Georgia Power announced Monday that Unit 4 at Plant Vogtle has entered commercial operation, producing enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes and businesses throughout Georgia. 

Vogtle Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31. With all four units now in operation, Plant Vogtle is expected to produce more than 30 million megawatt hours of electricity each year, according to a news release.

“The new Vogtle units are a key piece of our strategy to meet the energy needs of our customers not only tomorrow, but 20 years from now,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power in a news release. “… I’m also proud of the teams who have worked tirelessly to deliver the first newly constructed nuclear units in the U.S. in more than 30 years – representing a long-term investment that will benefit our customers and the state of Georgia for decades to come.”

The nuclear expansion project at Plant Vogtle was originally scheduled to conclude in 2016 and 2017. The project encountered a series of delays that drove up the cost to more than double the $14 billion anticipated when the Georgia PSC approved the reactor construction in 2009.

Previously: Plant Vogtle Unit 4 nuclear reactor reaches 100% power, says Georgia Power

The Public Service Commission voted late last year to let Georgia Power pass on to customers almost $7.6 billion of the project’s costs, which caused an increase in the average monthly residential customer’s bill by $8.95, according to reporting from Capitol Beat.

The plant is operated by Southern Nuclear on behalf of co-owners Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities. 

Nuclear energy provided more than 25% of Georgia Power’s generation, including Plant Vogtle and Plant Hatch in Baxley, Georgia, said executives.

In addition to the 800 permanent jobs created by the two new reactors, the nuclear expansion at Plant Vogtle employed more than 9,000 construction workers at the peak of the project, including engineers, welders, electricians, pipefitters, and plumbers, according to Georgia Power. 

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new bridge could be coming to give you a new access point to the Augusta Canal trail.

The Augusta Commission is exploring the possibility of budgeting money to go towards a new pedestrian bridge and trail off of Riverwatch Parkway.

These new additions could go next to the Residence at Riverwatch apartment complex. This will look to become the first connecting area off of Riverwatch Parkway to the Canal trail.

Right now, options for access points are Eisenhower Park, Lake Olmstead and the Savannah Rapids Park for the 10-mile path.

People using the trail are all for more options. This includes Emma Vukovich and Caroline Fowler who use the trail at least once a week to run, walk and picnic.

“We moved here about four years ago and this is definitely one of our favorite spots to come to,” said Fowler.

They park at Eisenhower Park and go to their favorite area which takes a mile to get to.

With a new bridge, their favorite spot would be right next to where the bridge could be, making picnicking a better experience.

“We can bring a lot more than just a couple of snacks out there. We can bring coolers for our picnic so make it definitely more accessible to the public, because it’s definitely the better spot one of the best spots on the canal my favorite spot. It’ll be easier to access,” said Fowler.

Right now, they drive farther to get to a better access point, but that still leaves them with a mile hike.

Vukovich said: “We actually live close to the Olmstead entrance but it’s super far to get to the more picturesque areas.”

They think if this bridge is built, more people from out of town would make the trip to use the Augusta Canal.

“It’ll bring more people out there. It will draw people to Augusta more even because I think it is one of the most pretty spots but like older people and people who don’t want to walk as far can’t get to it,” said Vukovich.

Initial costs for the project are around $2 million. The commission will look to accept $500,000 from the Georgia Department of Transportation to go towards the project.

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Augusta, GA — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we’ve launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Juanita Long who nominated Omari of Augusta, Georgia.

Star local student’s name

Omari

What grade is your star local student in?

9th

How do you know the star local student?

Grandson

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Omari is a hardworking young student. He has really focused and applied himself to achieving good grades in school. He’s well mannered and is respectful towards others. He will assist whenever he can and will offer to help without being coached by someone.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

Omari is truly a compassionate young person who has always been attentive and aware to what is happening around him.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Omari!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.