updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) for communities on its Outage Map.
The company will continue to post updated information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. However, as new damage in previously inaccessible areas becomes apparent, restoration efforts may take longer than originally estimated. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.
The company currently estimates that up to 8,000 customer homes may not be able to be safely reconnected due electric service entrance damage. The company cannot repair or restore power to homes with damaged service entrances and encourages customers to call 1-877-749-3931 to request a service entrance repair or contact a certified electrician in their area. Read more here.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to Hurricane Helene entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cables, wires and other equipment. Hurricane Helene had a statewide impact and Georgia Power matched that with a statewide response, including engagement of every Georgia Power crew at the beginning of the storm and thousands of additional lineworkers from outside of Georgia. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from dozens of companies from states including California, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as Canada. The company continues to acquire additional outside resources to aid in response.
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
Craig Heighton
[email protected]
EMCs Continue Work to Rebuild Distribution Network in South and East Georgia
TUCKER, Ga. – EMCs are currently reporting approximately 122,700 outages primarily in South Central, Southeast and East Georgia. The peak number of outages caused by Hurricane Helene was 435,000, making it one of most destructive storms on record for EMCs in Georgia. EMCs currently estimate that within two weeks, 85% of all outages will be restored to locations that can take power.
At the height of the storm, 117 high-voltage transmission lines serving EMCs were offline, with multiple segments damaged along each, as well as nearly 200 electrical substations. Georgia Transmission has made significant progress toward restoring service to these systems and final repairs are imminent. Their teams will now transition their focus to supporting member EMCs with their continued efforts to restore the local distribution systems, until every EMC member has their lights back on.
The pace of member restoration on the distribution side will naturally slow down at this stage, as EMC linemen face a number of unique challenges:
- Several EMCs are rebuilding as much as 100 percent of their distribution system, while others are repairing and replacing significant portions of their network as well.
- EMCs have more than doubled their workforce with thousands of additional linemen, contractors and support personnel. Crews have and will continue to arrive in affected areas from out of state and from the unaffected and restored portions of Georgia throughout each day.
- The currently affected EMCs serve enormous land areas and have far fewer members per mile of line (an average of five) compared with investor-owned utilities (average of 34) and publicly owned utilities, or municipal, (with an average of 48, nearly five times that of an electric co-op).
- EMCs report historically high numbers of downed trees and power poles, surpassing previous records at many EMCs. Linemen are replacing thousands of broken poles—which requires as much as four hours per pole in ideal working conditions.
Several base camps are set up across the affected areas for EMC linemen, providing food, housing and laundry services to meet the needs of lineworkers. These set-ups are continuously expanding as additional linemen and support personnel join the effort. EMC crews are currently working alongside linemen from 12 other states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and Alabama. Additional crews from Florida will be arriving as soon as their restoration concludes.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
Electricity for Medical Needs:
EMCs are doing everything possible to restore power, but for those that require electricity for medical needs, EMCs continue to recommend temporary relocation. If relocation is not an option, EMCs recommend securing a generator from a friend or neighbor or seeking help at a local medical facility.
Safety Tips:
Safety continues to be a top priority in the restoration process. We recommend individuals keep a safe distance from crews working and stay away from downed power lines. Those that are using a generator as a temporary power source should follow the recommended generator safety tips, listed below, for the duration of the outage.
Generator Usage and Safety
- If using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines.
- Never operate a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, such as in your home, crawlspace, basement, or garage.
- Never connect generators to another power source, such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power, Southern Company and Southern Company Gas charitable foundations donate $3 million for Hurricane Helene relief
ATLANTA – October 4, 2024 – The Georgia Power, Southern Company and Southern Company Gas charitable foundations will collectively donate $3 million to aid Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The historic, destructive storm has devastated communities across the Southeast. As the companies continue to rebuild and restore service to impacted communities, they stand together in the effort to help those communities affected by the widespread storm and flood damage.
- The Georgia Power Foundation will donate $1 million to local organizations serving Georgia’s impacted communities.
- The Southern Company Foundation is donating $1 million to the American Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts across the Southeast. Additionally, the company will match up to $500,000 in employee donations to the American Red Cross.
- The Southern Company Gas Foundation will donate $500,000 to support local communities in recovery efforts throughout the state of Georgia through its Atlanta Gas Light Foundation.
In addition to helping customers, neighbors and communities affected by Hurricane Helene, the companies are providing emergency support to hundreds of employees impacted by the storm – many of whom are currently engaged in Georgia Power’s statewide restoration efforts.
“During times of crisis like Hurricane Helene, we are able to tap the full strength of the Southern Company system to support our communities and colleagues,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “At Georgia Power, our employees are citizens wherever we serve every day, and this commitment goes into overdrive when we’re coming together to overcome extreme challenges. Alongside all Southern Company leadership, I am so inspired by the resilience of our communities and grateful to everyone engaged in this historic response. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all the families and customers impacted, and all our teams who remain on the ground right now responding.”
Georgia Power has restored power to more than 1.2 million customers following Hurricane Helene – more than 90% of all customers impacted by the most destructive hurricane in the company’s history. The company has 20,000+ personnel engaged in response – including integrated teams from within the Southern Company family. Progress is ongoing and the company expects to reach 95% total restoration by Saturday.
Crews continue to work their way through the power system efficiently and effectively to safely repair extreme damage and restore power to the most customers with every repair made. Efforts have further intensified to repair damage and restore service in the hardest hit areas with crews working around the clock in communities such as Augusta, Savannah and Valdosta.
In many cases, the damage to infrastructure is so severe that teams are essentially rebuilding sections of the grid and not just repairing specific elements. While damage and treacherous conditions remain, teams are working safely, efficiently and will remain in the field until every customer who can accept power is restored.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is America’s premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America’s energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top energy companies in Fortune’s annual World’s Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
For Immediate Release
Ga. Ag Partners Launch Hurricane Relief Fund for Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Helene
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in a partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) and in support by the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), has launched the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund to aid farmers and ranchers facing devastating losses from Hurricane Helene. The fund aims to raise $1 million by December to provide direct financial aid to those impacted by the storm.
The Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund is a cross-industry initiative designed to assist Georgia’s farmers with recovery efforts, including damages to crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure. The campaign emphasizes resilience within the agricultural community and collaboration across the sector to ensure a strong recovery for the state’s farming community.
“The Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund is a perfect example of Georgians helping Georgians in their time of need, and we’re proud to work hand-in-hand with Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and all our industry partners to get much-need relief to our farmers and producers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “The damage Helene caused to our agricultural community is devastating for farm families across our state, and I strongly encourage anyone who is able to donate, to do so through the Weather But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund.
The fund will help address essential needs by covering gaps left by other forms of assistance, for efforts like repairing fences, restoring livestock operations, rebuilding essential structures, and eventually providing financial aid to those impacted.
In Coffee County, farmers Danny and Angie O’Steen witnessed the destruction of cotton and timber on their land.
“The kind of loss we saw all over Coffee County is incalculable and catastrophic,” Angie O’Steen remarked after seeing the damage to farms around the area.
Danny O’Steen added, “This was a storm of a lifetime that couldn’t have come at a worse time for Georgia farmers as they were starting the harvest season.”
Visit www.SupportGeorgiaFarmers.org to donate online or download the forms for check contributions.
The Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund is made possible by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the following agricultural organizations:
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
- Dickey Farms
- Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension
- Georgia 4-H
- Georgia 4-H Foundation
- Georgia Agribusiness Council
- Georgia Agricultural Education
- Georgia Association of Conservation Districts
- Georgia Cattlemen’s Association
- Georgia Citrus Association
- Georgia Cotton Commission
- Georgia Department of Agriculture
- Georgia EMC
- Georgia Farm Bureau
- Georgia Farm Bureau
- Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service
- Georgia FFA
- Georgia FFA Alumni
- Georgia FFA Camps-Covington and Fort Valley
- Georgia FFA Foundation
- Georgia Forestry Association
- Georgia Forestry Commission
- Georgia Forestry Foundation
- Georgia Foundation For Agriculture
- Georgia Green Industry Association
- Georgia Milk Producers
- Georgia Peanut Commission
- Georgia Pecan Growers Association
- Georgia Poultry Federation
- Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association
- Georgia Wine Producers
- Georgia Young Farmers Association
- Lamar Pecan Co
- Magnolia Loom
- Stuckey’s Corporation
- Sunbelt Ag Expo
- The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
- The Georgia Pecan Commission
- University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is Georgia Farm Bureau’s nonprofit (501(c)(3)), and contributions to the Hurricane Relief Fund are fully tax-deductible. Donors will receive a receipt for their records. 100% of funds donated will go directly to farmers and ranchers.
About the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares the next generation of Georgia leaders for success in agriculture and also supports programs that address the challenges facing agriculture and works to preserve the future of farming. Donations to the Weathered But Strong: Hurricane Relief Fund go to the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and are tax-deductible under IRS 170(b)(A)(VI). Learn more at GAFoundationAg.org.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Cassie Ann Kiggen
[email protected]
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 2024 Almanac Now Available
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has announced that the CAES 2024 Almanac is officially live – both in print and online.
This year’s Almanac is filled with 30+ stories about science in service of humanity and the environment. From features on how our research is innovating Georgia agriculture, profiles on familiar alumni faces, news on various impactful state and international programs, and much more, the 2024 Almanac is a testament to the groundbreaking work and innovative research happening at CAES.
Dive into these stories and learn more about the work that we have been doing on behalf of the great state of Georgia, and we thank you for your continued support.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Power restored to 90% of Georgia Power customers impacted by Hurricane Helene across the state
1.2 million+ customers reconnected following most destructive storm in company’s history; Intense restoration in hardest-hit areas underway with personnel working around the clock
ATLANTA – October 3, 2024 – Georgia Power has restored power to more than 1.2 million customers following Hurricane Helene – more than 90% of all customers impacted by the most destructive hurricane in the company’s history. Progress is ongoing and the company expects to reach 95% total restoration by this Saturday.
More than 20,000 personnel remain engaged in the company’s response. Rapid response to Hurricane Helene has been possible through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so. Over the last few days, efforts have further intensified to repair damage and restore service in the hardest hit areas with crews converging on communities across coastal, eastern and southern Georgia.
Crews continue to work their way through the power system efficiently and effectively to repair extreme damage and restore power to the most customers with every repair made. In many cases, the damage to infrastructure is so severe that teams are essentially rebuilding parts of the grid and not just repairing specific elements. While damage and treacherous conditions remain, teams are working around the clock and will remain in the field until every customer who can accept power is restored.
As of midday Thursday, the company has restored power to 95 percent of impacted customers in the Savannah area, and approximately 85 percent of impacted customers in the Valdosta and Macon areas. Augusta remains the most heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene with extensive flooding and tree damage. Currently, approximately 65 percent of customers impacted by the storm in the Augusta area have now been reconnected and teams continue to work around the clock to reconnect all customers.
Updated damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:
- 8,300+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
- 21,000+ spans of wire damaged equivalent to approximately 1,000 miles
- 1,600+ transformers damaged
- 3,200+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power
Restoration Status Being Regularly Updated
Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic hurricane. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts are taking multiple days in many areas due to the extensive damage from Helene. Georgia Power continues to post updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) for communities on its Outage Map.
The company will continue to post updated information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. However, as new damage in previously inaccessible areas becomes apparent, restoration efforts may take longer than originally estimated. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to Hurricane Helene entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cables, wires and other equipment. Hurricane Helene had a statewide impact and Georgia Power matched that with a statewide response, including engagement of every Georgia Power crew at the beginning of the storm and thousands of additional lineworkers from outside of Georgia. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from dozens of companies from states including California, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as Canada. The company continues to acquire additional outside resources to aid in response.
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts –Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map– Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App– Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter)– Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
Anne Lerner
[email protected]
EMCs See Progress as Rebuilding Efforts Continue
TUCKER, Ga. – EMCs are currently reporting approximately 162,000 outages primarily in South Central, Southeast and East Georgia, down from a peak of 435,000. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association reports Hurricane Helene knocked out power to an estimated 1.25 million electric cooperative members and is proving to be one of the most consequential storms in the 87-year history of electric cooperatives.
The extensive rebuild and restoration process can be attributed largely to the type of damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane with a path 500 miles wide. The high winds caused catastrophic damage to the high-voltage transmission lines and electrical substations that provide electricity to the local EMCs, which distribute it to customers through smaller lines.
Georgia Transmission reports there are currently 26 substations and approximately 20 high-voltage transmission lines out of service. From the peak damage at the height of the storm, 80% of transmission has now been restored. The remaining transmission assets are in some of the hardest hit areas of our state. Crews have been met with immense flooding and entire trees down on multiple sections of the same transmission lines, making restoration a challenge.
As EMC linemen work to rebuild distribution lines, they face a number of unique challenges:
- Several EMCs are rebuilding as much as 100 percent of their distribution system, while others are repairing and replacing significant portions of their network as well.
- EMCs have more than doubled their workforce with thousands of additional linemen and additional support personnel in response to Hurricane Helene. Crews continue to arrive in affected areas from out of state and from restored portions of Georgia every day.
- The currently affected EMCs serve enormous land areas and have far fewer members per mile of line (an average of 5) compared with investor-owned utilities (average of 34,) and publicly owned utilities, or municipal, (with an average of 48, nearly five times that of an electric co-op).
- EMCs report historically high numbers of downed trees and power poles, surpassing previous records at many EMCs. Linemen are replacing thousands of broken poles—which requires as much as four hours per pole.
For these reasons, EMCs caution it will be an extended restoration process in areas that took the brunt of the storm, possibly a week or more before full restoration is complete. In addition to crews from fellow co-ops on the western side of the state, EMC crews are currently working alongside linemen from Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio and Alabama.
Electricity for Medical Needs:
EMCs are doing everything possible to restore power, but for those that require electricity for medical needs, EMCs continue to recommend temporary relocation. If relocation is not an option, EMCs recommend securing a generator from a friend or neighbor or seeking help at a local medical facility.
Safety Tips:
Safety continues to be a top priority in the restoration process. We recommend individuals keep a safe distance from crews working and stay away from downed power lines. Those that are using a generator as a temporary power source should follow the recommended generator safety tips, listed below, for the duration of the outage.
Generator Usage and Safety
- If using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines.
- Never operate a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, such as in your home, crawlspace, basement, or garage.
- Never connect generators to another power source, such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
Anne Lerner
[email protected]
EMCs Continue Rebuilding Power and Transmission Lines in Hardest Hit Areas
TUCKER, Ga. – Georgia’s EMCs are reporting 184,000 members without power as of 4:30 p.m. today. This is down from approximately 435,000 following the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In Georgia’s hardest his areas on the eastern side of the state, the effort is a rebuild, not just restoration. EMCs ask for your patience as many more days of outages are expected in highly impacted areas.
EMCs maintain more than 196,000 miles of electric line in Georgia – enough to travel from California to Maine 62 times. Nearly all 41 EMCs in Georgia reported damage in the aftermath of Helene, with several EMCs on Georgia’s eastern side seeing total devastation. In affected areas, EMCs must ensure debris is removed from every mile of line and all broken poles and wires must be replaced before power is restored.
Georgia Transmission continues to restore and rebuild the high-voltage transmission system reporting more than 150 substations are now reenergized out of the nearly 200 taken out of service during the height of Hurricane Helene.
Out of the estimated 117 transmission lines serving EMCs that were damaged, close to 90 have been restored. Damage to transmission lines was extensive and widespread and may not even be visible near homes and businesses. It often requires more time and specialized equipment to reach the remote impacted areas. While EMC members may not see Georgia Transmission crews on their street, they can be assured work to restore the power grid in their area is progressing.
