May 5, 2025
Oglethorpe Power Celebrates Talbot County Educators, Reinforcing Community Support During Teacher Appreciation Week
Company honors local educators and affirms dedication to education and youth development; presents $1.2 million tax payment, supporting schools and critical local services
Talbotton, GA (May 5, 2025) – In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, Oglethorpe Power honored every Talbot County educator and staff member with a catered lunch and a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts and positive impact on local students and families. The effort reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting the communities where it operates and its dedication to supporting education and youth development. Representatives from Oglethorpe Power were onsite to help serve lunch and personally thank educators for their service.
“We are proud to recognize these teachers and staff for the work they do that shapes the future of Talbot County,” said Davis Warnell, Oglethorpe Power Manager of Community and External Affairs. “As a corporate citizen in Talbot County, we’re invested in the growth and success of its students – some of whom may one day choose a career in the energy industry and become the next generation of electric utility leaders.”
In addition to honoring local educators, Oglethorpe Power also recently presented the Talbot County Tax Commissioner’s Office with its 2024 ad valorem tax payment of more than $1.2 million. As one of Talbot County’s largest taxpayers, the company’s tax payment will support the local school system and critical government services. Representatives from Flint Energies and Upson EMC, which provide electric service in Talbot County and other area counties, joined the presentation. They represent two of the 38 consumer-owned, not-for-profit distribution cooperatives that own and receive wholesale electricity from Oglethorpe Power.
Oglethorpe Power owns and operates the Talbot Energy Facility, a natural gas-fired generation plant in Talbot County. In 2024, the company announced the construction of a new combustion turbine unit at the facility. Once online, the new unit will make Talbot Energy Facility the most efficient natural gas-fired peaking plant in Oglethorpe Power’s fleet, helping to power Georgia’s electricity needs during periods of peak demand. The construction of the new unit will create hundreds of temporary construction jobs and represents a capital investment of approximately $360 million in Talbot County. This project adds to the ongoing work being completed at the site to enhance the facility with dual-fuel capabilities, increasing its reliability and resiliency, with completion expected by the end of this year.
“While power generation for our members is at the heart of what we do, our focus extends beyond generating reliable and affordable electricity. Expanding and enhancing this facility means we’re not just powering homes and businesses – we’re creating new opportunities and bringing more benefits to the people who live and work here,” said Doell Jackson, Operations and Maintenance Supervisor of the Talbot Energy Facility.
Oglethorpe Power strives to be an engaged corporate citizen and good neighbor in the communities where it owns and operates assets, with an emphasis on supporting underserved youth and enabling development through leadership and education programs. Last year in Talbot County, Oglethorpe Power supported Feeding the Valley food bank, sponsored 4-H’s Project Safe, donated to the Central Elementary-High School after-school program and provided funding for the REACH Georgia scholarship program.
About Oglethorpe Power
Oglethorpe Power is among the nation’s largest power supply cooperatives and is one of the largest energy producers in Georgia. With more than $16 billion in assets, Oglethorpe Power owns and operates a diverse portfolio of resources to provide reliable, affordable, safe and environmentally responsible energy to 38 consumer-owned, not-for-profit Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) that provide retail electricity to approximately 4.7 million Georgians. Through its investment in nuclear, natural gas, hydro and coal resources, Oglethorpe Power’s generation fleet has a combined capacity of more than 9,300 megawatts. For more information, visit www.opc.com.
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Contact: Blair Romero
Phone Number: 770-270-7290
Email: blair.romero@opc.com