Georgia Transmission Corporation

Congratulations to our colleagues Justin Denard and Lindberg Sweatmon, PE on their Leadership DeKalb graduation. During the 10-month program, they learned about matters vital to DeKalb County, enhanced their leadership skills, volunteered with local non-profits and built relationships that will last a lifetime. They join an impressive group of more than 1,500 alumni — including fellow Georgia Transmission colleagues Angie Farsee, Camron Carden, Terry Buttrill and Anne Lerner.   

For this quarter’s “Grid Champion” spotlight, we’re highlighting the Georgia Press Association for their “Local Matters” campaign on the importance of community-based journalism. Local Matters encourages communities to support their local newspapers – because communities with newspapers are better informed and better places to live. Local matters to us too, especially in the communities our partner EMCs serve.     When Georgia Transmission builds a new transmission line or substation, we know that means becoming a permanent part of the community. We take our responsibility to be a good neighbor seriously and work closely with the community and local paper. Local newspapers have been a vital part of our process on countless projects that support the cost-effective and reliable energy provided by our partner EMCs to more than 4.5 million Georgians.     Thank you, Georgia Press Association, for your partnership and for advocating for local newspapers that keep Georgians informed about the matters happening in their backyard.  

Georgia Transmission wishes you a heartfelt Memorial Day as we pay tribute and remember the courageous men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This weekend, let's all take the time to pause and reflect in gratitude for those who served and gave everything for our freedom. We are forever grateful.

As technology advances, our transmission lines and substations are ready to help provide Georgians with access to safe, reliable, cost-effective electricity to power today's needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.

At Georgia Transmission, we view every day as an opportunity to move forward to a brighter future. As the electric industry shifts toward a new energy mix, and the demand and reliance on electricity in our daily routines continues to increase, we know a robust, resilient and flexible grid will be key to success. That is why, in 2023, we made strategic moves to build forward momentum to meet the demands of an evolving industry. We did this while also continuing to deliver on our commitment to our member EMCs — helping them provide safe, reliable and cost-effective electricity to homes and businesses across the state. Learn more in our 2023 annual report linked below.

Georgia Transmission had the honor of attending Gov. Kemp’s signing of House Bill 1033 — the Utility Worker Protection Act. This law increases criminal penalties for those convicted of assault or battery against a utility worker. Special thanks to Gov. Kemp and lead bill sponsors Rep. Rob Leverett and Sen. Bill Cowsert for their efforts to deliver this added layer of protection for utility workers. Photo courtesy of Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp

Congratulations Danny Cortese, director of engineering services, who was recently honored with the Norman R. Harbaugh Scholastic Achievement Award by Georgia State University - J. Mack Robinson College of Business. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding management major in the university’s MBA program, based on the criteria of academic achievement, outstanding character, leadership potential and service to the university and community. At Georgia Transmission, Danny provides strategic leadership and oversight to our substation and transmission line design teams, and our research and development group. He is routinely recognized by his colleagues for his thoughtful leadership and team approach to finding the best solution.  Photo: Richard Phillips, dean, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Danny Cortese and Al McRae, president, Bank of America Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Georgia State University.

Each April, we celebrate the unwavering dedication and tireless commitment of Georgia's linemen. At Georgia Transmission, we understand the critical role that linemen play in maintaining the integrity of our power grid. Today and every day, we extend our gratitude to all the linemen who work tirelessly to keep the lights on in our homes and our businesses, rain or shine, day in and day out. #ThankALineman

This year, we’re spotlighting “Grid Champions” – individuals or organizations that have positively impacted Georgia’s electric industry and helped us in our mission to safely provide energy to Georgia’s EMCs and their communities. This quarter, we’d like to highlight Rep. Rob Leverett (R-Elberton) for his diligent work on the Utility Worker Protection Act to implement stricter penalties for assaults on Georgia utility workers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rep. Leverett for championing the protection of our employees as we do our part to keep your community’s lights on.

We recently welcomed students from the Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) in Vidalia to our Tucker headquarters. The students met with some of our leaders and team members for a glimpse into the daily life of a wide variety of disciplines in the electric utility industry. As a part of SECCA’s energy pathway program, these high school students learn about potential careers in energy and are provided a jump start on some of the foundational education courses necessary for the career field. Students who successfully complete the energy pathway courses are eligible to earn the Energy Industry Certificate from the Center for Energy Workforce Development. We are honored to be part of their experiential learning program and look forward to seeing these students help lead the future of energy.