Georgia’s EMCs continue work to repair the main distribution and tap lines, with additional crews arriving to assist in the rebuilding efforts. States that have sent crews to aid in Georgia’s restoration include Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and Alabama. In addition, EMCs from Georgia’s western side are sending crews to fellow EMCs on the eastern side to aid in restoration.
EMCs are doing everything possible to restore power, but for those that require electricity for medical needs, EMCs continue to recommend temporary relocation. If relocation is not an option, EMCs recommend securing a generator from a friend or neighbor or seeking help at a local medical facility.
Safety Tips:
Safety continues to be a top priority in the restoration process. We recommend individuals keep a safe distance from crews working and stay away from downed power lines. Those that are using a generator as a temporary power source should follow the recommended generator safety tips, listed below, for the duration of the outage.
Generator Usage and Safety
- If using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines.
- Never operate a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, such as in your home, crawlspace, basement, or garage.
- Never connect generators to another power source, such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power restores power to 80% of customers impacted by Hurricane Helene across the state
Georgia Power has restored power to 1 million+ customers over the last four days; Restoration efforts progressing in hardest hit areas including Valdosta, Savannah and Augusta
ATLANTA – October 1, 2024 – Georgia Power’s response to Hurricane Helene – the most destructive hurricane in the company’s history – has now grown to 20,000 personnel and continues its work across the state. As of Tuesday afternoon, the company has restored power to over 1 million customers impacted by Hurricane Helene – approximately 80 percent of all customers impacted by the storm. This rapid response has been possible through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so on Friday.
Efforts have intensified to restore power to approximately 278,000 customers who remain without power due to the storm as damage has been cleared and access has improved. Crews continue to converge on and deploy in the hardest hit areas in coastal, eastern and southern Georgia and, as restoration has progressed, crews are working their way through the power system efficiently and effectively to repair extreme damage and restore power to the most customers with every repair made.
Georgia Power’s Outage Map illustrates the highest concentration of power outages remain in areas such as Augusta, Valdosta, Savannah, and surrounding communities. In many cases, the damage to infrastructure is so severe that teams are essentially rebuilding parts of the grid and not just repairing specific elements. While crews continue to face hurdles such as impassable roads, cellular and communications issues, and tree damage, progress is being made in the hardest hit areas with thousands of customers being restored in and around Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta and elsewhere. While damage and treacherous conditions remain, teams are working around the clock and will remain in the field until every customer who can accept power is restored.
Updated damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:
- 8,000+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
- 21,000+ spans of wire equivalent to approximately 1,000 miles
- 1,500+ transformers
- 3,200+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power
Restoration Status Being Regularly Updated
Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic storm. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts are taking multiple days in many areas due to the extensive damage from Helene. Georgia Power continues to post updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) for communities on its Outage Map.
The company will continue to post updated information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. However, as new damage in previously inaccessible areas becomes apparent, restoration efforts may take longer than originally estimated. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. Hurricane Helene had a statewide impact and Georgia Power matched that with a statewide response, including engagement of every Georgia Power crew at the beginning of the storm and thousands of additional lineworkers from outside of Georgia.
All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company continues to acquire additional off-system resources to aid in response.
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm, repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power response force converging on hardest hit areas following most destructive hurricane in company’s history
Georgia Power has restored power to 840,000-plus customers following Hurricane Helene; 15,000-plus personnel remain engaged in restoration
ATLANTA – September 30, 2024 – Georgia Power continues its deployment of more than 15,000 personnel responding to Hurricane Helene – determined to be the most destructive hurricane in the company’s history. As of midday Monday, the company has restored power to more than 840,000 customers impacted by Helene. This rapid response has been possible through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so on Friday.
Efforts are fully underway to restore power to approximately 370,000 customers who remain without power due to the storm. Hurricane Helene had a statewide impact and Georgia Power matched that with a statewide response, including engagement of every Georgia Power crew at the beginning of the storm and thousands of additional lineworkers from outside of Georgia. As restoration has progressed over the last several days, crews are working their way through the power system efficiently and effectively to repair extreme damage and restore power to the highest number of customers with every repair made.
As crews have completed their work near their initial staging areas, they are now converging on the hardest hit areas in coastal, eastern and southern Georgia. Georgia Power’s Outage Map illustrates the highest concentration of power outages in areas such as Augusta, Valdosta and Savannah, and surrounding communities. In many cases, the damage to infrastructure is so severe teams are essentially rebuilding parts of the grid and not just repairing specific elements.
Updated damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:
- 7,000+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
- 15,000+ spans of wire equivalent to more than 700 miles
- 1,200+ transformers
- 3,000+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power
Georgia Power president, chairman and CEO Kim Greene has been in the field with crews making sure they have the resources they need to restore power. A video message from Greene to customers illustrating the damage she is seeing in the field is available on Facebook and Instagram. The company also continues to utilize social media to keep customers informed and show the progress of teams working in communities across the state.
Restoration Status Being Regularly Updated
Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic storm. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts are taking multiple days in many areas due to the extensive damage from Helene. Georgia Power continues to post updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) for communities on its Outage Map. Restoration efforts have been largely completed in areas such as Metro Atlanta, Athens, Columbus, Macon, Rome and Albany, while work continues in the hardest hit areas across the state.
The company will continue to post updated information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system and currently has more than 15,000 personnel engaged in response, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company continues to acquire additional off-system resources to aid in response.
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
Anne Lerner
[email protected]
EMCs Continue to Make Progress in Power Restoration in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
TUCKER, Ga. – EMCs are seeing progress and have restored power to nearly half of the affected meters statewide. Georgia’s EMCs are reporting 217,000 EMC members without power as of 3 p.m. today. This is down from approximately 435,000 following the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene. EMCs ask for your patience as several more days of outages are expected due to the extent of the damage. Some areas are expected to be out of power for at least a full week and even longer in the hardest hit areas.
On the transmission side, steady progress is being made. In the last 24 hours, Georgia Transmission has restored service to more than 40 additional substations and continues repair of the high-voltage transmission lines.
Restoration to transmission lines and substations is a complicated and critical step in restoring power. Electric service is unable to be delivered to individual homes and businesses until these long-distance, high-voltage transmission and substation facilities are brought back online. Georgia Transmission, along with the other members of the state’s Integrated Transmission System, have brought in additional crews with specialization in electrical transmission due to the extensive and wide-spread damage caused by Helene.
EMC crews continue work to repair the main distribution and tap lines, downline from substations, in preparation to receive power as substations and transmission lines come back on. The unprecedented damage seen in the harder hit areas causes these repairs to take a longer amount of time, as trees need to be removed from lines, poles reset and damaged wires replaced.
18 EMCs on the western side of Georgia that have wrapped up restoration in their service areas and have sent crews to fellow EMCs on the eastern side of the state to aid restoration efforts. States that have sent crews to aid in Georgia’s restoration include Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio and Alabama.
Logistics can become a challenge when hundreds of additional employees join the effort. The hardest hit co-ops have called on storm service groups to set up temporary housing and feed the additional crews. EMCs have received an outpouring of support from community members as well, many volunteering to provide meals and laundry services for EMC employees.
EMCs are doing everything possible to restore power, but temporary relocation is recommended for those that require electricity for medical needs. If relocation is not an option, EMCs recommend securing a generator from a friend or neighbor or seeking help at a local medical facility.
Safety Tips:
Safety continues to be a top priority in the restoration process. We recommend individuals keep a safe distance from crews working and stay away from downed power lines. Those that are using a generator as a temporary power source should follow the recommended generator safety tips, listed below, for the duration of the outage.
Generator Usage and Safety
- If using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines.
- Never operate a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, such as in your home, crawlspace, basement, or garage.
