Georgia Power is now offering workplace charging to its employees throughout the state of Georgia. The program is part of ECOtality's Electric Vehicle (EV) Project – a public-private partnership with the Department of Energy that evaluates the effectiveness of EV charger infrastructure. Georgia Power is the first company in the state to participate in the program, according to the company.

Georgia Power made 10 smart chargers available to employees Jan. 16 at its Atlanta headquarters to enable EV charging while at work. The company will also add additional chargers at other business locations around the state. Data captured from the chargers will be used to gain insight on workplace charging effectiveness and offer strategies for better use of infrastructure assets.

Georgia Power said it hopes to maximize employees' electric vehicle range and encourage adoption of proven transportation technologies among workers and customers.

"Offering this option to our employees is just another way we're showing our commitment to the electric transportation industry," said Mike Hazelton, Georgia Power's VP of marketing. "Our participation in this project allows us to further explore innovative ways to help our customers save money, use energy efficiently, and help the environment."

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.