New Monroe County facility expected to power 800,000 homes

Leaders say the project will bring jobs, tax revenue and long-term economic growth to the area.

SMARR, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Oglethorpe Power broke ground Thursday on a new combined-cycle energy facility in Monroe County that leaders say will bring jobs, tax revenue and long-term economic benefits to the area.

The project is expected to bring significant economic activity, including job creation, increased tax revenue and long-term community benefits.

President and CEO of the Oglethorpe Power Corporation Annalisa Bloodworth says once opened, the facility will produce enough electricity to power an estimated 800,000 homes.

“Monroe County has been an incredible partner,” she said. “We have had a facility here that we operated for many years; we’ve owned this land for decades, and we knew when it came time to build a new generation, Monroe County would be a great home with great access to natural gas pipelines as well.”

The plant is planned to open by 2029.