Oglethorpe Power marked the ceremonial groundbreaking for its new Monroe County energy facility on May 7, 2026. The company announced a $3.3 billion investment near Rumble Road in the Smarr community, with operations projected to begin in 2029.
The planned combined-cycle facility represents a substantial addition to the county’s energy industry. Oglethorpe projects employment of up to 1,200 workers at peak construction and approximately 30 permanent positions once the facility is operating. The construction workforce and permanent operating team are separate parts of the project’s employment outlook.
For Monroe County, the project connects a large construction investment with opportunities in skilled trades and power generation. Residents interested in employment can use Oglethorpe’s project information page to find links to construction and permanent-career resources.
Oglethorpe’s project page provides the company’s ongoing updates as work progresses.
Sources: Oglethorpe Power: Monroe County project and career information; Oglethorpe Power: May 7, 2026 groundbreaking announcement