Press Releases


For Immediate Release

Sept. 6, 2023

CONTACT: Betsy Cox
bcox@seasidehc.com
www.seasidehc.com

DaSilva named Executive Director of Access MHA in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA:  Melissa DaSilva, BSN, MS, BS, has been named Executive Director for Access MHA with offices in Atlanta and Savannah. Franklin Roemer, CEO of Seaside Healthcare, the parent corporation of Access MHA, announced the appointment of DaSilva to the position.

Roemer commented, “The Seaside Healthcare family of behavioral healthcare services across the southern United States welcomes Ms. DaSilva to our company as she assumes the role of Executive Director of our Access MHA centers. She brings to Access her broad background and education in the field of behavioral health and healthcare management.” Ms. DaSilva holds a Master of Science degree from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science  degree in Nursing from Pace University in New York.

Reflecting on her appointment, Ms. DaSilva commented, “It is my honor to be given the position of Executive Director for Access MHA in Georgia and I look forward to leading our organization in the years ahead. I’m equally proud to be associated with the excellent dedicated staff of the Atlanta and Savannah Access MHA sites and in their work to help the people of Georgia improve the quality of their lives and that of their family.”

Prior to joining Access MHA, Ms. DaSilva served in a number of leadership roles in healthcare programs in Georgia, Tennessee, and Michigan. In addition to her education and professional experience, she has been a member or board member of several professional and community organizations. She is a graduate of Executive Leadership for Professionals in Non-Profit Organizations, is a H. Woods Bowman Fellowship recipient from the Fanning Institute of UGA, has been a volunteer with the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and the Urban Recipe Food Coop, served as a Board Member with the Ferndale Housing Commission / Homeless Action Network of Detroit and was a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce – Leadership Detroit Class of XXXVII Access MHA, as part of Seaside Healthcare, was established in Savannah, Georgia in 2008 with the vision of providing high-value, community-based services to underserved individuals. In 2010, Access MHA expanded to a second service location in Atlanta, Georgia. In August 2017 Access joined the Seaside Healthcare family of behavioral healthcare facilities in their shared mission of improving the lives of individuals and their communities by providing effective, cost-considerate behavioral health services delivered with unmatched dignity and respect.

Access MHA’s services include Behavioral Health Assessment, Community Support, Crisis Intervention Services, Diagnostic Assessments, Counseling and Training, Nursing Assessment and Health Services, Psychiatric Treatment, Psychological Testing, Medication Administration among others. The Access MHA services are provided to both individuals and families in a manner as convenient to its clients as possible.

Seaside Healthcare LLC was established in 2009 as an owner, developer, and operator of behavioral healthcare facilities in Louisiana. Today, Seaside Healthcare’s multi-state network of programs offers a full complement of behavioral health services including psychiatric treatment services, substance use disorder rehabilitation and treatment of dual diagnosis.

Seaside’s mission is to improve the lives of their patients and the surrounding community by providing effective, cost-considerate behavioral health services delivered with unmatched dignity and respect. The company provides services through locations across Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

More information on Seaside Healthcare can be found through their website at www.seasidehc.com.  Questions concerning program development or acquisition referrals can be made to Patrick Doyal, VP of Development at pdoyal@seasidehc.com.

More information on Access MHA in Georgia can be found on their website at www.accessmha.com.


For Immediate Release

Aug. 30, 2023

CONTACT: Georgia Power News Media Line
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

Georgia Power crews restoring power as Hurricane Idalia continues impacting the state

Company encourages customers to stay safe after the hurricane and provides resources to stay informed

ATLANTA – August 30, 2023 – Hurricane Idalia entered Valdosta, designated as “Tree City, USA” by Georgia’s Forestry Commission, this morning and is making its way up the state wreaking havoc in its path. Heavy rain caused flash flooding and hurricane-force winds toppled trees damaging power poles and downing electric lines. Since the storm began impacting the state, Georgia Power has restored service to more than 40,000 customers. Currently as of 4:30 PM, 132,396 customers are without power.

A small army of thousands of Georgia Power restoration crews, along with partner crews from Alabama Power and Mississippi Power, are in place in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia. The teams are working to assess the damage and start restoration work as soon as winds are under 35 MPH. Crews will continue working around-the-clock to restore power to customers who are impacted by this powerful force of nature. As weather conditions improve, restoration efforts will accelerate, but it could take an extended period of time for all customers to be restored.

The company asks customers to continue heeding warnings from their safety officials and reminds customers to keep safety a top priority following the hurricane. It offers the following tips to stay safe, connected and informed.

Electrical Safety Tips During Storms

  • Never touch any downed power lines or low hanging wires.
  • Never pull tree limbs off power, telephone or cable lines or attempt to repair electrical equipment damaged in a storm.
  • Never go near chain link fences – downed power lines or lightning strikes may energize the entire length of the fence.
  • Avoid walking through flooded areas or puddles as they may be energized by downed power lines.
  • Never walk into areas where crews are at work. If driving near work crews, obey road signs and proceed cautiously.

Georgia Power is committed to providing customers with the latest information and offers the following resources:

Tools to Stay Informed

  • Outage Alerts – Ensure your contact information is up to date to receive Georgia Power Outage Alerts, a free, personalized notification service that provides outage and restoration updates via text message.
  • Outage & Storm Center – Available at GeorgiaPower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can 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.
  • @GeorgiaPower on Twitter – Follow @GeorgiaPower on Twitter for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

For additional tips on preparing for severe weather, visit GeorgiaPower.com/Storm. The site features information on preparing for severe weather and topics including Watches vs. Warnings, staying connected, electrical safety and more.

