Power company plans for Lake Tugaloo dam

Georgia power companies have ambitious intentions for an aging dam that stands in the vicinity of Lake Tugaloo and the federally-protected Wild and Scenic Chattooga River.  The Lake Tugaloo dam is part of a network of hydro-electric facilities maintained and operated by Southern Company and Georgia Power.  According to a statement by Georgia Power, the Lake Tugaloo facilities are part of a mix of power generation that serves millions of Georgia customers, and the company wants to make investments there for the future.  The statement reads:  “Modernization efforts for Tugaloo Dam, specifically, will include investment in turbines, generators and plant systems and controls are expected to take place in the coming years.”  Watching with great interest, 101.7/WGOG NEWS has learned, are lovers of the outdoors, some of whom would like to see the Lake Tugaloo dam taken out of use so that the river and lake corridor can be returned to a natural state.