Georgia Power and Google have finalized a $900 million agreement to extend uprates at two nuclear power plants, adding approximately 96 megawatts of capacity to Georgia’s electric grid. The deal, structured as a subscription-based program under the NU-1 tariff, will allow Google to access carbon-free energy credits tied to the uprated units. Nuclear power already accounted for over 25 percent of Georgia’s electricity generation last year, and the project is expected to deliver roughly $900 million in cumulative benefits to customers over its operational life, according to filings with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).
The agreement covers extended power uprates at Georgia Power’s owned portions of Plants Vogtle 1 & 2 and Plant Hatch 1 & 2, both of which were previously approved in the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan. Under the terms, Google will subscribe to the new tariff structure, receiving zero-emission credits for the carbon-neutral output generated by the uprated reactors. The modifications—including upgrades to turbines, pumps, and cooling systems—will enable reactors to operate at higher licensed thermal power levels, increasing their output. The deal remains subject to final approval by the Georgia PSC, which has already reviewed and approved similar uprates for Vogtle’s units.
Georgia Power serves 2.8 million customers across the state and is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). The partnership reflects broader industry trends toward integrating large-scale load growth with nuclear energy, as highlighted by Aaron Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth at Georgia Power. Mitchell noted that the collaboration demonstrates how expanded nuclear capacity can benefit all consumers, aligning with Georgia Power’s goal of maintaining a diverse, low-carbon energy mix. The deal follows Georgia Power’s prior filings for tariff adjustments to support the uprates, underscoring the project’s alignment with state regulatory priorities.
The uprates at Vogtle and Hatch are part of a broader effort to modernize Georgia’s nuclear fleet, which has faced challenges related to aging infrastructure and regulatory approval timelines. The project’s financial terms—including the $900 million valuation and customer benefits—highlight the economic and environmental value of extending nuclear operations, particularly in a state where nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of the electricity grid.