Georgia Power Plants

Georgia Power’s electric generating plants remain operational to serve customers, even during severe weather. Power plants, including hydro, solar, natural gas, coal and nuclear plants, are built to be robust and highly secure and incorporate multiple layers of protection including structural strength, highly trained operators and security forces, and proven emergency plans. Safety systems at U.S. nuclear plants, including Georgia’s nuclear plants Vogtle and Hatch, are designed to withstand significant hazard events, including hurricane force winds and flooding.

Note to Editors: Please see useful video links below.

Storm restoration process: https://youtu.be/6tQJmBUXujI?si=guRfTKGo9OWy2TVT

What causes outages: https://youtu.be/nxKLc4asFzQ

If you don’t see crews in your neighborhood: https://youtu.be/OAxTMo64a94

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), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).


For Immediate Release

Aug. 29, 2023

CONTACT: Georgia Power News Media Line
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

Georgia Power’s restoration workforce makes final preparations, mobilizes teams in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia

Company reminds customers to finalize preparations to potentially be without power

ATLANTA – August 29, 2023 – Georgia Power teams are making their final preparations and mobilizing restoration workers and equipment as Hurricane Idalia continues strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico. At the company’s Storm Center in Atlanta, response experts are coordinating efforts, including with Regional Teams in Coastal Georgia and teams that will relocate from other areas of the state to help restore power for customer as quickly as possible.

The hurricane is forecast to enter Georgia as a tropical storm bringing heavy rain and strong wind gusts, which could topple trees and send debris into power lines and other equipment causing outages. The company is mobilizing crews and equipment in the central, southern and coastal areas of the state in order to respond to potential power outages as quickly as possible.

In recent years, Georgia Power’s use of Smart Grid technology and increased automation are helping restoration teams to more quickly isolate outages and reroute power remotely for improved reliability. The company continually invests in its energy grid not only in preparation for severe weather but also to increase the day-to-day reliability of its systems and shorten outage and repair time.

Just as Georgia Power prepares for severe weather, the company urges customers to be prepared for Tropical Storm Idalia. Customers should have an emergency plan that helps their families stay safe and be prepared to be without power for at least three days following a storm. It is important customers know the risks associated with flooding and tropical storm winds in their area, have an emergency plan and supplies, and follow safety advice from their local authorities.

Georgia Power reminds customers to keep safety first during hurricane season and offers the following storm tips:

·       Before a Storm: Know your risks of storm surge and tropical storm or hurricane strength winds. Check your emergency kit, 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.

Staying informed is critical during severe weather and Georgia Power is committed to connecting with its customer before, during and after severe weather. The following resources help our customers stay informed: 

·                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 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.  

·                @GeorgiaPower on Twitter – Follow @GeorgiaPower on Twitter 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), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power). 


For Immediate Release

Aug. 18, 2023

CONTACT: Georgia Power News Media Line
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

Vogtle Unit 4 starts nuclear fuel load

Milestone is pivotal prior to startup testing and commercial operation

ATLANTA – August 17, 2023 – Georgia Power announced today the process to load fuel into the Vogtle Unit 4 reactor core has begun at Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro, Ga. Loading fuel marks a pivotal milestone toward startup and commercial operation of the second new unit at Plant Vogtle. Vogtle Unit 3 – the first newly-constructed nuclear unit in the U.S. in more than 30 years – entered commercial operation on July 31, and is providing customers and the State of Georgia with reliable, emissions-free energy. Read more.

The start of Unit 4 fuel load comes after Southern Nuclear received the 103(g) finding from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in July which signified that the new unit has been constructed and will be operated in conformance with the Combined License and NRC regulations.

During fuel load, nuclear technicians from Westinghouse and operators from Southern Nuclear are scheduled to safely install 157 fuel assemblies into the Unit 4 reactor core in the coming days.

Startup testing will begin next and is designed to demonstrate the integrated operation of the primary coolant system and steam supply system at design temperature and pressure with fuel inside the reactor. Operators will also bring the plant from cold shutdown to initial criticality, synchronize the unit to the electric grid and systematically raise power to 100%. Vogtle Unit 4 is projected to be placed in service during late fourth quarter 2023 or the first quarter 2024.

The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. Once operating, each of the new units can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.

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), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the projected in-service date for Plant Vogtle Unit 4. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Unit 4, which includes components based on new technology that only within the last few years began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at this scale, due to current and/or future challenges which include, but are not limited to, changes in labor costs, availability and productivity, challenges with the management of contractors or vendors, subcontractor performance, adverse weather conditions, shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, the impacts of inflation, delays due to judicial or regulatory action, nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, engineering or design problems or any remediation related thereto, design and other licensing-based compliance matters, challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, or system integration, and/or operational performance, continued challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic health events, continued public and policymaker support for projects, environmental and geological conditions, delays or increased costs to interconnect facilities to transmission grids, and increased financing costs as a result of changes in market interest rates or as a result of project delays; the ability to overcome or mitigate the current challenges, or challenges yet to be identified, at Plant Vogtle 4, that could further impact the cost and schedule for the project; legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to construction projects, such as Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including Georgia Public Service Commission approvals and NRC actions; under certain specified circumstances, a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 not to proceed with construction; the notices of tender by Oglethorpe Power Corporation and the City of Dalton of a portion of their ownership interests in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 to Georgia Power, including related litigation; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of NRC requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Georgia Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences; the potential effects of the continued COVID-19 pandemic; and the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating or storage resources. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward–looking information.


