News Summary
Georgia Power has decided to proceed with the installation of high-voltage power lines in the historic Howell Station neighborhood, despite significant opposition from residents. The project, which involves tree removal and the addition of transmission lines, has raised safety and environmental concerns. Community members are particularly worried about the potential impact on local homes and health due to electromagnetic radiation. A town hall meeting was held to address these issues, but skepticism remains regarding Georgia Power’s commitment to community safety amidst their focus on infrastructure improvements.
Atlanta – Georgia Power has announced it will proceed with its plans to install high-voltage power lines through the historic Howell Station neighborhood, despite significant community opposition. This decision has sparked concerns among residents, particularly after tree removal began earlier this month to make way for the project.
The Fulton County Commission previously sold property in Howell Station to Georgia Power in March 2025 without consulting the community. As tree removal progressed, residents raised urgent concerns regarding the safety implications and environmental impact of the installation.
In response to these worries, Georgia Power hosted a town hall meeting on Tuesday night to answer questions from the community. During the meeting, the Fulton County Commission Chair expressed his dismay over the lack of public notice surrounding the current easement process. He emphasized the importance of transparency and community engagement on projects affecting local neighborhoods.
Misty Fernandez, Georgia Power’s Area Manager, acknowledged that the community was taken by surprise and expressed regret over the situation. The project involves the installation of 12 sets of power poles and two transmission lines designed to connect the Jefferson St. substation to the Northwest substation. The aim is to enhance the power grid’s capacity and reliability.
However, the community remains unsettled, with some residents questioning Georgia Power’s priorities, suggesting a focus on financial gain potentially comes at the cost of public safety. Concerns have been specifically raised about increased electricity usage from a nearby data center and its implications for the neighborhood.
A particular worry involves the removal of a tree line that has historically acted as a barrier between residents’ homes and the nearby Fulton County Jail. One parent voiced fears about the safety of their children due to the increased proximity of inmates following the tree removal. In response to these safety concerns, Georgia Power has suggested the possibility of discussing the installation of a wall to provide a buffer, but no commitments have been made regarding this proposal.
Additional issues raised during the meeting included health concerns associated with electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmission lines. While Georgia Power assured residents that the lines will adhere to federal safety standards, community members highlighted existing studies that challenge these assurances, further fueling skepticism about the project’s safety ramifications.
Georgia Power has pledged to keep the community informed as construction progresses but has maintained that the project will not change. Currently, there are no additional public meetings scheduled; however, leaders within the Howell Station Neighborhood Association are seeking to organize a follow-up meeting with Georgia Power to continue dialogue about community concerns.
In a show of solidarity, local children have taken action against the power line project, organizing protests to voice their safety concerns and advocate against the potential displacement of residents. This grassroots movement reflects the community’s deep-seated apprehensions about the implications of the project and highlights the urgency for ongoing discussions between Georgia Power and residents.
The Howell Station neighborhood now stands at a crossroads, balancing the anticipated benefits of improved power capacity and reliability against the community’s safety and environmental concerns. As Georgia Power moves forward, the tension between development and community needs remains palpable.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Power Line
- WSBTV
- Google Search: Georgia Power protests
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Electromagnetic Radiation Transmission Lines
- Savannah Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Power
