Georgia Power struck a last-minute deal with regulators to greenlight a $15B grid expansion before public hearings began. (WABE)
The deal: The utility reached a “stipulated agreement” with PUC staff to approve a massive buildout—roughly 5X the capacity of the recently built nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle—focusing on gas and batteries to feed the data center boom.
This is a major reversal for regulatory staff, who originally planned to demand strict conditions (like building only after data centers signed contracts).
The timing matters: Despite voters recently ousting 2 commissioners in a historic shakeup, the current lame-duck board rejected calls to delay the decision and plans to vote on the deal next week, just before new members take office.