For Immediate Release

Aug. 1, 2023

CONTACT: Megan Estes, 770-823-3936, media@georgia811.com

Aug. 11 serves as a reminder for Georgia resident to always contact 811 before digging

Georgia 811 encourages people to submit a free dig ticket three business days before digging to avoid damaging buried utilities

Duluth, GA. (Aug. 1, 2023) – August 11 is almost here, and Georgia 811 hopes that the 8/11 date on the calendar will serve as a natural reminder for residents to contact Georgia 811 prior to any digging project. Contacting 811 before digging is the first step in any digging project, whether it be large or small. Georgia residents can contact 811 at www.Georgia811.com or via the three-digit 811 phone number to have underground public utility lines marked.

When contacting 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to Georgia 811, the local 811 center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators then arrive at the digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both. Contacting 811 before digging can help avoid injury, repair costs, inconvenient outages, and costly fines.

“On August 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of striking an underground utility line,” said Georgia 811 President and CEO Meghan Wade. “Calling 811 or visiting Georgia811.com is really the only way to know which public utilities are buried in your area so that you can dig safely.”

Georgia 811 is spreading the 811 message to professional excavators and utility owners/operators by announcing Georgia 811 Damage Prevention Summits which will be held on Thursday, September 14, at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Museum of Agriculture in Tifton, and on Thursday, October 5, the Gas South District Event Center in Duluth. Registration is free of charge, and the Summit will include trainings on a variety of safe digging topics. “We are thrilled to once again present an opportunity for networking and damage prevention education as we expand the Summits to include a second location in South Georgia. We hope many will participate as we work to keep Georgia safe and connected”, said Megan Estes, Director of Communications for Georgia 811.

To celebrate 811 Day, Georgia 811 is also running a Facebook contest throughout the month of August in which five winners will each be awarded a $100 Home Depot gift card. Those interested in participating can find the registration link by following ‘Georgia 811’ on Facebook and clicking the link on the top pinned post.

Visit www.Georgia811.com for Summit registration information and to learn more about Georgia 811 and safe digging practices.


For Immediate Release

July 31, 2023

CONTACT: Georgia Power News Media Line
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

Vogtle Unit 3 goes into operation

New nuclear unit now serving customers with clean, reliable energy 24/7

ATLANTA – July 31, 2023 – Georgia Power declared today that Plant Vogtle Unit 3 has entered commercial operation and is now serving customers and the State of Georgia. The new unit represents a long-term investment in the state’s clean energy future and will provide reliable, emissions-free energy to customers for decades to come.

“The Plant Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion is another incredible example of how Georgia Power is building a reliable and resilient energy future for our state,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “It is important that we make these kinds of long-term investments and see them through so we can continue providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to our 2.7 million customers. Today’s achievement is a testament to our commitment to doing just that, and it marks the first day of the next 60 to 80 years that Vogtle Unit 3 will serve our customers with clean, reliable energy.”

Vogtle Unit 3 is the first newly-constructed nuclear unit in the U.S. in over 30 years and can power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. Once all four units are online, the Plant Vogtle site will be the largest generator of clean energy in the nation and support continued growth in Georgia as more industries, businesses and families come to the state.

“Today is a historic day for the State of Georgia, Southern Company, and the entire energy sector, as we continue transforming the way we power the lives of millions of Americans,” said Chris Womack, president and CEO of Southern Company. “With Unit 3 completed, and Unit 4 in the final stages of construction and testing, this project shows just how new nuclear can and will play a critical role in achieving a clean energy future for the United States. Bringing this unit safely into service is a credit to the hard work and dedication of our teams at Southern Company and the thousands of additional workers who have helped build that future at this site, as well as all of the partners who have helped make this day a reality.”

Nuclear energy is the only zero-emission baseload energy source available today, offering high reliability, and efficient operations around the clock. Nuclear energy currently provides approximately 25% of Georgia Power’s overall energy mix, including the existing units at Plant Vogtle and Georgia’s other nuclear facility at Plant Hatch in Baxley, Georgia.

“The Vogtle expansion is an American energy success story and would not be possible without the support of strong public and private partners like our partners at North America’s Building Trades Unions,” said Tom Fanning, chairman of the Board of Directors for Southern Company. “We continue to appreciate their support and those who have stood with us at the local, state and federal levels to complete this new clean energy source to serve electric customers. Providing leadership in our industry and a commitment to safety and quality are in Southern Company’s DNA. Today’s milestone at the Vogtle expansion site underscores this legacy, and I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication our teams have shown in seeing Unit 3 through to completion.”

The final stages of construction and testing continue at Vogtle Unit 4, with the unit projected to be placed in service during the late fourth quarter 2023 or the first quarter of 2024.  The unit completed hot functional testing in May, in significantly less time than Unit 3 as the team continues leveraging best practices and learnings from the earlier unit. The Vogtle site has also received nuclear fuel for Unit 4, with a total of 157 fuel assemblies necessary for the safe and reliable startup of the unit.

Also, last week, Georgia Power announced the receipt of the 103(g) finding from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for Vogtle Unit 4. This finding was confirmed in an official letter received by Southern Nuclear and signifies that the new unit has been constructed and will be operated in conformance with the Combined License and NRC regulations. No further NRC findings are necessary in order for Southern Nuclear to load fuel or begin the startup sequence for the new unit.

The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.

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), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the completion of remaining work necessary to load fuel for Unit 4 and the future operation of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which includes components based on new technology that only within the last few years began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at this scale, due to current and/or future challenges which include, but are not limited to, changes in labor costs, availability and productivity, challenges with the management of contractors or vendors, subcontractor performance, adverse weather conditions, shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, the impacts of inflation, delays due to judicial or regulatory action, nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, engineering or design problems or any remediation related thereto, design and other licensing-based compliance matters, challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, or system integration, and/or operational performance, continued challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic health events, continued public and policymaker support for projects, environmental and geological conditions, delays or increased costs to interconnect facilities to transmission grids, and increased financing costs as a result of changes in market interest rates or as a result of project delays; the ability to overcome or mitigate the current challenges, or challenges yet to be identified, at Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, that could further impact the cost and schedule for the project; legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to construction projects, such as Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including Georgia Public Service Commission approvals and NRC actions; under certain specified circumstances, a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 not to proceed with construction; the notices of tender by Oglethorpe Power Corporation and the City of Dalton of a portion of their ownership interests in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 to Georgia Power, including related litigation; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of NRC requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Georgia Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences; the potential effects of the continued COVID-19 pandemic; and the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating or storage resources. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward–looking information.


