Ga. Power Wants to Shut Down Plant Branch | News

Georgia Power wants to shut down its coal-burning Plant Branch on Lake Sinclair in Putnam County.

Georgia Power spokesman Mark Williams says a plan to shut down 15 generating units would result in the closure of three power plants across the state.

Georgia Power announced Monday that it will request the state's public service commission to approve decertifying and retiring units at plants in Putnam, Coweta, Glynn and Chatham counties.

The company says several factors, including economic conditions and costs to comply with environmental regulations, contributed to the decision.

Williams says 480 employees will be impacted, and they'll be offered opportunities to retire or look for a new position within the company.

The company plans to shutter the units by April 16, 2015.

In 2011, Georgia Power asked the state for permission to shut down Units 1 and 2 at Plant Branch, which is a four-unit plant. Last year, the state Public Service Commission approved the shutdown, which should happen at the end of 2013.

Now, Georgia Power wants permission to shut down Units 3 and 4. That would mean a total shutdown of the plant within two years.