944-Megawatt Peaking Facility
Franklin, Georgia
The Tenaska Georgia Generating Station is a 944-megawatt natural gas-fueled, simple-cycle, electric peaking generating station. It is located in Heard County, near Franklin, Ga.
The power plant was built in two phases. Phase one went into commercial operation in 2001, while phase two came on line in June 2002. Each phase consists of three General Electric Frame 7FA combustion turbines.
The peaking facility produces energy during periods of high demand (high heating in winter or cooling in summer, for example). It typically operates less than 10 percent of the time.
Exelon Generation Company, LLC, a division of Exelon Corp., purchases the entire power output of the plant for marketing in Georgia and throughout the Southeast.
Tenaska Georgia Partners, L.P. was formed by Tenaska to build and own the project. Tenaska affiliates serve as the managing partner and the operator.
The facility provides Heard County with significant benefits. The plant is projected to pay several million dollars in property taxes over its operating life, providing public funds to meet the county's needs. The plant does not require a large number of permanent workers who would increase demands for schools, roads, fire protection or other services.Tenaska established a 44-acre wetland preservation area adjacent to the facility, including wood duck nesting boxes and heron nesting platforms.
In 2008, Tenaska Georgia Generating Station was named Business of the Year by the Heard County Chamber of Commerce for its ongoing employee and plant support of numerous community events.
The employees of the plant won three awards from the National Safety Council for their excellent safety record and successful safety programs in 2009. The awards are the Safety Leadership Award, the Occupational Excellence Award and the Perfect Record Award. Tenaska Georgia employees have gone more than nine years without an occupational injury or illness involving days away from work.