For Immediate Release

July 28, 2023

CONTACT: Georgia Power News Media Line
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

Vogtle Unit 4 has received the 103(g) finding from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Finding marks a critical step leading up to Vogtle Unit 4 fuel load  

Georgia Power, Southern Nuclear look to next steps, startup process for the new unit

ATLANTA – July 28, 2023 – Georgia Power announced today the receipt of the 103(g) finding from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for Vogtle Unit 4. This finding was confirmed in an official letter received by Southern Nuclear and signifies that the new unit has been constructed and will be operated in conformance with the Combined License and NRC regulations.

No further NRC findings are necessary in order for Southern Nuclear to load fuel or begin the startup sequence for the new unit.

The issuance of the 103(g) finding follows years of diligent and careful work by the team at the site to submit documentation that Unit 4 has satisfied 364 required inspections, tests, analyses, and acceptance criteria (ITAACs) as outlined in Southern Nuclear’s Combined License – helping ensure the unit meets strict nuclear safety and quality standards. This process was completed on July 20, and the NRC conducted a thorough review process of each submission and targeted inspections of the facility before issuing the 103(g) finding. As required by the NRC, each ITAAC had to be verified before fuel load and operations.

The team at the site continues working diligently to make final preparations for Unit 4 fuel load, initiate startup testing and bring the unit online. Well-trained and highly qualified nuclear technicians will continue work required to support loading fuel, which is already onsite, into the unit’s reactor. This will be followed by several months of startup testing and operations. Startup testing is designed to demonstrate the integrated operation of the primary coolant system and steam supply system at design temperature and pressure with fuel inside the reactor. Operators will also bring the plant from cold shutdown to initial criticality, synchronize the Unit to the grid and systematically raise power to 100%.

The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. Once operating, each of the new units can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.

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), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the completion of remaining work necessary to load fuel for Unit 4 and the future operation of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which includes components based on new technology that only within the last few years began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at this scale, due to current and/or future challenges which include, but are not limited to, changes in labor costs, availability and productivity, challenges with the management of contractors or vendors, subcontractor performance, adverse weather conditions, shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, the impacts of inflation, delays due to judicial or regulatory action, nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, engineering or design problems or any remediation related thereto, design and other licensing-based compliance matters, challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, or system integration, and/or operational performance, continued challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic health events, continued public and policymaker support for projects, environmental and geological conditions, delays or increased costs to interconnect facilities to transmission grids, and increased financing costs as a result of changes in market interest rates or as a result of project delays; the ability to overcome or mitigate the current challenges, or challenges yet to be identified, at Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, that could further impact the cost and schedule for the project; legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to construction projects, such as Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including Georgia Public Service Commission approvals and NRC actions; under certain specified circumstances, a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 not to proceed with construction; the notices of tender by Oglethorpe Power Corporation and the City of Dalton of a portion of their ownership interests in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 to Georgia Power, including related litigation; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of NRC requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Georgia Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences; the potential effects of the continued COVID-19 pandemic; and the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating or storage resources. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward–looking information.


For Immediate Release

July 28, 2023

CONTACT: Taylor Sills
taylor@georgiacotton.org
478-696-3781

2022 Georgia Quality Cotton Award Winners Announced 

The 2022 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were presented at the 2023 Georgia Cotton Commission Mid-Year Meeting on July 26, 2023. The awards are co-sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission and Bayer Crop Science/Deltapine and administered by the University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton Team. Yangxuan Liu from the UGA Cotton Team conducted the analysis and presented the awards at the event in Statesboro.

The purpose of the awards is to recognize producers and ginners of high-quality cotton fiber and to identify their general management practices for the benefit of other growers. The producers and their gins received a plaque, and the winning producers received a $500 cash award. The UGA County Extension Agent for each winner was also recognized as they work closely with the farmers during the growing season.

The awards are given in each of these three cotton acreage categories: 1) less than 500 acres, 2) 500 to 1,000 acres, and 3) greater than 1,000 acres within the four regions of the state. Winners in these categories are determined by the loan value and premiums of their cotton. The winners’ excellent achievements are due largely to their management practices and expertise. The sponsors of this program congratulate the following winners:

Region 1

  • Less than 500 acres
    • Grower – Edwin Clark, Wilcox County
    • Ginner – Sconyers Gin & Warehouse Company, Sycamore
    • Nominated by – John Bennett
  • 500-1000 acres
    • Grower – Mark Thompson, Pulaski County
    • Ginner – Arabi Gin Company, Inc., Arabi
    • Nominated by – Jay Porter
  • 1000+ acres
    • Grower – Robert Lancaster, Pulaski County
    • Ginner – Heart of Georgia Peanut & Gin, Hawkinsville
    • Nominated by – Jay Porter

Region 2

  • Less than 500 acres
    • Grower – Derek Davis, Washington County
    • Ginner – Midville Warehouse, Inc., Midville
    • Nominated by – Rocky Tanner
  • 500-1000 acres
    • Grower – J. Robert Jones, Toombs County
    • Ginner – South Georgia Cotton Gin, LLC, Hazlehurst
    • Nominated by – Jason Edenfield
  • 1000+ acres
    • Grower – Chris Hopkins, Toombs County
    • Ginner – South Georgia Cotton Gin, LLC, Hazlehurst
    • Nominated by – Jason Edenfield

