Ga., Ala. power companies have huge stake, influence in water wars

Georgia, Alabama and Florida have been quarreling for nearly 20 years over the Chattahoochee River. But there’s another player in the game, working mostly in the background, wielding enormous influence.  Georgia Power and Alabama Power, both owned by Southern Co. and both drawing huge quantities of water from the river, have huge stakes in the dispute. Perhaps predictably, their presence has simply given the states more to argue about.

The latest spat was prompted by Gov. Sonny Perdue’s recent decision to appoint the head of Georgia Power to lead a team of state business and political leaders that is advising the governor on how to proceed.  Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Sen. Richard Shelby have decried the appointment of Georgia Power President Michael Garrett. But Perdue, calling the Alabama complaints “hypocritical,” pointed out Wednesday that Alabama Power has always had an active role in fighting the water wars.