How the City of Brookhaven's partnership with Georgia Power is improving safety and fueling economic growth
Large expansion projects by major employers have brought approximately 10,000 new jobs to the City of Brookhaven over the past several years, significantly fueling the local economy, according to Christian Sigman, the city's manager.
Some of the big investments in the community are from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital, the Emory Musculoskeletal Institute and AT&T's significant expansion in Lenox Park.
These projects symbolize the power of collaboration and reinforce the city's belief that in 'Brookhaven, we're better together.' A key example is the partnership with Georgia Power, which commits to provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its Brookhaven customers.
'Just about every economic development deal or expansion project involves the need for the resilient energy services provided by Georgia Power,' Sigman said. 'Businesses come to Brookhaven knowing these utility services will power their operations, protect their investments, and future proof potential future expansions.'
Brookhaven and Georgia Power have worked together in several ways, demonstrating what can be accomplished with public-private partnerships.
'By enhancing public safety, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and supporting economic development, Georgia Power and Brookhaven exemplify the spirit of being 'Better Together,'' said Georgia Power Metro North Region Area Manager Toni Hannah. 'As we look to the future, Georgia Power remains dedicated to fostering similar alliances, ensuring that all cities in Georgia have access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy. This enduring commitment underscores our role in powering a brighter and more resilient tomorrow for all Georgians.'
Implementation of high-tech tools to make the community safer
Georgia Power is working with the City of Brookhaven on the installation of Flock safety and security devices on select Georgia Power poles to augment the already 200-plus cameras and license plate readers throughout the City.
The Flock Safety cameras, Sigman said, are a crime deterrent and investigative tool that make residents and businesses feel safer and greatly expedite criminal investigations. Their installation is only possible because of the partnership with Georgia Power.
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Reducing transportation emissions — electric vehicle (EV) charging
Several years ago, as an early adopter of EV charging infrastructure, the City of Brookhaven worked with Georgia Power to install two fast charging stations as part of the utility company's Community Charging Program that was approved by the Public Service Commission.
These fast chargers allow EV drivers to travel with confidence. The Community Charging Program is designed to support electric vehicle charging needs in underserved areas and expand the growth of EV fast charging locations by building a resilient charging network across Georgia.
Meeting the electricity needs of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta CHOA's Arthur M. Blank Hospital
Georgia Power was present in the early planning stages of the CHOA North Druid Hills campus, establishing relationships and determining the strategic plan for the facility's power and resiliency requirements.
The relationship building and continuous meetings with stakeholders resulted in the development and implementation of the campus roadway, pedestrian walkway, and site lighting. The City of Brookhaven also participated in the Georgia Power Commercial Energy Efficiency program with the recently constructed Public Safety Building.
LED lights upgrade
The city worked with the Georgia Power Customer Solutions Team to upgrade 32 high-intensity discharge (HID) lights on Dresden Drive to LED lights. After the successful switch of these lights, Brookhaven upgraded the remaining 2,625 HID lights citywide, ensuring more energy efficient and higher quality lighting throughout the community.
LED lights last longer than HID lights and use less energy, keeping Georgia Power's commitment to providing customers clean and reliable energy options.
Underground lines for MARTA and park projects
Georgia Power coordinated the installation of power lines underneath the MARTA tracks to the Brookhaven City Center. Placing the lines underground helps to provide more reliable energy, especially during storms.
Georgia Power also assisted in getting new transformers and inspections completed for Brookhaven, Briarwood and Linwood parks.
Power of partnership
'The City of Brookhaven will continue to thrive with more energy efficient lighting, increased security, more convenient EV charging and a $7 million investment in network power infrastructure upgrades, distribution power installation and site lighting improvements for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta,' Hannah said. 'I'm proud of the longstanding relationship Georgia Power has with the City of Brookhaven. We've partnered with the city's forward-thinking administration on a myriad of projects, including power delivery infrastructure, economic development, public safety and EV infrastructure.'
As Georgia Power continues to collaborate with communities across the state, the partnership with the City of Brookhaven stands as a testament to what can be achieved through shared vision and commitment, she said.
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