Estatoah Falls power plant, had served area since 1929

Photo Courtesy Rabun County Historical Society. The Georgia Public Service Commission recently approved the decommissioning of Georgia Power's smallest hydroelectric generating plant at Estatoah Falls in Rabun County.

DILLARD—After 90 years of serving customers in Rabun County, Georgia’s smallest hydroelectric generating plant has finally earned a rest.

The Georgia Public Service Commission recently authorized Georgia Power to decommission the tiny Estatoah Falls generating station, bringing to a close a chapter in local history that began in 1928.

The Estatoah Falls facility was producing power up until about four years ago, said Barry Brookshire, Manager of the North Georgia Hydro Group for Georgia Power.

Then, one of the pipes that brought water to the generator from Mud Creek broke.

“It was not cost-effective to replace the pipe,” Brookshire said. “So it’s been mothballed.”

The PSC ruling will allow the company to dismantle the small generator and the building located there.

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