Transforming Georgia's Energy Landscape

Named after former Balch Managing Partner and Southern Company CEO, Alvin Vogtle, Vogtle Units 3 & 4 began operation as the first newly-constructed nuclear units in the U.S. in more than 30 years, with the capability to power an estimated one million homes and businesses.

THE IMPACT

Georgia Power’s Vogtle Units 3 and 4 are the first nuclear power plants constructed in the United States in more than 30 years.

Plant Vogtle Unit 3 entered commercial operation July 31, 2023, with the capability to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. Vogtle Unit 4 entered commercial operation April 29, 2024, with the ability to produce electricity to power an additional 500,000 homes and businesses, providing reliable, emissions-free energy to customers for at least 60 to 80 years, Georgia Power said. 

“It’s an exciting time to be a Georgian as our state continues to grow and thrive, with new demand for more clean energy each year,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “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.”

Balch & Bingham has served as lead project counsel on the development of Vogtle 3 & 4 since its inception, supporting Plant Vogtle through federal policy initiatives,  project due diligence, initial licensing, contract negotiation, drafting  and administration, commercial dispute resolution, and NRC licensing and enforcement matters. The firm has also assisted with the closure of certain Vogtle Unit 3 inspection, test, analyses and acceptance criteria (ITAAC), including the first ever challenge to an ITAAC closure notice under 10 CFR Part 52. The team also supported start up testing and commissioning of the new units and supported state regulatory counsel in Georgia Public Service Commission proceedings. 

Nuclear power units offer a clean, safe and reliable energy source, with the ability to generate electricity around the clock, more than twice as much as solar and wind resources. Nuclear energy is the only zero-emission baseload energy source available today.  

In 2023, nuclear energy provided more than 25% of Georgia Power's generation. With all four units now in operation, Plant Vogtle is the largest generator of clean energy in the nation.

THE TEAM

Balch & Bingham’s core legal team leading on this project include Managing Partner Stan Blanton, Energy Practice Chair Peter LeJeune and Partner Alan Lovett, all members of the firm’s globally ranked Nuclear Energy Practice. Lawyers from throughout the Firm have also been engaged to assist on employment, labor, investigations, litigation, and other matters in this project.

“We are proud and honored to support this project,” Stan said. “This Firm has decades of experience supporting the nuclear industry and Vogtle 3 & 4 is certainly a career defining opportunity for our lawyers who had the opportunity to assist in the development of this historic project. We look forward to further development of nuclear power in the United States and around the world to meet increasing energy demand with clean nuclear energy.”

The team continues to advise on novel and complex legal challenges related to the new Vogtle units.

THE COMPANY

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company, America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction.

Southern Nuclear Operating Company is a leader among the nation’s nuclear energy operators, running seven units for Alabama Power and Georgia Power. For more than 40 years, the company has operated nuclear energy facilities at the highest levels of safety and reliability, creating carbon-free electricity for millions of homes and businesses.

LEARN MORE

Georgia Power Press Release