ATLANTA - Georgia Power said Wednesday it will seek regulatory approval this summer to close eleven older generating units at three power plants. <br>
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The move would eliminate 82 jobs, including 68 at a power plant near Macon that would close. <br>
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The company said the capacity of the eleven units, 415 megawatts, would be more than compensated by new generating units scheduled to begin production this year. <br>
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The company will submit its proposal to the Public Service Commission next month as part of an amended document regulators require on how the utility plans to meet the state's electricity needs. <br>
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Company spokesman John Sell said Georgia Power's study of future energy needs found that slowing economic activity will reduce the amount of generation capacity needed in 2005 and beyond. Officials declined to discuss specific details about how much lower that revision would be, citing competitive concerns. <br>
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The closures are at: <br>
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--Plant Arkwright, Macon, coal-powered units one through four and two gas-turbine units. The company said the 220-acre property, on the Ocmulgee River north of Macon, will be evaluated for future use. <br>
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--Plant Atkinson, Smyrna, coal-powered units two through four. Fourteen positions will be eliminated at the plant. <br>
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--Plant Mitchell, Albany, coal-powered units one and two. The plant will continue to operate a steam unit and three combustion turbine units. <br>
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Georgia Power serves about 1.9 million customers in 153 counties.
