Georgia Power marks transmission milestones in Vogtle expansion

Preparation underway to connect new units to power grid, ensure reliable service to millions

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Jun 03, 2015, 03:30 ET

ATLANTA, June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today the latest milestone in the construction of Vogtle units 3 and 4 – the recently completed redesign of the existing 500 kilovolt (kV) switchyard for Vogtle units 1 and 2. The 500kV switchyard takes energy from the plant and feeds it onto the power grid to serve customers across the state. The 500kV redesign included the addition of four new breakers, associated disconnect switches and a new relay protection scheme. The work, completed with no interruption of power distribution, will help ensure seamless integration of the new units into the overall Plant Vogtle system.

Georgia Power transmission linemen work on the new 500-kV transmission structures that will support Vogtle Unit 4.

Vogtle Unit 4 500 kV transmission switchyard.

Other major transmission milestones achieved at the plant recently include the completion of in-ground work for the Unit 4 Switchyard (foundations, control conduits and cableway), the rerouting of the West McIntosh 500kV line, the reconfiguration of the existing 230kV switchyard and commissioning of the new Vogtle 230kV switching station. Work continues on the Thomson-Vogtle 500 kV transmission line which is 55 miles long and runs from Thomson, Ga. to Plant Vogtle.

In addition to the transmission infrastructure taking shape, other recent construction highlights at the site include the concrete placement for the Unit 3 Annex Building basemat, the completion of the last of 12 separate water boxes within the Unit 3 Turbine Island and the arrival of multiple pieces of major equipment onsite such as the pressurizer for Unit 4.

The expansion at Plant Vogtle is part of Georgia Power's long-term, strategic vision for providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable energy for Georgians well into the future. Once Units 3 and 4 join the existing two Vogtle units already in operation, Plant Vogtle is expected to generate more electricity than any U.S. nuclear facility, enough to power more than one million homes and businesses.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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SOURCE Georgia Power