Georgia Power filed documents with the Georgia Public Service Commission on Sept. 21, 2026, seeking approval for extended power uprates at its nuclear facilities. The filings, submitted under dockets 44280 and 56002, accompany an agreement with Google to support capacity additions at Plants Hatch and Vogtle. The utility stated the project is projected to deliver $900 million in benefits to customers over the life of the units.
What it means
The proposed uprates would add approximately 96 megawatts of new capacity to the electric grid for Georgia Power’s 2.8 million customers. The filings include a specific request to approve an extended power uprate for Plant Hatch Units 1 and 2. An extended power uprate for Plant Vogtle Units 1 and 2 was previously approved in the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan. The upgrades involve modifications to turbines, pumps, motors, and cooling systems.
Google will subscribe to a new Nuclear Uprate (NU-1) tariff structure under the agreement. This structure is designed to protect non-participating customers from incremental costs associated with the uprate work. In exchange, Google will receive Zero-Emission Credits linked to the power generated by the nuclear unit enhancements. Aaron Mitchell, a Georgia Power official, said the utility continues to work with the commission to create programs that help large customers meet clean energy goals while aligning with the company’s Customer Protection Pledge.
Nuclear energy produced more than 25 percent of Georgia’s electricity last year. Plant Vogtle is located near Waynesboro, Georgia. Lucia Tian, a Google official, said data centers are long-term investments that catalyze local economic development and accelerate clean energy deployment. The agreement remains subject to final approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission.
Key facts
- $900 million: Projected customer benefits over the life of the units, according to Georgia Power.
- 96 megawatts: New capacity added to the grid from the uprates.
- Sept. 21, 2026: Date of the announcement and PSC filings.
- Docket 44280 and Docket 56002: Filing numbers with the Georgia Public Service Commission.
- Plant Hatch Units 1 & 2: Subject of new extended power uprate request.
- Plant Vogtle Units 1 & 2: Extended power uprate previously approved in 2025 IRP.
- NU-1 tariff: New structure for Google to subscribe, protecting non-participating customers from incremental costs.
- Zero-Emission Credits: To be received by Google for power generated by the uprates.
Source: Georgia Power news release (PR Newswire)