Modernizing Our Transmission Infrastructure

Did you know that more than a quarter of the U.S. grid infrastructure is at least fifty years old, with the average age of large power transformers used in electrical substations being more than 40 years, beyond its life expectancy?

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 70% of power transformers are 25 years or older, 60% of circuit breakers are 30 years or older, and 70% of transmission lines are 25 years or older.

After its founding, MEAG Power purchased 875 miles of transmission lines and 63 substations in 1977, adding another 165 miles of transmission lines and 11 substations two years later. Many of these transmission assets are still in use today.

Modernizing the electric grid is a pressing priority for the U.S. energy industry. Some of the risks from outdated equipment include:

• Greater vulnerability to outages, especially in times of severe weather events.
• Rising costs for maintenance and emergency repairs.
• Decreasing efficiency and higher energy loss.

Every four years, ASCE issues a report card for America’s infrastructure. Its 2025 report gives energy a D+, partly due to challenges of modernizing an aging grid at a time when demand for power is increasing rapidly and new generation projects are taking longer to complete.

The good news is that the ASCE gave Georgia’s energy system a B. It’s report on Georgia states, “Georgia has invested billions in energy grid upgrades and accelerated its transition away from coal-fired power plants to nuclear, natural gas, and solar energy sources. With more people and businesses moving to Georgia and increased energy needs as more companies build new data centers in the state, a reliable and robust energy grid is vital for Georgia’s economic future.”

At MEAG Power, we’ve been taking meaningful steps to replace aging equipment. Here’s a rundown of some of our recent transmission upgrade projects:

• Lawrenceville #3 Substation – the bank “C” transformer, which was originally installed in the late 1980s/early 1990s is being upgraded to a 25 MVA unit with a 25kV lowside. We’ve already replaced the existing 115/12kV with a new 115/25kV bank and converted the feeders to 25kV. In addition, we’re upgrading Lawrenceville #1 to provide 25kV service to a new hospital and adding a new 115/25kV, 25MVA bank with a 25kV feeder.
• Tifton–Offerman 230 kV Line Rebuild – this is a replacement of a line that was built in 1962, including existing shield wire and 162 tubular steel structures determined to be end-of-life. We’re currently working on the first of three sections of line, from Douglas to Offerman which runs 46.8 miles.
• Aultman Road–Bonaire Line – replacement of a 4.9 mile line built in 1956 that is in danger of thermal overload in a section based on loading, growth and contingencies.
• Monroe #5 Substation – we’re building a new 230/12kV delivery point to provide additional capacity due to the load growth in the area and to provide operational flexibility for the city’s distribution operations. We expect this substation to be energized in June 2026.
• Fortson Substation – we’re 50% complete in a modernization project that is projected to be completed in early 2027.
• Washington #3 / Ray Place Road – were rebuilding a 115kV line, which is expected to be completed in December 2026.