Region 3

  • Less than 500 acres
    • Grower – Jonathan Sykes & Blake Exum
    • Ginner – B.C.T. Gin Company, Inc., Quitman
    • Nominated by – William Brown
  • 500-1000 acres
    • Grower – Wall to Wall Farms, LLC
    • Ginner – South Georgia Cotton Gin, LLC, Hazlehurst
    • Nominated by – Ashley Smith
  • 1000+ acres
    • Grower – Brian & Ken Ponder Farms
    • Ginner – Omega Gin Company, Omega
    • Nominated by – Justin Hand

Region 4

  • Less than 500 acres
    • Grower – Lisa Still Bruner, Early County
    • Ginner – Early County Gin, Inc., Blakely
    • Nominated by – Brian Creswell
  • 500-1000 acres
    • Grower – Stephen Houston, Jr., Seminole County
    • Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin, Inc., Donalsonville
    • Nominated by – Cindy Meadows
  • 1000+ acres
    • Grower – Mims Farms, Seminole County
    • Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin Inc., Donalsonville
    • Nominated by – Cindy Meadows

The final award given was the overall Best Cotton Award. This was awarded to the Georgia cotton producer with highest loan value and premium. The 2022 Best Cotton Award went to Brooks County’s Jonathan Sykes & Blake Exum with a loan value of 56.81 cents/lb and a premium of 4.81 cents/lb.

2022 Best Cotton Award winner Black Exum (second from left) is joined by (L-R) GCC Executive Director Taylor Sills, Bayer Crop Science Agronomist Dr. Edward Beasley, Brooks County UGA Extension Agent Will Brown, and BCT Gin Company General Manager Jessica Goodman.


For Immediate Release

July 27, 2023

CONTACT: Taylor Sills
taylor@georgiacotton.org
478-696-3781

Sikes Appointed to Cotton Commission Board; Ruark and Hopkins Reappointed

In late July, the Commodity Commission Ex-Officio Committee met to make appointments to the Georgia Cotton Commission Board of Directors. Bulloch County cotton farmer Greg Sikes was selected to fill the seat of Lee Cromley, who had served on the Commission’s board since 2011. Morgan County cotton farmer John Ruark and Toombs County cotton farmer Chris Hopkins were each reappointed to another three-year term on the Commission’s board of directors.

Greg Sikes is a first-generation farmer, and along with his wife and son, produces cotton, peanuts, and corn in Bulloch and Bryan Counties. Sikes, a Bulloch County native, worked locally in agribusiness and for local farmers for several years after earning a degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. A co-worker helped him get started farming on his own 25 years ago and his operation has grown steadily ever since. Sikes regularly conducts trials on his operation with UGA Cooperative Extension and private industry.  He is also invested in several agribusinesses that complement his farming operation.  Sikes is a member of the National Peanut Buying Points Association board of directors and the advisory board for Bulloch First Bank. Regarding his appointment to the Commission board, Sikes said, “I am honored to be selected to represent Georgia’s cotton farmers in this role and look forward to using my unique perspective as a first-generation farmer to find new ways to promote cotton consumption and to help improve cotton production here in Georgia.” Sikes and his wife Jennifer live in the Nevils community and have two adult children. The Sikes family attends Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.

John Ruark is a multi-generational farmer, and farms cotton, soybeans, wheat, cattle, and poultry alongside his father, son, and cousin in Morgan, Walton, and Oconee Counties, as well as operate a cotton gin, Bostwick Gin & Supply. He has been a member of the Commission’s board since 2014. Ruark is a director of Cotton Incorporated, Southern Cotton Growers, and the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of Georgia. He also serves as an advisor to the board of the National Cotton Council of America. Ruark is married to his wife, Tamie, and has four adult children and five grandchildren. The Ruarks attend Apalachee Baptist Church.

Chris Hopkins is also a first-generation farmer and has served on the Commission’s board since 2017. He grows cotton, peanuts, corn, and rye in Toombs and Tattnall Counties. He holds degrees from the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Hopkins and his wife, Marilynn, started their operation on 50 acres in 2005. He serves as a director of Cotton Incorporated and Southern Cotton Growers and as a producer delegate to the National Cotton Council of America.  Locally he serves as the president of the Toombs County Farm Bureau and the chairman of the community board of directors for Ameris Bank. Hopkins and his wife Marilynn have two sons and are members of First Baptist Church of Lyons.

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.


For Immediate Release

July 26, 2023

CONTACT: Debi Carr
familyvisionofandersonsc@dkcarr.com
844-352-2771

Family Vision of Anderson Notifies Patients About Data Breach

Anderson, SC (July 26, 2023) – Family Vision of Anderson was the victim of a ransomware attack on May 21, 2023. The incident in question was discovered by an employee on May 22, 2023, and impacts individuals who were first seen by the practice prior to May 22, 2023. The threat actor obtained access to files that contained protected health information.

Family Vision immediately responded to this incident, notified law enforcement, and launched an investigation. We have engaged our outside technology vendor to implement additional preventative controls to enhance our security posture.

Family Vision has not discovered any evidence to date that data potentially accessed because of this incident has been used fraudulently. We nevertheless encourage individuals to remain vigilant by reviewing their health insurance account records, explanation of benefits forms, and credit reports and immediately reporting all suspicious activity to the institution that issued the record.

Individuals whose information may have been compromised are being notified by mail starting today. Information varies by individual, but may include demographic data, health information, and health insurance information, including first and last name, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license, address, telephone number, email address, gender, medical record number, health insurance company, health insurance number, allergies and other medical history, appointment date(s), scheduled optometrist, optometry prescription, and optometry eye scans. The information did not include bank account information or credit card information.