- Never connect generators to another power source, such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Karlise Y. Grier, Executive Director
404-225-5040
[email protected]
Nominations Open for 25th Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service
The Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism is accepting nominations for the 25th Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service through Monday, Nov. 11.
Since 1998, the awards have honored Georgia lawyers and judges who have made significant contributions to their communities beyond their legal practice or official obligations. Past award recipients have engaged in a wide range of endeavors, including youth athletics and mentoring programs, literacy programs, social services, faith-based activities, promotion and support for pro bono or low bono legal services programs, community development, education, sports, recreation and the arts.
A complete list of past award recipients is available at http://cjcpga.org/benhamcsa-past-recipients/http://cjcpga.org/benhamcsa-past-recipients/
Anyone, lawyers and non-lawyers alike, may submit a nomination. Nominees in each of Georgia’s 10 judicial districts are eligible for the award if they meet criteria as follows:
- Be a member of the State Bar of Georgia, in good standing, or have been a member, in good standing, at the time of death;
- Have made a significant and meaningful commitment of time and energy over time to at least one and ideally multiple community organizations that has made a difference to the public served by those organizations;
- Have made contributions that are worthy of tribute and recognition from the perspective of the nominee’s local Georgia community and the contributions could encourage other Georgia Bar members to provide their own volunteer and civic services;
- Not be a member of the Selection Committee, staff of the State Bar of Georgia or Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism; and
- Not be a candidate in a contested judicial or political election at the time of the nomination until the time of the acceptance of the award.
Nominations are due Nov. 11. The nomination application can be found at http://cjcpga.org/nominationsbenhamcsa/
The Benham Awards Selection Committee, chaired by U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Joy Lampley-Fortson, will consider all nominations. The Commission, in partnership with the Georgia Legal History Foundation, will honor award recipients at a ceremony on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nathan Deal Judicial Center.
Founded in 1989 by the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism was the first body of its kind in the nation. The mission of the Commission is to support and encourage lawyers to exercise the highest levels of professional integrity in their relationships with their clients, other lawyers, the courts, and the public and to fulfill their obligations to improve the law and the legal system and to ensure access to that system.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power releases key estimated damage statistics from Hurricane Helene as restoration progress continues
Helene marks most destructive hurricane in company’s history; restoration efforts fully underway with ~690,000 customers restored
ATLANTA – September 29, 2024 – Georgia Power’s restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene continued Sunday, with the company having restored service to approximately 690,000 customers since the start of the storm. This rapid response has been possible through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so on Friday.
Crews continue to navigate treacherous conditions including extensive tree and flooding damage, as well as road closures. As of midday Sunday, efforts are fully underway to restore power to approximately 425,000 customers who remain without power due to the storm. Additionally, there is the potential for further damage and power outages that could occur due to the saturated ground and weakened trees.
Georgia Power has determined Hurricane Helene was the most destructive hurricane in its history damaging infrastructure across the state. Initial damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:
- 5,000+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
- 9,000+ spans of wire equivalent to an estimated 425 miles
- 500+ transformers
- 1,500+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power
Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic storm. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts will take multiple days into this next week. Georgia Power continues to post updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) for communities on its Outage Map. As of Sunday, restoration efforts have been largely completed in areas such as Metro Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Rome and Albany, while work continues in the hardest hit areas across the state.
The company will continue to post updated information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.
The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system and currently has more than 15,000 personnel engaged in response, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company continues to acquire additional off-system resources to aid in response.
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
Anne Lerner
[email protected]
EMCs Making Progress in Power Restoration, Significant Repairs Still Ahead
TUCKER, Ga. – EMCs are seeing progress as their statewide outage numbers have dropped to approximately 259,000 EMC customers without power as of 12:30 P.M. today. This is down from approximately 435,000 following the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Even with this considerable progress, EMCs are expecting several more days of outages, with the hardest hit areas expected to be out of power at least a week or more.
Since restoration efforts began, fixed-wing planes and helicopters have flown the state’s transmission lines to assess and locate damage. The extent of the damage seen is unprecedented, including hundreds of trees on transmission lines and toppled towers. Georgia Transmission reports that 80 of the more than 100 electrical substations that were knocked out by Helene are now at full operation. High-voltage transmission line repair proves to be more challenging, but progress is still being made.
Electric service is unable to be delivered to individual homes and businesses until these long-distance, high-voltage transmission facilities are brought back online. As Georgia Transmission works on those repairs, EMC crews continue work on the distribution side, repairing lines in preparation to receive power as substation and transmission lines come back on. This damage is extensive on distribution lines as well, with thousands of broken poles, countless trees on lines and broken wires that need to be replaced.
To increase the momentum of restoration efforts, several EMCs on the lesser impacted western side of the state have restored power in their service areas and are sending crews to EMCs in east Georgia. This is in addition to the crews that arrived in advance of Helene and immediately following the storm’s exit from Georgia. States that have sent crews to aid in Georgia’s restoration include Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio and Alabama.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association reports Hurricane Helene knocked out power to an estimated 1.25 million co-op members in the U.S., and is proving to be one of the most consequential storms in the 87-year history of electric cooperatives. The outpouring of support by EMC members and affected communities has been tremendous as EMCs and their members work together in Helene’s aftermath.
While everyone’s circumstances are unique, EMCs recommend those dependent on electricity for medical needs relocate to an area with electricity, secure a generator from a friend or neighbor, or seek help at a local medical facility. EMCs are doing everything possible to restore power, but do not want anyone to remain in a dangerous situation if the wait for restoration is longer than expected.
Safety Tips:
Safety continues to be a top priority in the restoration process. We recommend individuals keep a safe distance from crews working and stay away from downed power lines. Those that are using a generator as a temporary power source should follow the recommended generator safety tips, listed below, for the duration of the outage.
Generator Usage and Safety
- If using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines.
- Never operate a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, such as in your home, crawlspace, basement, or garage.
- Never connect generators to another power source, such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power restores power to 520,000-plus customers
Company posts estimated restoration times for additional communities across the state following the most destructive hurricane in its history
ATLANTA – September 28, 2024 – As of Saturday evening, Georgia Power has restored power to 520,000+ customers following the devasting impact of Hurricane Helene. This rapid response has been possible through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so on Friday.
Crews continue to navigate treacherous conditions including extensive tree damage, persisting flooding conditions and many road closures. As the first full day of restoration progressed today, the company determined that Hurricane Helene was the most destructive hurricane in its history damaging infrastructure across the state. Additionally, there is the potential for additional damage and power outages that could occur due to the saturated ground and weakened trees.
Friday afternoon, just hours after the end of the storm in Georgia, the company published estimated restoration times (ERTs) for multiple communities (read more). On Saturday, as damage assessment activities provided valuable insight into damage and resources needed, the company posted new ERTs for additional communities across the state including Athens, Augusta, Brunswick, Clayton, Cornelia, Dublin, Gainesville, Hartwell, Hinesville, Macon, Madison, Milledgeville, Savannah, Springfield, Statesboro, Thomson, Tifton, Valdosta, Vidalia, Waycross and Waynesboro. ERTs represent the company’s expectation for 95% power restoration in the specified area. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts will take multiple days into next week. The latest ERTs for these areas, and others, are available on the company’s Outage Map.
Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic storm. The company is committed to publishing up to date information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.
The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system and currently has 14,000+ personnel engaged in response, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company continues to acquire additional off-system resources to aid in response.
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present.They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power restores power to 440,000 customers following Hurricane Helene
About 540,000 customers remain impacted Saturday morning as crews navigate treacherous conditions to repair damage; potential additional outages possible due to saturated ground and weakened trees
ATLANTA – September 28, 2024 – Georgia Power’s response to Hurricane Helene continues Saturday as the company marked the start of the first full day of restoration efforts. Since the beginning of the storm, Georgia Power has restored power to 440,000+ customers through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so. Unfortunately, treacherous conditions remain across the state with crews navigating extensive tree damage, persisting flooding conditions and many road closures. As of Saturday mid-morning, approximately 540,000 customers remained impacted by Hurricane Helene. The company is also managing the potential for additional power outages that could occur due to the saturated ground and weakened trees.
