Georgia’s economic success story did not happen by accident.

Over the past six years, Georgia has exceeded previous economic development records, generating more than $174.7 billion in investment and creating more than 255,000 jobs across more than 2,600 projects. Perhaps most importantly, 83% of that investment has occurred outside Metro Atlanta, proving that in Georgia, zip codes do not dictate opportunity.

Behind that success is something most Georgians rarely think about until it disappears: reliable energy infrastructure.

The Georgia Chamber’s long-term strategic plan, GEORGIA|2050, recognizes a simple truth: reliable infrastructure is the foundation of every strong economy. Governor Brian Kemp, legislative leaders, the Public Service Commission (PSC), and our utility partners deserve tremendous credit for maintaining a disciplined, long-term approach to energy planning while many states across the country struggle with uncertainty and instability.

When the lights go out in other parts of the country, they stay on in Georgia.

That reliability matters.

Every part of Georgia’s economy depends on safe, affordable, readily available and consistent power. Manufacturers require it to operate advanced facilities. Hospitals rely on it to deliver care. Families depend on it to power homes and transportation. Farmers need it to operate equipment and irrigation systems. Technology companies and data centers require enormous computing capacity supported by reliable electricity. Even everyday consumer demand continues growing as our economy becomes increasingly digital and connected.

Georgia has been able to meet that demand because our state planned ahead, both in recent years and decades into the past.

Our vertically integrated utility structure, overseen by the PSC, allows utilities to make long-term investments while remaining responsive to evolving consumer and business needs. That system has helped Georgia maintain one of the most reliable and affordable energy environments among top GDP-producing states, even during periods of expansive growth, national inflation and global uncertainty.

Georgia also benefits from one of the most diverse and collaborative energy ecosystems in the country. Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, Georgia’s EMCs, Georgia Transmission, MEAG Power, Dalton Utilities, and others continue investing in generation, transmission, and grid reliability across the state. Our strong natural gas infrastructure also provides critical reliability and flexibility as energy demand continues evolving.

At the same time, Georgia has embraced an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. Nuclear, natural gas, solar, hydropower, battery storage, and emerging technologies will all play a role in powering Georgia’s future. The completion of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 positioned Georgia as home to the nation’s largest producer of clean energy, while utilities across the state continue expanding renewable generation and strengthening grid resiliency.

This conversation is not simply about growth for growth’s sake. It is about keeping Georgia affordable, competitive, and prepared for the future.

The states that win economically over the next 25 years will be the states capable of delivering safe, reliable, affordable energy to support homes, businesses, manufacturing, logistics, innovation, and next-generation technologies. Georgia is positioned to lead because leaders here have consistently been willing to think long-term instead of waiting for crises to force action.

Energy security is economic security.

And Georgia’s continued success will depend on preserving the thoughtful, collaborative approach that brought us here in the first place.