Impacted individuals are being offered credit monitoring and identity theft protection services through IDX, a ZeroFox Company, the data breach and recovery services expert. These services also include CyberScan monitoring and fully managed id theft recovery services.

Individuals with questions can contact our dedicated call center at (888) 558-6563 toll free Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Eastern (excluding major U.S. holidays).

About Family Vision of Anderson, P.A.

Family Vision offers personalized optometry services, with a mission to improve our patient’s quality of life by providing thorough eye health and vision examinations. Family Vision has locations in Anderson, Williamston, and Clemson, South Carolina. For more information, visit www.familyvisionpc.com or www.familyvisionclemson.com.


For Immediate Release

July 25, 2023

CONTACT: Melanie Dobbins, mdobbins@insideradvantage.com

James Magazine Takes Center Stage

We have exciting news. InsiderAdvantage Georgia is taking a new name – JAMES Magazine Online!

JAMES Magazine, with the most influential readership in Georgia, has grown in its size and advertising, as well as its statewide circulation – all thanks to our loyal readers, advertisers and the great team that I work with.

All our content and the daily email newsletter will remain the same. Only the name will change to JAMES Magazine Online.

InsiderAdvantage Georgia online news is now accessed at JamesMagazineGA.com. The content and access remain the same including our motto: “Information before it’s news.” It is a daily look at politics, business and news across Georgia.

InsiderAdvantage Georgia paid subscribers will become JAMES Magazine Online subscribers. Your subscription will remain active (you may just need to re-enter your username and password to log in) and you only need to update your bookmarks within the next few weeks to direct you to JamesMagazineGA.com.

We will still publish the print JAMES Magazine. And all subscribers still receive the magazine in their mailbox for free! Our ownership hasn’t changed and we continue to be part of the Internet News/InsiderAdvantage family of corporations.

Our great opportunities for online and print advertising remain the same as well. Our advertising team will continue to recommend the best options for all your advertising needs– both online and in the print magazine– to reach our most influential statewide readership. We can also place content for you on JAMES Magazine Online just like we have been doing for InsiderAdvantage Georgia.

Remember, only the name of our online daily news service changes.

There will, of course, be other small adjustments during this transition, and we encourage you to reach out to us and let us know if you have any questions.

Otherwise, welcome to JAMES Magazine Online!

So, what about InsiderAdvantage?

InsiderAdvantage and the website Insideradvantage.com (with a revamped website to be going online soon) will be solely devoted to InsiderAdvantage national polling and analysis.

Our chairman, Matt Towery, along with partner Robert Cahaly, will be doing a nationally broadcast podcast starting in mid-August. The podcast will focus on analysis of all the polls and most recent topics regarding the 2024 election.

This new InsiderAdvantage website will direct our current InsiderAdvantage Georgia traffic to the new JAMES Magazine Online site, JAMESMagazineGA.com.

We hope you’ll continue to enjoy both of these publications, After all, we provide information you often won’t get from the mainstream media.

Phil Kent, CEO and publisher


For Immediate Release

July 21, 2023

CONTACT: Georgia Power News Media Line
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

All ITAACs have been submitted for Vogtle Unit 4

ATLANTA – July 21, 2023 – Today, Georgia Power announced completion of another important step in the startup and operation of the new nuclear units at the Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion site near Waynesboro, Ga. The company shared that Southern Nuclear has submitted documentation that all 364 inspections, tests and analyses have been performed and all acceptance criteria, collectively known as ITAACs, have been met on Vogtle Unit 4 as required by Southern Nuclear’s Combined Operating License.  The completion of these ITAACs provides the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) assurance that the unit meets strict nuclear safety and quality standards.

As defined by the NRC, each ITAAC closure notice must be verified before fuel load.

Next, the company awaits receipt of the 103(g) finding from the NRC documenting that license acceptance criteria for Unit 4 have been met. This will indicate that the new unit has been constructed and will be operated in conformance with its Combined License and NRC regulations. Upon receipt of the 103(g) finding from the NRC, no further NRC findings are necessary in order for Southern Nuclear to load fuel and begin the startup sequence.

The team at the site continues preparations for Unit 4 fuel load and start up. All 157 fuel assemblies required for the operation of the Unit 4 reactor have been delivered to the site. Each fuel assembly measuring 14 feet tall was inspected and transferred to the new fuel storage racks before being placed into the spent fuel pool where all the assemblies will be stored until they are loaded into the Unit 4 reactor during fuel load.

The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. Once operating, each of the new units can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses.Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.

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), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram(Instagram.com/ga_power).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the expected receipt of the 103(g) letter for Plant Vogtle Unit 4 and the future operation of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, which includes components based on new technology that only within the last few years began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at this scale, due to current and/or future challenges which include, but are not limited to, changes in labor costs, availability and productivity, challenges with the management of contractors or vendors, subcontractor performance, adverse weather conditions, shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, the impacts of inflation, delays due to judicial or regulatory action, nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, engineering or design problems or any remediation related thereto, design and other licensing-based compliance matters, challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, or system integration, and/or operational performance, continued challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic health events, continued public and policymaker support for projects, environmental and geological conditions, delays or increased costs to interconnect facilities to transmission grids, and increased financing costs as a result of changes in market interest rates or as a result of project delays; the ability to overcome or mitigate the current challenges, or challenges yet to be identified, at Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, that could further impact the cost and schedule for the project; legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to construction projects, such as Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including Georgia Public Service Commission approvals and NRC actions; under certain specified circumstances, a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 not to proceed with construction; the notices of tender by Oglethorpe Power Corporation and the City of Dalton of a portion of their ownership interests in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 to Georgia Power, including related litigation; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of NRC requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; the inherent risks involved in operating and constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of counterparties of Georgia Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the direct or indirect effect on Georgia Power’s business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars or other similar occurrences; the potential effects of the continued COVID-19 pandemic; and the direct or indirect effects on Georgia Power’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating or storage resources. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward–looking information.