The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system and currently has 14,000+ personnel engaged in response, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Based on ongoing damage assessment, Georgia Power estimates that there are thousands of broken power poles that must be replaced, as well as many miles of down power lines, across the state. Damage assessment is an essential initial step of efficient restoration and helps the company identify where resources are best utilized to return power to customers quickly. Damage assessment teams enter the field and begin the restoration process as soon as conditions allow. Given the inaccessibility of these areas, many teams are utilizing drones and other technology to patrol damaged lines. These damage assessment teams are then followed by repair crews.
The company appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families and is committed to publishing up to date information throughout the remainder of the restoration process. Friday afternoon, just hours after the end of the storm in Georgia, the company published estimated restoration times (ERTs) for multiple communities (read more). Additional evaluation is underway across southern, coastal and eastern Georgia, where communities experienced hurricane force winds leading to extensive damage. New ERTs will be posted to the company’s Outage Map as they are available.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia and currently has more than 14,000 personnel engaged in response. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company continues to acquire additional off-system resources to aid in response.
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present.They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
Craig Heighton
[email protected]
EMCs Continue Challenging Work to Restore Power
TUCKER, Ga. – Approximately 334,000 EMC customers remain without power as of 11 a.m. today, down from 435,000 following the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The catastrophic damage causes challenges, as roads must be cleared, and flooding must recede to access damaged power equipment to make repairs. \
Hurricane Helene caused serious damage to the high-voltage transmission lines and substations that supply power to EMCs, which distribute the electricity to customers. Georgia Transmission reports that 30 of the more than 100 electrical substations that were knocked out by Helene are now at full operation. In addition, 20 of the 100-plus high-voltage transmission lines have been repaired or replaced. Fixed-wing planes and helicopters are now flying the state to assess and locate damage.
The damage to the supply side of the electrical grid from Helene is extensive, surpassing that of 2018’s Hurricane Michael in many areas, and will take longer to assess and repair. The damaged transmission lines and substations must be repaired before electricity will be available to run through residential lines. Georgia Transmission has been working in concert with local EMCs to get the power grid to fully functioning.
Hundreds of line workers from outside the state have come to help Georgia’s EMCs in restoration work. Many EMCs are setting up temporary “tent cities” through the help of storm service providers to house, feed and clothe these linemen. These services allow EMC employees, many of whom also do not have power, to better assist in the restoration effort. Every effort is being made to restore power as quickly, effectively and safely as possible.
Because of the extended time it will take to restore power in this complex situation created by Hurricane Helene, those who are medically fragile or have other critical electricity-dependent needs should consider temporarily seeking shelter in other areas that were less affected by this storm.
Safety continues to be a top priority in the restoration process. We recommend individuals keep a safe distance from crews working and stay away from downed power lines. Those that are using a generator as a temporary power source should follow the recommended generator safety tips, listed below, for the duration of the outage.
Generator Usage and Safety
- If using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines.
- Never operate a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, such as in your home, crawlspace, basement, or garage.
- Never connect generators to another power source, such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Hurricane Helene restoration progresses with 250,000-plus customers restored; Georgia Power posts estimated restoration times for multiple communities
14,000-personnel engaged in response; additional ERTs to be posted as available
ATLANTA – September 27, 2024 – Georgia Power’s response to Hurricane Helene continued through the day Friday with teams working safely and quickly to restore power to more than 250,000 customers since the beginning of the storm. As of 7 PM on Friday, approximately 620,000 customers remain impacted due to the storm.
The company continues to bring more resources from outside of its system and currently has 14,000+ personnel engaged in response, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Georgia Power teams have worked throughout the day not only restoring power to customers, but also conducting damage assessment which is an essential part of efficient restoration and helps the company identify where resources are best utilized to return power to customers quickly. Damage assessment teams enter the field and begin the restoration process as soon as conditions allow. Given the inaccessibility of many areas, teams are utilizing drones and other technology to patrol damaged lines. These damage assessment teams are then followed by repair crews.
Friday evening, teams were continuing this effort and providing details that allow the company to post estimated restoration times for customers where possible. Estimated restoration times (ERTs) are currently available on Georgia Power’s Outage Map for multiple communities including Albany, Alpharetta, Americus, Atlanta, Austell, Canton, Carrollton, Cartersville, Columbus, Dalton, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Newnan, Rome, Smyrna and Tucker.
The company appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families and is committed to publishing up to date information throughout the remainder of the storm response. Additional evaluation is occurring as areas are accessible across southern, coastal and eastern Georgia, where communities experienced hurricane force winds leading to extensive damage. New ERTs will be posted to the company’s Outage Map as they are available.
Hurricane Helene poured more than seven inches of rain overnight onto communities across the state, which combined with 80-100 mph winds to cause hundreds of road closures statewide and catastrophic damage to hundreds of structures with the greatest concentration in the south and east regions of the state. Teams continue to navigate these challenging conditions to repair damage and restore service to customers.
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present.They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company continues to acquire additional off-system resources to aid in response.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
EMCs Continue Damage Assessment And Restoration
TUCKER, Ga. – At 4:30 p.m., EMCs in Georgia are reporting approximately 393,000 members without power. The damage is catastrophic, particularly in the eastern side of the state from the coast up to the greater Augusta area, as well as in Valdosta and surrounding areas. With fallen trees and downed power lines blocking roads, many linemen cleared their own paths to safely leave co-op offices and staging areas to begin damage assessments and restoration work.
Notable destruction of the transmission system has been seen in the eastern part of the state, disrupting power coming into many EMCs’ distribution substations. Many transmission towers have fallen, and toppled trees must be removed from transmission lines. Georgia Transmission reports that more than 100 high-voltage transmission lines and nearly 100 substations are currently out of service. Their crews are continuing to assess damage while simultaneously working to bring these lines and substations back to operation.
EMC line crews are continuing damage assessments and restoring power where possible. Much of the work will be arduous and time-intensive, involving removing trees from lines, replacing broken power poles and restringing electric wire.
With outage numbers reaching more than double those caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018—the most significant damage to Georgia’s electric system in decades—EMCs warn there will be extensive delays in total restoration. Medically fragile individuals who depend on electricity are encouraged to find an alternate location until power restoration is complete.
Thanks to mutual aid agreements with EMCs across the United States, crews and equipment have already arrived and are continuing to arrive from Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio and Alabama. Efforts to bring in additional crews are ongoing.
EMCs want to remind the public that safety is a priority for their employees and members alike. Individuals should stay away from downed power lines, keep a safe distance from crews as they work to restore power and review recommended generator safety tips, listed below, during the duration of the outage.
Generator Usage and Safety
- If using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines.
- Never operate a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, such as in your home, crawlspace, basement, or garage.
- Never connect generators to another power source, such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Taylor Sills, Georgia Cotton Commission, 478-988-4235, [email protected]
Hurricane Helene Devastates Georgia Farms
In the early hours September 27th, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on south, southeast, east and parts of central Georgia and made an exceptionally damaging impact on farms. Affected producers are reporting yield losses ranging from 35% to a total loss, depending on location in the state. Producers are also reporting significant losses in farm structures, equipment, and infrastructure.
Official reports of losses will be coming in the coming weeks as University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service personnel collect data. It is however, without question that losses will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Losses will extend well beyond the farm, as cotton gins, other agribusinesses, and rural communities will feel the ripples of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath for years to come. Producers are encouraged to document damage and losses before, during, and after cleanup as well as financial records of cleanup, repair, etc., as assistance and crop insurance may take some time. Industry leadership has been in touch with officials in Washington and Atlanta describing the effects of the storm. We ask that the public continue to keep farmers, farming communities, and the families of those who lost their lives in their thoughts and prayers.
