A $3.3 Billion USDA Loan Helping Build a New Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant in Monroe County
Friday, October 16th, 2026
Oglethorpe Power is receiving a $3.3 billion federal loan to help build a natural gas-fired power plant in Monroe County, a project company leaders say will help meet Georgia’s growing electricity demand while lowering costs for member utilities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the loan Wednesday, calling it the largest ever issued by its Rural Utilities Service. The money will support Oglethorpe Power’s Smarr Combined-Cycle facility near Forsyth, which is expected to begin service in 2029.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA is providing financial support for what she described as a “transformative” electric generating facility.
Read more at 13WMAZ.
