KEY POINTS
-
Georgia Power seeks approval for a 10,000 MW energy expansion, driven by Georgia’s booming data center market, which could potentially spark significant construction opportunities throughout the state.
-
The expansion could bring new power plants, battery storage systems, grid upgrades, and related infrastructure, creating possible opportunities for contractors and trades.
-
The Georgia Public Service Commission’s Dec. 19 vote will determine the project’s future, impacting Georgia’s data center, power grid, and construction landscape.
The construction industry is closely watching as Georgia Power seeks state approval for a massive expansion of its energy capacity. The utility is asking the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) for permission to add approximately 10,000 megawatts of new power generation, a move driven by the state’s booming data center market.
A decision in favor of the proposal could trigger a significant wave of new generation, transmission, substation, and related infrastructure projects across the state.
To put the scope of the request in perspective, Georgia Power’s total power capacity reported at the end of 2024 was 14.8 KW. The proposed 10,000 megawatts is equivalent to roughly the entire capacity from gas, oil, and coal for Georgia Power through the end of 2024. This highlights the substantial new power grid infrastructure that would be required if regulators approve the plan.
Georgia and the Data Center Boom
Georgia Power currently serves more than 73 data centers and has commitments tied to nearly 7,900 MW of projects for large-load customers.
The trend reflects the rapid development of data centers and infrastructure observed in other U.S. hubs, as ConstructConnect Chief Economist Michael Guckes stated in a recent Data Center Report.
Guckes reported that Southern US states dominated data center construction, with Louisiana, Virginia, and Texas collectively accounting for over two-thirds of all U.S. starts spending through September 2025.
Georgia recorded $1.7 billion for the trailing 12-month period through September 2025, as shown in the map below.
This map shows US Data Center construction starts spending in $ billion for the trailing 12-month period through September 2025. Image and Data powered by ConstructConnect Project Intelligence
The Regulatory Debate: Who Foots the Bill?
A central point of debate in Georgia, as well as other states, is how the expansion will be funded. The PSC’s Public Interest Advocacy staff has raised concerns that if the projected data center demand does not materialize, residential and small business customers could face monthly bill increases to cover the costs of the new capacity.
However, Georgia Power has stated that existing customers will not be held liable. The utility said that large data center users will cover the costs of the new generation, transmission, and substation infrastructure through their contracted service agreements.
Total Georgia Power capacity through the end of 2024 is reported at 14.8 KW. The power company has proposed an expansion of 10,000 MW. Image: Georgia Power
What It Means for Construction Professionals
For contractors and trades, the proposed 10,000 MW expansion represents a significant potential pipeline of work. The plan, if approved, could create demand for construction in:
-
New power plants, including natural gas facilities
-
Battery energy storage systems
-
Grid modernization and upgrade projects
-
Related civil and industrial projects
This scenario is what some refer to as fleet expansion, the multifaceted building of assets that adds to the collective output of a utility’s power plants or generating units.
In October, for instance, Georgia Power announced it had broken ground on a new 200 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Twiggs County, southeast of Macon. Adjacent to the existing Twiggs County Solar facility, this project is designed to quickly dispatch stored energy and enhance grid reliability.
Across the US, utilities are undertaking fleet expansions and investing billions in new and upgraded facilities to meet surging electricity demand, particularly as the expectations of AI and cloud computing accelerate load growth.
For construction professionals, these projects may translate into opportunities across the power sector.
A Pivotal December Decision
Adding to the complexity, Georgia Power has agreed to a rate freeze through 2028. The Georgia PSC is scheduled to vote on the proposal on December 19. The vote is a critical moment that will shape not only Georgia’s strategy for data center growth but also the landscape of possible construction opportunities.
Stay Connected
Stay connected with ConstructConnect News, your source for construction economy insights, market trends, and project news.
About ConstructConnect
At ConstructConnect, our software solutions provide the information that construction professionals need to start every project on a solid foundation. For more than 100 years, our keen insights and market intelligence have empowered commercial firms, building product manufacturers, trade contractors, and architects to make data-driven decisions, streamline preconstruction workflows, and maximize their productivity. Our newest offerings—including our comprehensive, AI-assisted software—help our clients find, bid on, and win more projects.
ConstructConnect operates as a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000.
For more information, visit constructconnect.com
%20at%20twilight%20in%20US..jpg)