T&D World Live Podcast: Freddie Wright on Leading Georgia Power’s Grid Transformation

In this episode of the T&D World Live Podcast, we sit down with Freddie Wright, Director of the Grid Investment Program at Georgia Power, to discuss how the utility is reshaping its infrastructure — and its culture — for a smarter, more resilient grid.

Wright, whose 27-year career in transmission, distribution, and leadership began at Mississippi Power, brings a human-centered approach to the modernization of Georgia’s electric grid.

“I really love working with people, helping people continue to develop,” Wright said. “And really seeking out ideas from folks to help us in this utility space continue to grow.”

At the core of Georgia Power’s multi-billion-dollar grid investment initiative is the goal of reducing outages and improving reliability — while remaining focused on affordability and customer impact.

“We’ve installed over 500 miles of underground distribution lines,” Wright noted. “Our customers are experiencing up to 50% fewer and shorter outages because of the work we've done.”

These results stem from smart, targeted improvements — like undergrounding, sectionalizing, feeder relocation, and stronger system ties — that are both technically sound and economically vetted.

“We perform an economic benefit analysis to help us determine which investments will deliver the best reliability at the lowest cost to customers,” he explained.

That balance between long-term vision and near-term customer value is a recurring theme in Wright’s leadership. Drawing on a career that has spanned fleet, substations, and on-ground networks, he emphasizes the importance of strategic collaboration and continuous learning.

“Developing and communicating a vision is key,” he said. “But also, actively seeking input from others — that's really influenced how I approach the Grid Investment Program today.”

Another area where Wright is clearly invested is workforce development — not just in recruitment, but in nurturing the next generation of utility professionals to lead with purpose and adaptability.

“I really focus on teaching how to create value for customers. Hands-on opportunities, exposure to technology, connecting with industry experts — those things matter,” he said. “And it’s also about listening to the next generation. They have so many great ideas.”

He also emphasized that innovation doesn’t come without risk — and that failure can be part of the process.

“Everything we try isn’t going to be successful. But when we fail, we learn and keep moving forward.”

This mindset will be on full display at T&D World Live in September, where Wright will lead a session focused on resilience, reliability, and the technologies shaping the grid.

“We’ll talk about how we’re using AI, smart meters, and predictive analytics to drive grid performance,” Wright said. “Things like self-healing networks and cloud-based systems that help us identify voltage fluctuations or equipment wear in real-time.”

He adds that customer communication is equally vital. Georgia Power relies on direct mail, texts, and surveys to keep communities informed before, during, and after infrastructure projects.

“We make sure customers know when we’re coming into their neighborhoods, and we follow up after. We ask: Are you seeing the benefits? And they’re telling us, yes.”

When asked to reflect on a lesson that’s guided his journey from a young engineer to a senior leader, Wright’s answer came down to values.

“It’s important to value individuals,” he said. “Demonstrating appreciation for people and their ideas, and motivating them effectively — those are the things that create the most meaningful outcomes.”

As he prepares to share Georgia Power’s story at T&D World Live, September 23–25 in Phoenix, Wright leaves us with a reminder that modernization isn’t just about wires, data, and AI — it’s about people.

“What’s a better purpose than providing a service and a value to the community, to help them grow and thrive? That’s why we do what we do.”