For Immediate Release

July 19, 2023

CONTACT: Georgia Power News Media Line
404-506-7676

Georgia Power Offers Advice, Resources for Customers During Summer Heat Wave

As Georgians continue to weather the high summer heat, Georgia Power aims to help its customers minimize the impact of the higher temperatures on electric bills and provide easy ways to save around the house.

Tips, Tools & Resources

Georgia Power offers efficiency information and tools that can help customers save money and energy throughout the year. The company’s My Power Usage tool, a free service available for many Georgia Power online accounts, allows customers to track their daily energy use online, project their monthly bill, set alerts and stay within a set energy budget.

Simple summer tips to save money and energy include:

  • Set it for the season – Set the thermostat to 78 degrees and use fans to keep you feeling cooler. For every degree higher you maintain your thermostat, you can see up to a 3-4% decrease in energy use.
  • Change the air filter and unblock air vents – Change standard air filters once a month, or pleated filters once every three months. A clogged filter makes your AC work harder, increases wear on your unit, and uses more energy. Clear spaces around your air returns and vents to allow free air flow.
  • Keep the heat out – Close your curtains and blinds during peak hours of the day to reduce extra heat caused by direct sunlight.
  • Wash clothes cold – Wash full loads of clothes with cold water and avoid over-drying. Also, clean the lint trap before every load to increase efficiency.
  • Fire up the grill – Reduce the temperature inside your home by using an outdoor grill or smoker instead of indoor ovens and stoves. Also consider the slow cooker or microwave.
  • Fill your fridge – Solids and liquids are easier to cool than air. Try to keep your refrigerator set to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer for optimal performance.
  • Avoid phantom energy loss – Unplug your electronic devices when not in use and use smart power strips. Consider energy-saving settings, which are often available on newer equipment and appliances.

Other programs to help Georgia Power customers manage energy bills this summer:

  • A Free Online Energy Checkup – Take a quick and easy online energy checkup that provides a customized energy usage report and ways to save money. Visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/EnergyCheckUp to get started.
  • Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) – The Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) helps Georgia Power customers reduce energy use, save on energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Residential customers can earn rebates from Georgia Power for implementing and installing qualifying energy saving improvements. Learn more at www.GeorgiaPower.com/HomeImprovements.
  • Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency Program (EASE)– The EASE Program helps eligible income-qualified customers make free energy efficiency improvements in their home. At no cost to the customer, a program contractor performs the recommended energy efficiency upgrades. Customers can learn more and apply at www.GeorgiaPower.com/EASE.

Georgia Power is committed to helping customers save money on their energy bills, explore rate options and get assistance when needed:

  • Energy Efficiency Programs – We’re dedicated to helping our residential customers find ways to save money and energy, whether you’re building a new home, making improvements to an older home or simply looking for ways to save. For programs, rebates, and more energy saving tips visit www.georgiapower.com/save.
  • Rate Plan Options – We always strive to offer rate solutions that fit your needs and help you manage your budget. Browse the seven options to learn which rate is right for you.
  • Qualify for Assistance – We are partnering with community-based organizations, nonprofits, houses of worship, and government-funded programs and services to assist those in need.

Find dozens of other energy resources, whether you own a home or rent at www.georgiapower.com/myenergy.

###

Media Note: A helpful infographic accompanies an earlier version of this as posted in our News Center: https://www.georgiapower.com/company/news-center/2023-articles/georgia-power-offers-advice-and-resources-for-customers-as-summer-begins.html.


For Immediate Release

July 13, 2023

CONTACT: Roger Alford
Index News Service
770-936-5599

Index News Service provides religion coverage to Georgia Newspapers at no cost

SUWANEE, Ga. — The Index News Service has been launched to provide Georgia-centric religion coverage to the state’s newspapers at no cost.

The Christian Index, the nation’s oldest religious newspaper, created the news service to provide access to the kind of content readers want in a state where, according to the Pew Research Center, 64 percent of residents consider religion “very important” in their lives.

The news service’s articles and photos are available on a newly created webpage, IndexNewsService.com.

“Georgia is home to millions of churchgoers who have a keen interest in religion coverage,” said Roger Alford, editor of The Christian Index and founder of the news service. “Unfortunately, shrinking budgets mean many community newspapers no longer have the staff to provide this coverage.”

Alford, a retired Associated Press correspondent, said wire services, including the AP, have recognized the interest in religion coverage and have begun marketing stories to newspapers.

“What sets us apart is that we’re offering content focused on Georgia and doing so at no charge,” Alford said. “We see our news service as a ministry of sorts to newspapers that have been financially devastated by declining revenue from advertising and subscriptions. We’re committed to providing newspapers with top quality religion news, features, commentary, and photos.”

Editors can pick and choose articles and photos from the website. They can also opt to have stories uploaded automatically.

Henry Durand, news editor at The Christian Index and Index News Service, said he understands the need for newspapers to have quality photographs to dress up their pages and to grab attention on social media.

“We make every effort to have high resolution photos accompanying all of our written content,” said Durand, whose three decades in journalism includes stints at Reuters, The Associated Press, and CNN. “A good many Georgia newspapers already use articles and photos from The Christian Index to dress up their religion and church pages. Nothing will change for them, except that the articles will be rebranded with Index News Service bylines.”

The Christian Index and the Index News Service are funded by 3,400 Georgia Baptist churches that work together through an initiative they call the Cooperative Program.