The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about this and other topics please call 478-988-4235 or visit us on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.
Top photo, Toombs County equipment damage, and, bottom photo, Bulloch County cotton damage due to Hurricane Helene.
For immediate release
CONTACT: Cindy Morley
Director of Public Affairs, Home Builders Association of Georgia
[email protected]
Safety, Effectiveness Key Issues For Flood Damage Clean Up
By Franklin Bailey, President
Home Builders Association of Georgia
Damaged pipes devastates the home owners who face cleaning up the mess left behind. The Home Builders Assocaition of Georgia (HBAG) would like you to know about the safe and effective methods for cleaning and repair if you are faced with flood damage.
Before beginning cleaning and repairing your home, be sure that there is no further danger of flooding. Inspect the house from the outside to assess how safe it is to enter. Wear protective clothing including rubber or work gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to provide protection from contaminated water, vermin and debris.
Assume that the electrical system may be unsafe until it has been thoroughly tested. Make sure that all electric and gas service is shut off before entering a structure for the first time.
Unless you have received official word that the water supply is safe, purify all water for drinking, cooking and washing. Sterilize cookware, dishes and utensils before using them.
Contact your insurance adjuster as soon as possible, but you do not have to wait for the adjuster to arrive before you start your clean up efforts. Cleaning should begin as soon as it is safe to do so, but permanent repairs should not be attempted until the home is thoroughly dry. This process may take several weeks.
If you need to hire a contractor to perform repairs on any part of your home, find out if the contractor has a permanent business address and can provide references. Find out how long the contractor has been in business and whether the Better Business Bureau has any record of unresolved complaints. Make sure you get a complete, clearly written contract for the work to be done. Do not pay any cash up front unless you have signed a valid contract.
To thoroughly clean walls and woodwork, use a water solution with disinfectant or bleach, and use a brush to scrub away mud and dirt. If the electrical system is operating safely, a heater, fan or air conditioner can cut drying time.
Remove the interior surface of damaged, insulated walls to above the water height. Discard any wet insulation, and wash interior studs with disinfectant to prevent mildew. Keep the area well ventilated. Before replacing the insulation and the wall material, the open walls should be allowed to dry thoroughly. This process may take a month or more.
If you decide to clean the carpets yourself, pull up all water-soaked carpets and pads. Hose them off and scrub them with a solution of detergent and water if heavily soiled. Rinsing with a mild solution of water and chlorine bleach can retard odor and mildew, but chlorine bleach should not be used on wool and certain other types of fibers. Be sure the carpet is thoroughly dry before relaying it. Rubber and waffle-weave pads can be reused.
If water has seeped beneath sheet flooring, the entire sheet should be removed and replaced. For tile floors, loose tiles may be re-cemented if the floor is otherwise acceptable after it dries. Check that the subfloor is thoroughly dry before applying any new floor coverings. The drying process may take weeks or months.
Take flood-affected wood furniture outdoors to hose off. All drawers and other detachable parts should be removed for cleaning. Dry the furniture slowly to prevent warping, and be sure not to dry it in direct sunlight. Discard mattresses that have been soaked in flood waters.
Most motorized appliances can be saved. Turn off the electricity or other power source, unplug the appliance and open it as much as possible to wipe it clean. If possible, tilt the appliance to drain any standing water. Let the appliance dry and have it checked by an appliance repair professional before you plug it in.
Cleaning up after any disaster is never easy or fast, but it can be safe and effective. For more information on the local HBA in your community, check our webpage at www.hbag.org
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
EMCs Conduct Critical Damage Assessment After Hurricane Helene
TUCKER, Ga. – At 11:30 a.m., EMCs in Georgia are reporting approximately 435,000 members without power, primarily in South and Southeast Georgia, due to Hurricane Helene. Outage numbers rose sharply overnight and early this morning as the storm traveled north through the state, causing some of the worst destruction on the eastern side of the storm’s path.
In addition to damage to the EMCs’ distribution lines, Hurricane Helene severely damaged high-voltage transmission lines. These transmission lines are a critical piece of the electric grid, as they feed the substations that provide power to EMC distribution lines. Georgia Transmission and local EMCs have spent much of the day conducting an extensive damage assessment of Georgia’s power grid.
Crews are discovering catastrophic damage to the electric infrastructure. Georgia Transmission estimates that more than 100 high-voltage transmission lines and 60+ associated electrical substations are currently out of service.
As crews continue damage assessments, they are simultaneously working to restore power where possible. With the severity of damage to the transmission and distribution systems, EMCs warn there will be extensive delays in total restoration. Consequently, some EMC members in the most damaged parts of the state—especially those who are medically fragile—are encouraged to make temporary arrangements.
Beginning last week, EMCs in the path of Hurricane Helene called upon crews and line workers across the state as well as nearby states to aid in the restoration effort. Right now, crews and equipment have already arrived or are expected from Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio and Alabama. The list of states sending crews is likely to increase now that Helene has passed through Georgia.
During the recovery and restoration effort, EMCs want to remind the public to avoid downed power lines and assume that any downed lines are energized. Downed lines are extremely dangerous and could be fatal depending upon ground conditions. This is especially true in wet situations and even more so with standing water as a result of this storm. In addition, we ask the public to keep a safe distance from crews as they work to restore power.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to more than 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
10,000-plus advance personnel deployed by Georgia Power to restore power Friday morning following Hurricane Helene
Damage assessment teams in the field for most efficient response; crews navigating flooded roadways, fallen trees and high wind gusts
ATLANTA – September 27, 2024 – As Hurricane Helene clears Georgia, Georgia Power has deployed 10,000+ personnel who were assembled in advance of the storm to begin full-scale damage assessment and restoration. There has been significant damage statewide due to hurricane-force winds and heavy rain, coupled with ground that was previously saturated due to Wednesday’s “storm before the storm” that hit the state ahead of the historic hurricane.
The entire state of Georgia has been affected by the storm, with the hardest hit areas including Savannah, Augusta and Valdosta. As of 10 a.m., approximately 730,000 Georgia Power customers are impacted by Hurricane Helene. Crews are working now to assess damage in every region across the state and will be restoring power to customers as quickly as possible. Since the beginning of the storm, power has been restored to more than 120,000 customers by crews, and “smart grid” technology enabling remote restoration while storm conditions were still at their worst.
Damage assessment is an essential part of efficient restoration and marks the first phase of the restoration process once the storm has left impacted areas. Damage assessment teams enter the field and begin the restoration process as soon as conditions allow. These teams are followed by repair crews depending on the amount of damage and access to the area. As weather conditions improve, restoration efforts can accelerate, but extended outages are possible due to the size and severity of Hurricane Helene.
Georgia Power reminds customers that dangerous conditions exist following a storm, and to always heed the advice of local, state, and federal emergency authorities in storm-affected areas.
After the Storm Safety Tips
- Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
- Protect electronics and appliances. Disconnect or turn off any appliances that will start automatically when power returns to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.
For more on the damage assessment and restoration process, visit Georgia Power’s website or follow our social media channels.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center site, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower at www.X.com/GeorgiaPower for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
Support from Across the Industry
As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff – including from sister company Mississippi Power – to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from 11 states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company is acquiring additional off-system resources and will be moving them into the state today.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For immediate release
CONTACT: E. Lane Gresham
[email protected]
2024 Georgia Conference on Child Abuse & Neglect a repeat hit
350 prevention professionals gather for continuing education, networking
The 2024 Georgia Conference on Child Abuse & Neglect delivered on its promise to enhance best practices and share research-informed content with those who serve to strengthen Georgia’s families.
Held Sept. 11 at the Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Hotel & Conference Center, the annual gathering of prevention professionals once again sold out several weeks in advance. Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy co-hosted the event.
