Georgia Power opens largest battery storage facility in the state

Georgia Power and state and local leaders cut the ribbon Friday on a brand new battery energy storage system facility near Ball Ground in Cherokee County.

Channel 2’s Lori Wilson was there as they opened the fourth and largest battery storage facility in the state, which was built to strengthen Georgia’s power grid.

The facility houses 1,100 self-contained Tesla batteries stored in individual locker-style units that will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

With a total capacity of 530 megawatts, the site provides backup power, with each megawatt capable of powering 800 to 1,000 homes.

Georgia Power Senior Vice President Rick Anderson stated that the battery facility forms a vital part of the company’s energy mix, complementing nuclear, gas, solar and coal sources.

“I think about it like a team sport, like football,” Anderson said.

He noted that the system is built to respond immediately if grid problems occur.

“If we ever have issues with reliability with the system... have an outage in the system, these batteries will step up, they’re really fast,” Anderson said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• New giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta make their debut
• Metro Atlanta cop didn’t misuse Flock cameras checking up on significant other’s ex, DA finds
• Dine and dasher assaults bartender at popular midtown restaurant, police say

Site operations feature remote computer oversight. If an issue arises with any battery unit, an automated system signals a monitoring company in Alabama, which then issues a work ticket to be handled by one of nine engineers stationed on site.

State Rep. Rick Jasperse, a Republican representing District 11, welcomed the facility’s role in the local community.

“We’re just happy to have Georgia Power investing in this community,” Jasperse said.

Jasperse added that the storage capacity will offer critical support during extreme weather conditions.

“Flip that switch on when it’s July 18th 104 degrees... these things are gonna help,” Jasperse said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]