Plant Vogtle and Georgia’s Energy Future, with Kelley Balkcom, Georgia Power (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 103)
In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, interviews Kelley Balkcom, Region Executive for Georgia Power. They discuss the pivotal role of Plant Vogtle in securing Georgia’s energy future, highlighting its significance as the first new nuclear unit built in the U.S. in over three decades. Kelley shares insights about her background, Georgia Power’s integrated resource planning, the challenges and successes of developing Plant Vogtle’s new units, and the importance of diverse energy sources. They also touch on Georgia’s distinction as the “best state to do business,” workforce development, and what North Fulton residents and businesses can expect from these advancements.
The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.
Kelley Balkcom, Region Executive, Georgia Power
Kelley Balkcom serves as the Metro North Region Executive at Georgia Power Company where she manages external affairs for the Gwinnett, North DeKalb, North Fulton and Forsyth areas.
Prior to her current role, Kelley was leading the company’s Regulatory Affairs team. In this role, Kelley was responsible for developing and implementing regulatory strategies as well as building and maintaining constructive relationships with key external stakeholders impacting Georgia’s energy policy decisions. Key successful accomplishments include: 2022 Integrated Resource Plan, 2022 Rate Case, Fuel Case, Vogtle 3 & 4 Prudence Review, and 2023 Integrated Resource Plan Update.
Her career began at Georgia Power Company in 2003 in the sales organization. She was a member of the Key Account team, where she provided dedicated customer service and sales support to large business customers. Kelley has also worked within the Pricing & Rates organization, where she supported business customers with tariff analyses. In addition to her various marketing and sales positions, Kelley worked in the Customer Service Operations Financial Support organization, where she served as a financial comptroller, supporting statewide operations teams.
Over the years, Kelley has led various teams focused on providing technical analyses, customer service, sales and energy efficiency support to statewide residential and business customer markets. Prior to joining Regulatory Affairs, Kelley supported the Executive Vice President of External Affairs & Nuclear Development, where she was responsible for broad support of goal achievement among the organization’s cross-functional teams.
Born and raised in the Atlanta area, Kelley earned a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Georgia in 2003. She received her M.B.A. from Mercer University in 2009. She participated in the inaugural Georgia Chamber High Potentials program in 2018 and recently served on the University of Georgia’s Board of Visitors. She is a member of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2020-2021, a member of New Mexico State’s Center for Public Utilities and a participant in the Atlanta Women’s Foundation 2025 Inspire program.
Georgia Power
High reliability, low prices, and high customer satisfaction are cornerstones of the Georgia Powers’s commitment to its customers, but its dedication extends beyond these principles. Equally committed to giving back to the communities it serves, the company continues to uphold its vision of being “A Citizen Wherever We Serve,” a philosophy established more than 100 years ago by its first president, Preston Arkwright Sr.
As the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation’s largest electricity generators, the company serves 2.5 million customers across all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Its foundation is built on value, reliability, customer service, and stewardship. Focused on delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy at rates below the national average, it maintains a diverse and innovative generation mix, incorporating nuclear, 21st-century coal, natural gas, and renewable sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and wind.
Dedicated to providing world-class service, the company consistently earns recognition from J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction.
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Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:42 Meet Kelley Balkcom: Georgia Power’s Regional Executive
02:56 The Significance of Plant Vogtle
04:54 Challenges and Triumphs in Nuclear Energy
06:15 Understanding Clean Energy and Nuclear Power
07:53 Georgia’s Diverse Energy Portfolio
13:07 The Future of Energy in Georgia
22:13 Workforce Development and Opportunities
25:09 Touring Plant Vogtle
26:59 Conclusion and Contact Information
About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider
The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.
The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.
As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.
GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.
For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.