This year’s theme, “Lean on Me,” is a nod to the ecosystem shift toward creating a culture of family support, proactively responding to strengthen families, and valuing and uplifting people raising children.
Close to 350 attendees were informed on topics related to prevention, intervention, and the treatment of children and families impacted by child maltreatment.
PCA Georgia Executive Director Jennifer Stein marked her 10th year attending the conference, having served in the prevention space as a regional volunteer, Family Resource Center Director, and in her current leadership role.
“I was particularly proud of this year’s theme of Lean on Me, which evokes memories of the significant support I received as a newcomer to the child welfare field from the many prevention partners who are now my friends,” Stein said. “As we listened to our keynote, Dr. Charlyn Harper Brown expanded our understanding of the Strengthening Families Protective Factors, families that we have helped both formally and informally came to mind as we stood in the gap and supported them in building a network to lean on as they navigated the bumpy road of parenting. Additionally, connecting with colleagues around our united passion for doing more work upstream to prevent family separations filled my cup and inspired me.”
PCA Georgia Assistant Director Dr. Jyll Walsh welcomed the attendees to kick off the morning’s agenda, calling the group to consider a fresh perspective, weaving in the theme of “Lean on Me.”
“Often our systems are designed to respond to children and families after they are in crisis, or to act as surveillance on families, to report their deficits,” Walsh said. “But, what if, we stopped judging caregivers who are struggling and started examining the barriers that have allowed them to struggle…What if our first approach to families wasn’t ‘What did you do?’ or ‘What happened?’ but first asking caregivers, ‘How can I help you?’ or ‘What do you need?’” This approach reflects the ongoing work of PCA Georgia to reframe Mandated Reporters as Mandated Supporters. An encore presentation of the Lean on Me conference workshop will occur virtually Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 10 a.m.
CHOA has been co-hosting with Prevent Child Abuse Georgia since 2016.
“This year’s theme of Lean on Me highlights the shift we are trying to make in the field. We recognize more and more than supporting parents and caregivers leads to healthier and safer kids,” said Stephanie V. Blank, Center for Safe and Healthy Children at CHOA Program Manager, Prevention and Training Angie Boy, DrPH, “Our sessions focused on equipping our participants to better support the communities they serve.”
GCCA Director of Prevention and Education Tiffany Sawyer echoed the sentiments of Stein and Boy with her feedback about the event.
“What a tremendous success the 2024 Georgia Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect was! This year’s theme, ‘Lean on Me,’ which is central to the work of the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, underscores the vital importance of community support and collaboration in our efforts to protect and uplift children and more specifically their caregivers,” Sawyer said. “The theme was evident throughout many aspects of the conference, from the exceptional workshop sessions to the new ‘Relaxation Station’ allowing participants to focus on rest and their own well-being, to the multiple opportunities for meaningful connections. GCCA’s Prevention team is proud to be a host of this annual, impactful conference!”
A much-anticipated part of the conference is the recognition of the Mark Chaffin Community Awards recipients, this year going to Nancy Chandler, MSW, and the late Chris Allers, PhD.
The award is presented to individuals who have contributed mightily to preventing child abuse and neglect in Georgia.
Keynote speaker Dr. Charlyn Harper Browne, PhD, Senior Fellow, Center for the Study of Social Policy, delivered a talk on the Strengthening Families Protective Factors.
Throughout the conference, attendees attended workshops that discussed research, recommendations, community initiatives, and interventions. Topics included Supporting Youth at the Intersection of Neurodivergence and Trauma; Preventive Legal Advocacy: Family-Focused Advocacy to Reduce Child Welfare System Involvement; CDC’s Efforts to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse; Making data count with GaFCP Kids Count; Enhancing Safety and Improving Support Services for Immigrant Victims of Family Violence; An Overview of Child Abuse Pediatrics; Beyond the Lobby: Collaboration, Empowerment, & Support for Caregivers; Lean On Me: Creating a Culture of Support; Protective Factors Power Hour and others. For a complete list of workshops, visit the conference link shared below.
The workshops were 75-minute sessions, allowing attendees to have interactive conversations on how to push forward collaborative efforts toward a strengths-based approach to preventing child abuse and neglect.
As part of our trauma-informed efforts, the conference offered an all-day Relaxation Station for participants to prioritize self-care, recharge, or simply take a moment to decompress.
Click here to read more about the conference.
Shay Richards/Too Shay Photography Shown, from left, are Program Manager, Prevention and Training, Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Angie Boy, DrPH; Director of Prevention and Education, Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Tiffany Sawyer; Mark Chaffin Community Award recipient Nancy Chandler, MSW; Advantage Consulting Senior Associate Mathew George; Advantage Consulting President Khurram Hassan, MPH; PCA Georgia Executive Director Jennifer Stein, MBA. George and Hassan represent the late Chris Allers, PhD, who was honored as a 2024 Mark Chaffin Award recipient.
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
EMCs See Significant Increase in Power Outages Overnight
Tucker, GA – This morning, Georgia’s Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) report approximately 330,000 customers without power. Making landfall as a Category 4 Hurricane nearly 500 miles wide, Helene is one of the largest hurricanes to ever hit the state, and impacts are being seen across Georgia. The majority of the outages are currently in south, southeast, east and central Georgia. Outages in the northern half of the state are increasing as the storm continues to barrel through.
In addition to damage to EMC power distributions lines, Georgia Transmission Corp. reports that high-voltage transmission lines and substations have been affected. As soon as it is safe to do so, efforts will be underway to safely access downed electric transmission lines and properly assess the damage.
When it is safe for workers, EMC crews will descend upon hardest hit areas to begin damage assessments and initial restoration work, and outage numbers could increase as damage assessment is completed. Due to high winds and heavy rains, this storm caused widespread damage to trees, power lines and power poles. In many cases, trees will need to be cleared from roadways before line workers can access outages.
EMCs began hurricane season preparation in June, with preparations for Hurricane Helene beginning nearly a week ago. EMCs have participated in daily discussions with co-ops from across the country to arrange for extra crews, trucks and equipment. Thanks to mutual aid agreements, crews have arrived and will continue arriving today from Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa and Ohio. Extra help will arrive from the neighboring Carolinas and Alabama as soon as they are released from their restoration efforts.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Jordan Powers
[email protected]
UGA Extension Service offers resources for weather emergencies
We have many research-backed resources to help before, during and after emergency situations. Whether the need is flood clean-up or financial considerations, Extension offers valuable research-based information to support communities preparing and recovering from disasters. Additionally, you’ll find related information from governmental and other Extension agencies.
Please click here to access UGA Extension Service resources.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
10,000-plus personnel on the ground to support restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene
Company making final preparations Thursday; encourages customers to prepare for extensive damage and potential for extended outages
ATLANTA – September 26, 2024 – As Hurricane Helene approaches the coast of Florida, Georgia Power is making its final preparations to respond to anticipated widespread damage and potential for extended power outages across the state. As the majority of the state of Georgia prepares to feel impacts from the storm, the company has aligned the right resources – more than 10,000 personnel on the ground currently – and continues to refine plans as the storm gets closer to ensure a safe and effective response. The National Hurricane Center forecasts high winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and possible tornadoes as Hurricane Helene enters the state. This follows the “storm before the storm” – including heavy rains over the last 24 hours which has already caused flooding and weakened trees.
“Helene is a very large storm, moving into South Georgia with very little time to substantially weaken, and we expect the high winds and heavy rain to cause significant damage in many of our communities,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “Our teams are well trained and experienced, and we’ve been watching this storm and making every preparation throughout the week. As conditions are safe, our teams will be in the field working to restore power as quickly as possible. Even so, we encourage customers to keep safety first in the coming days and prepare for the potential of power outages that could last multiple days due to the size and extensive reach of this storm.”
