On May 28, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 State of Energyevent at The Coca-Cola Company Headquarters in Atlanta, convening business leaders, utility executives, policymakers, and economic developers to discuss Georgia’s evolving energy landscape and the infrastructure needed to support the state’s continued economic growth.

As part of the Georgia Chamber’s “State of” series, the event focused on the intersection of energy policy, economic development, evolving infrastructure needs, and Georgia’s long-term competitiveness.

The program featured remarks and panel discussions from leaders representing Georgia’s energy, manufacturing, and economic development sectors, including Stuart Countess, President and CEO of KIA Georgia and 2026 Georgia Chamber Chair; Kim Greene, Chairman, President and CEO of Georgia Power and 2026 Georgia Chamber Vice Chair; Annalisa Bloodworth, President and CEO of Oglethorpe Power Corporation; Jim Fuller, President and CEO of MEAG Power; Kevin Greiner, President and CEO of Gas South; Niki Vanderslice, President & CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority; and Katie Ottenweller, Lead of Energy Market Development for US Eastern Region at Google.

During the event, Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber, highlighted the critical role energy infrastructure plays in supporting Georgia’s rapid economic expansion and announced two new initiatives: the Georgia Digital Infrastructure Alliance and the Georgia Chamber’s Data Center Ready Community Designation.  

Chris Clark, President and CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, said:  

“The modern economy no longer simply uses electricity. As demand for energy, connectivity, computing power, and digital infrastructure continues to grow, Georgia has an opportunity not just to participate in the future economy, but to help lead it. Through the launch of these initiatives, we are bringing together the full ecosystem including utilities, data center operators, local governments, educators, and industry leaders to think long-term about Georgia’s future through facts, planning, partnership, and economic stewardship.”

Additional details on both initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.

Panel discussions throughout the event explored Georgia’s growing energy demand, the impact of data centers and advanced manufacturing, and the role of natural gas and emerging technologies in powering the state’s future economy.

The event concluded with remarks from Daniela Perry, Executive Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation.

For more information about the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and future events, visit gachamber.com.