Growth in Power Demand

Georgia’s population growth has skyrocketed over the past four decades. Between 1970 and 2000, the state’s population nearly doubled, increasing from 4.6 million residents to 8.8 million. And there is no sign that this trend will diminish any time soon. Currently, Georgia is the fifth fastest growing state in the nation and, at more than 9 million residents, is the ninth largest state overall.
    The impacts of Georgia’s strong growth will be felt in areas such as housing, schools and transportation systems. But one of the biggest impacts will be on the electrical supply system. More people, combined with more household devices such as large screen TVs and computers, will mean much higher demand for electricity. 
    This is especially true for many of the 39 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) served by Oglethorpe Power, which provide retail electric service in fast-growing suburban or exurban areas where much of the fastest growth is taking place. 
    In terms of customer demand for power, the Member Systems comprise the fastest growing segment of the state’s utility industry. This demand is projected to grow at 4.30 percent annually between 2008 and 2017 (actual figures could differ). That is about double Georgia Power Company, at 2.05 percent,
and MEAG Power, at 2.18 percent.

Photo credit, above banner:  Georgia Department of Economic Development