Oglethorpe Power acquires 465 MW natural gas-fired plant

The company said Walton County Power will become one of its most efficient peaking plants.

Oglethorpe Power acquires 465 MW natural gas-fired plant
(Walton County Power in Monroe, Georgia )

Oglethorpe Power announced the acquisition of Walton County Power, a 465 MW, three-unit combustion turbine generation facility in Monroe, Georgia. The facility was purchased from Mackinaw Power Holdings, an affiliate of the global investment firm, The Carlyle Group.

Walton County Power began commercial operation in 2001, and Oglethorpe Power said it will become one of its most efficient peaking plants, specifically utilized in times of high electricity demand. The plant’s technology features a low heat rate, enabling the plant to generate electricity using less fuel compared to other technologies. Cogentrix will operate the facility until fall 2024, when Oglethorpe Power will assume operations responsibilities. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“As electricity demand continues to grow in Georgia, the advanced technology at Walton County Power will help ensure that we can reliably and affordably meet the increasing power supply needs of our members,” said Oglethorpe Power President & CEO Mike Smith.

Over the years, Oglethorpe Power has made strategic shifts in its generation portfolio, including the increase of natural gas, as well as its investment in nuclear energy with the recent completion of the Vogtle expansion project. The acquisition of Walton County Power marks Oglethorpe Power’s eighth acquisition of natural gas-fired generation in Georgia over the last 15 years, totaling more than 3,600 MW.

In addition to acquiring Walton County Power, Oglethorpe Power also owns and operates the Doyle Energy Facility in Walton County, a 273 MW five-unit combustion turbine plant.

“At Oglethorpe Power, we are committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where we own and operate assets. We are proud to have been an engaged corporate citizen in Walton County for many years, and we look forward to building upon our community partnership with the addition of Walton County Power,” Smith said.