Flowing water referred to as hydro power is the most widely used renewable energy source in the world. With the advent of the electrical generator, hydroelectric power plants in North America grew from 45 in 1886 to more than 2,000 today.
Hydro is one of the longest-running energy sources in Georgia. Although hydro power currently supplies just 2 percent of the energy used by the state's consumers, it's still vitally important to our energy mix.
Periodically, all Georgia Power hydropower plants undergo a relicensing process. One active hydro project includes the relicensing of Wallace Dam, whose current license expires on June 1, 2020. In 2015, Georgia Power will begin the process to relicense the hydropower plant using the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Integrated Licensing Process (ILP).
Hydro Power Benefits
- Generates less pollution than fuel-burning power generation methods
- Has comparatively low ongoing costs
- Is renewable
- Creates public recreational areas and new habitats for wildlife
Georgia's Hydro Plants
Learn more about each of the hydro plants currently in use. See Generation Plant Brochures
Hydro is one of the longest-running energy sources in Georgia. Use our Transmission & Distribution table to see the breakdown by source and plant. Find Out More About Hydro Usage in Georgia
Other Renewable Energy Sources
Georgia Power utilizes other renewable forms of energy.
Read About the Other Renewables We Use
Hydro Power Demonstration
Read more about how hydroelectricity is generated and watch it demonstrated in an informative interactive piece. Go to Hydro Power 101
Enjoy Our Lakes
Georgia Power owns 15 lakes for hydroelectricity generation which, combined, offer thousands of acres of shoreline with public access areas. Enjoy everything from swimming to hiking trails, and see the beauty of our state.
Visit Lakes & Recreation
Did You Know?
Across the state, Georgia Power owns a network of 18 generating plants and 20 hydroelectric dams. Learn more about our generating plants.
Join a growing community of Georgians who support our environment and help generate more renewable power through the Green Energy Program.
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