Last year, Gov. Brian Kemp and state leaders announced that for the 10th year in a row, Georgia has been named the number one state in the country to do business—a remarkable achievement in and of itself. An achievement like this doesn’t happen overnight—and it certainly doesn’t happen by accident.
Stephen Lawson
What’s more is that in that same ranking, Georgia is also the #1 state for energy availability and costs–and it’s far from a coincidence. But for this success to continue, we must keep investing in our energy infrastructure and explore innovative solutions to meet the increased demand across our state sustainably.
In a rapidly growing state of 11 million people, with a record $24 billion in new investment and 38,000 new jobs last year alone, and major projects like Rivian, Hyundai, and solar plant Qcells coming to the state, powering that growth and success only happens with a solid, dependable, proven utility grid—and that’s exactly what we have in Georgia. Georgia has one of the strongest utility grids in the nation because of significant, long-term investments, a diversified energy mix, and policies that have put Georgia consumers and job creators first.
Georgia has one of the nation’s most reliable utility grids – proven by energy rates that consistently fall 10% below the national average. Our state’s largest provider, Georgia Power, has made significant investments to fortify our state’s infrastructure and improve reliability for customers–from replacing poles to installing smart devices to burying underground lines. Georgia is making record strides in improving energy sustainability by continuously investing in the grid, making it stronger, and ensuring that it is more resilient than it has ever been.
A lot of times, most of us take for granted what a stable, reliable, and affordable energy grid provides for us. But while other states like California—with frequent rolling blackouts—and Texas—which saw massive energy losses with cold temperature snaps—have faltered, Georgia’s energy infrastructure has delivered time and time again at a high level when it matters most.
We’re also continuing to build for the future of energy by continuing to diversify our energy mix and production. Our state is currently one of the top 10 states for solar energy in the United States, and we’ve seen a recent flood of solar investment into the state as a result of this commitment to clean energy. Qcells has completed a massive plant in Dalton that will produce enough solar panels to generate 5.1 gigawatts of power each year.
On the nuclear side, we saw a major milestone just last month with the completion of Plant Vogtle’s Unit 3 and 4–which will deliver clean, sustainable nuclear energy. In fact, Vogtle’s units 3 and 4 are expected to produce 17.2 million megawatt hours of clean, nuclear energy each year – cutting annual carbon emissions, ensuring pricing stability, and generating enough power for roughly 500,000 homes and businesses on its own. Georgia’s diversification of energy – nuclear, coal, and solar – has provided a successful foundation for generating reliable and sustainable electricity for decades. Investments like these emphasize that Georgia’s energy model is well equipped for the future.
The reality is that Georgia, a rapidly growing state, is continuing to move forward and trend in the right direction each year. Businesses are thriving, record investments are being made, and numerous economic opportunities are coming to all corners of the state – and Georgia’s energy sector is a key reason why. But we shouldn’t rest on our laurels. Looking ahead, there will continue to be rising demands and pressures that require continued innovation, adaptability, and strategic investments. On the heels of his recent economic development trade mission to South Korea, Kemp floated the idea of embracing zero-emission hydrogen fuel for use in Electric Vehicles. This is just one example of the forward-thinking, strategic leadership that the Governor and General Assembly have rightly taken over the past few years, and should continue to embrace. By taking bold, innovative approaches to our energy diversification, we can continue building our state’s success, solidify our position as the best state to do business in, and make Georgia the best place to live, work a raise a family for generations to come.
Stephen Lawson is a Principal at Dentons where he oversees public affairs and strategic communications for a wide range of clients. He has also advised a number of candidates and elected officials in Georgia, including Speaker Jon Burns, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