Support from Across the Industry
As part of its preparations, Georgia Power has mobilized additional staff – including from sister company Mississippi Power – to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state have pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All of this helps the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from 11 states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These crews will deploy from strategic locations across the state to begin restoring power as soon as it is safe to do so following the storm.
Focused on Reliability Every Day
Georgia Power is always focused on improving reliability and adding resiliency to the power grid. In recent years, Georgia Power invested heavily in infrastructure improvements to bolster resiliency through equipment upgrades as well as the strategic implementation of Smart Grid technology that enhance the company’s real-time ability to identify and quickly isolate outages that occur, as well as reroute power remotely around damage. This technology helps minimize the number of customers affected even before crews begin repair work in the field.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
Customers are asked to be aware that hurricanes have the potential to cause widespread power outages and dangerous conditions. Emergency plans should be finalized, including a way to stay informed before, during, and after the hurricane. It’s important to follow the advice of federal, state and local authorities, especially for people living in low-lying areas as flooding and heavy rain are expected.
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center site, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower at www.X.com/GeorgiaPower for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
Before, During and After a Storm Safety Tips
- Before a Storm: Stay aware, heed advice from officials, and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Check your emergency kit and family plan. Unplug major appliances and charge cell phones and battery backups in case you lose power.
- During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects, and water.
- After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire – including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
For use in newspapers the week of Sept. 30
CONTACT: Ines Owens
Policy and Communications Director
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones
404-656-5030
[email protected]
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones Op-Ed: What you need to know and can do about your property tax bills
Please click below to download this op-ed as a Word doc or PDF for use in your newspaper.
By Lt. Governor Burt Jones
Property tax bills represent a major household expense every year for hardworking Georgians. A homeowner’s property tax bill is mostly based on two factors: the local tax rate and the assessed value of their home. Given the large increase in home values across Georgia in recent years, many school districts, cities, and counties have been able to count on a boost in revenue without raising tax rates year to year. This has resulted in large, and often surprise tax increases for many homeowners.
During the 2024 legislative session, I was proud to prioritize two pieces of property tax reform legislation that ultimately passed both the House and Senate by wide margins. On the November ballot, Georgians will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment that, if enacted, will allow legislation to go into effect that places an annual cap on the amount by which home values can rise for property tax purposes. If the proposed amendment passes, legislation I supported and that Governor Kemp has already signed, will bar local governments from raising your home value in a given year by more than the annual rate of inflation, even if the market value of the home has gone up by more. This will make it harder for your tax bill to rise just because the value of your home and others around it went up. Under this proposal, local officials will have to look at fairer and more transparent ways for local governments to raise more tax revenue from their citizens. I think the people of Georgia deserve that kind of transparency from all levels of government.
Under this proposal, a local government can opt out of this annual cap only after announcing its intention to do so and holding a series of public meetings – again, expressing the legislature’s desire for transparency. While this local option is an important feature of the proposal, it would be disappointing to see local governments utilize it without adequately listening to the concerns of the Georgians it would so greatly help. By opting out of a measure intended to save Georgian’s money and give them predictability in planning their annual household expenses, local governments would be prioritizing revenues over transparency and their citizens’ budgets.
This fall, Georgia voters will be asked: “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for a state-wide homestead exemption that serves to limit increases in the assessed value of homesteads, but which any county, consolidated government, municipality, or local school system may opt out of upon the completion of certain procedures?” I encourage all Georgians to learn more about the reforms passed by the General Assembly this year and discuss these matters with their local elected officials as the November referendum approaches.
Burt Jones is Georgia’s thirteenth Lieutenant Governor. He serves as President of the Georgia Senate.
For immediate release
CONTACT: Kim Broun
770-260-6990
[email protected]
Georgia’s EMCs Prepare for the Impacts of Hurricane Helene
(TUCKER, Ga., Sept. 25, 2024, 12:30 PM) – Georgia’s Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) stand ready for the impact of Hurricane Helene, forecasted to intensify and make landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just south of Tallahassee.
Hurricane Helene is a sizeable storm, expected to impact the entire state of Georgia. The storm will enter Georgia on Thursday evening, traveling through the state along the Alabama state line and exit northern Georgia by Friday afternoon. Helene is a fast-moving storm and is forecasted to produce a tremendous amount of rainfall, with a minimum of four inches projected in each area of the storm’s path.
Georgia is located on the eastern side of the storm, which produces stronger winds, a greater possibility for tornados and a higher storm surge. Wind speeds greater than 110 mph can be expected.
EMCs were aware of forecasts for an above-average hurricane season and have been preparing since the season began in June.
“EMCs keep extra poles, transformers, wire and other necessary equipment on hand during hurricane season,” said Harry Reeves, vice president of training and safety at Georgia EMC. “As with each tropical storm, we have been monitoring Helene since it began forming. EMCs around the state have activated their storm plans, and we are working together statewide to respond to the expected power outages caused by the storm.”
EMCs have mobilized all key personnel and additional contract crews, prepared trucks with emergency equipment and increased supplies of materials that could be needed. Key staff members have also been in contact with other emergency service providers, including EMAs, police, fire and public works.
At the same time, EMCs have been in regular contact with other electric cooperatives across region to arrange for help and additional support to restore power.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency in Georgia on Tuesday. The emergency declaration makes all state resources available to local governments and entities within the impacted area of the hurricane. Officials are warning residents in the storm’s path to be prepared for hurricane-force winds, tornados and heavy rains which could lead to flash flooding. Reeves says residents should heed the advice of local officials and be assured that electric cooperatives across the state are prepared and ready to begin restoring service as soon as it is safe to do so.
EMCs will continue to watch Hurricane Helene closely and remind members to keep abreast of the storm’s development and take every precaution in the event extended power outages occur. Stay informed by visiting https://gema.georgia.gov/ and https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
As Georgia’s EMCs prepare, EMC members are encouraged to do the same using their emergency plan and the steps below.
As the Storm Approaches:
- Protect your home. Secure windows and doors and move loose items inside.
- Charge Up: Plug in all devices and keep them at a full charge.
- Check the Pantry: Make sure you have non-perishable food items and bottled water on hand.
- Fill Your Tank: It is always good to fill your car with gasoline in preparation for a lengthy outage. This can serve as another charging source for your devices while your home is without power.
- Activate Your Medical Plan: Now is the time to charge battery backup devices for medically necessary equipment. Alternately, consider temporarily relocating to an area less likely to lose power due to the storm.
- Stay updated. Keep up with storm updates for your area by checking weather apps, local TV stations and websites like weather.gov. Follow your local EMC and news outlets on social media for timely updates.
- Know How to Report Outages: Outages can be reported through a variety of methods. Check with your local EMC to determine the most efficient way for you to report a power outage.
Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.
About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696
www.georgiapower.com
Georgia Power monitoring, prepared to respond to statewide severe weather this week
Company encourages customers to prepare for impacts of Tropical Storm Helene
ATLANTA – September 24, 2024 – Georgia Power is monitoring the development of an expected tropical system currently developing in the Gulf of Mexico and preparing personnel and resources to respond to potential power outages later this week. While the path of the storm may change in the coming days, it is currently forecast to begin impacting South Georgia as early as Thursday with damaging winds, heavy rain, excessive lightning and hail. The system is very large and may impact communities across the state. Georgia Power is in touch with its response partners, including local and state governments, as well as other regional utilities.
Georgia Power reminds customers to stay safe and take time to prepare now – before the system enters the state. Resources available at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm can help customers prepare and stay informed. The company is committed to connecting with customers before, during and after severe weather.
Staying informed is most important during an emergency situation. Georgia Power has developed multiple ways for customers to stay connected.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
Safety Tips – Before, During and After a Storm
- Before a Storm: Stay aware, heed advice from officials, and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Check your emergency kit and family plan. Unplug major appliances and charge cell phones in case you lose power.
- During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects and water.
- After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
Georgia Power is prepared to respond to outages safely and as quickly as weather conditions allow.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
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