For Immediate Release

June 30, 2023

CONTACT: Georgia Power News Media Line
404-506-7676

Tips from Georgia Power Saving Money, Energy During Coming Heat Wave

As Georgians experience extremely high temperatures during the summer’s first heat wave in the coming days, Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take small, simple steps to reduce the impact of the high heat on their energy costs.

Simple summer tips to save money and energy include:

  • Set it for the season – Set your thermostat to 78 degrees and use fans to keep you feeling cooler. For every degree higher you maintain your thermostat, you can see up to a 3-4% decrease in energy use.
  • Change the air filter and unblock air vents – Change standard air filters once a month, or pleated filters every three months. A dirty filter makes your AC work harder and uses more energy. Don’t block air returns and vents; allow free air flow.
  • Keep the heat out – Close curtains and blinds to reduce extra heat from direct sunlight.
  • Avoid phantom energy loss – Unplug electronic devices when not in use and use smart power strips. Consider energy-saving settings, which are often available on newer equipment and appliances.
  • Wash clothes cold – Wash full loads of clothes with cold water and avoid over-drying. Also, clean the lint trap before every load to increase efficiency.
  • Fire up the grill – Reduce temperatures inside by using an outdoor grill or smoker instead of indoor ovens and stoves over the upcoming holiday weekend. Also consider the slow cooker or microwave.
  • Fill your fridge – Solids and liquids are easier to cool than air. Try to keep the refrigerator set to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer for optimal performance.

In addition to the simple tips above, customers can find dozens of other energy resources, whether they own a home or rent at www.GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy, including:

  • Energy Efficiency Programs – We’re dedicated to helping our customers find ways to save money and energy, whether you’re building a new home, making improvements to an older home or simply looking for ways to save. Some of these include:
    • Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) – The Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) helps Georgia Power customers reduce energy use, save on energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Residential customers can earn rebates from Georgia Power for implementing and installing qualifying energy saving improvements.
    • Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency Program (EASE) – The EASE Program helps eligible income-qualified customers make free energy efficiency improvements in their home. At no cost to the customer, a program contractor performs the recommended energy efficiency upgrades.
  • Rate Plan Options – We always strive to offer rate solutions that fit customers’ needs and help manage their budget. Browse the seven residential options to learn which rate is right for you.
  • Qualify for Assistance – We partner with community-based organizations, nonprofits, houses of worship, and government-funded programs and services to assist those in need.
    • Georgia Power is actively helping customers access energy assistance funds and, so far this year, the company has hosted more than 80 local community events to inform and engage with our customers.
    • Other examples include the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Project SHARE with the Salvation Army, which includes contributions from other customers and matching funds by Georgia Power.

For Immediate Release

June 20, 2023

CONTACT: Jennifer Mason, Director of Communications
404-527-8700, 800-334-6865

Tony DelCampo Installed as 61st President of State Bar of Georgia

Atlanta – J. Antonio “Tony” DelCampo of DelCampo Grayson Lopez LLC in Atlanta was installed June 10 as the 61st president of the 54,000-member State Bar of Georgia during the organization’s Annual Meeting in Savannah.
DelCampo has previously served as secretary, treasurer and, for the past year, as president-elect of the State Bar. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the State Bar and previously represented the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit on State Bar’s Board of Governors.
He is a former judge of the DeKalb County State Court and is a past president of the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association, past regional president of the Hispanic National Bar Association and past board chair of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials. He also serves on the Board of Visitors of Oxford College of Emory University. His law practice is focused in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, trucking accidents and premises liability. He is also a mediator/arbitrator with Henning Mediation and Arbitration.
A native of Lima, Peru, DelCampo moved to Atlanta in 1979. He currently serves on the Board of the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association and the Board of Counselors at Oxford College of Emory University. While on the bench, DelCampo was a member of the Council of State Court Judges and served on the Legislative Committee, the DUI Court Committee and the Minorities in the Judiciary Committee. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association, the DeKalb Bar Association, a Fellow of the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia and a Master of the Lamar Inn of Court.
In 2015, he was designated as an Amicus Curiae in recognition of his distinguished service and contribution to the improvement of the administration of justice by the Supreme Court of Georgia. DelCampo has also received numerous other awards including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Dream Keeper of Justice, the Caminar Latino Journey Award, the TUMI USA Award, the Lawyer of the Year by La Vision de Georgia and the Chamblee High School Hall of Fame. After returning to private practice from the judiciary, he has been named as a Super Lawyer for every year from 2013 through 2023.
DelCampo’s priorities for the new Bar year include completion of necessary infrastructure repairs and renovations at the Bar Center headquarters building in downtown Atlanta and a revamp of the Bar’s website; implementation of a new State Bar Center for Lawyer Well-Being; working with the Office of General Counsel to improve the attorney grievance process; and to continue the Bar’s working relationship with the Supreme Court of Georgia and with the General Assembly and Governor’s Office on proposed legislation affecting the legal profession and courts.
DelCampo is a graduate of the Georgia State University College of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1994. He is married to Kelly DelCampo and has two children, Michael, a graduate of Georgia State University College of Law, and Corina, a graduate of Emory University.
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The State Bar of Georgia, with offices in Atlanta, Savannah and Tifton, was established in 1964 by the Supreme Court of Georgia as the successor to the Georgia Bar Association, founded in 1884. All lawyers licensed to practice in Georgia belong to the State Bar. Its more than 54,000 members work together to strengthen the constitutional promise of justice for all, promote principles of duty and public service among Georgia’s lawyers, and administer a strict code of legal ethics.

J. Antonio “Tony” DelCampo (second from left), joined by (L-R) his daughter Corina, wife Kelly and son Michael, is sworn in as the 61st president of the State Bar of Georgia by Chief Justice Michael Boggs of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

 

 

 

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