COBB COUNTY, Ga. — As temperatures soar across the state, Georgia Power says preparation, technology and a dedicated workforce are key to keeping electricity flowing to millions of customers.
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Channel 2 Action News got exclusive access inside Plant McDonough, where workers monitor and maintain the equipment that helps power homes and businesses across the state, even during periods of extreme demand.
Georgia Power officials say the company plans ahead for heat waves by ensuring it has the ability to generate more electricity than is typically needed, providing a cushion when demand spikes.
Inside Plant McDonough, that preparation comes to life through a combination of massive turbines, constant monitoring and employees working in challenging conditions.
“It takes people, right? It takes people to operate these turbines,” said Plant McDonough Manager Latonya Johnson.
As turbines spin and temperatures climb, crews work throughout the facility to ensure critical equipment remains operating within safe limits.
“Because one little thing could upset something else and make the plant trip or shut down,” said Operations Team Leader Seneca Allen.
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The plant’s turbines operate at roughly 3,600 revolutions per minute, generating enough electricity to supply more than two million homes with power and air conditioning.
“The heat does matter when it gets hot outside. We have to make sure that our temperatures and pressures stay within parameters so we can continue to run,” Allen said.
Inside the control room, teams continuously monitor plant conditions and communicate with workers throughout the facility to make adjustments when necessary.
“We make sure we have eyes, ears, and sometimes feel on the equipment so that we’re able to respond to any upsets quickly,” Johnson said.
Georgia Power says employee safety is also a top priority. Workers receive training on how to respond to heat-related and other medical emergencies, recognizing the importance of maintaining a safe operation while keeping the power grid running.
The company’s goal is to ensure customers remain comfortable regardless of the weather outside.
“Everybody wants to be cool when they want to be cool; they want to be warm when they wanna be warm,” Johnson said.
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