The Challenge
Georgia Power initiated a $9 billion program to remediate 12 coal ash ponds at decommissioned power plants across its portfolio. Coal ash contains toxic heavy metals that can pollute groundwater, harm wildlife, and endanger public health — and containment failures during extreme weather events posed the risk of catastrophic spills affecting surrounding communities.
PwC engaged Motive Power under subcontract to provide project controls resources across the portfolio. The program spanned 12 simultaneous sites, each requiring consistent oversight of cost, schedule, risk, and change control — a level of complexity the internal team could not manage alone.
Cost variances were difficult to identify and resolve in a timely manner across multiple active sites.
Schedule reviews lacked consistency and comprehensiveness at the portfolio level.
Risk identification and mitigation planning was inefficient across numerous sites with critical environmental and public health considerations.
Managing multi-site remediation required a governance model capable of maintaining consistent standards while accommodating the unique conditions of each site.
The Solution
Motive Power provided project controls governance, scheduling expertise, and oversight assessments across the full remediation portfolio.
Conducted monthly oversight assessments across cost, schedule, risk, and change control, documenting findings and communicating results to the client.
Performed monthly analysis of project documents and produced high-level recommendations for improvement opportunities across all sites.
Confirmed work performed versus work reported, ensuring reported progress accurately reflected actual field conditions.
Followed up on prior observations to track resolution and reinforce accountability across the portfolio.
Delivered monthly assessment reports, summary observations, and program analytics giving PwC and Georgia Power consistent, structured visibility into program health.
Key Metrics
The Results
Standardized reporting methods, key milestones, and KPIs across all 12 sites, enabling consistent program-wide tracking for the first time.
Produced an estimated 10% reduction in schedule misalignment, giving leadership more reliable visibility into program timelines and delivery risk.
Strengthened change management processes across the portfolio, improving documentation and follow-through on change impacts.
Proactively identified and resolved potential issues through regular site visits and detailed monthly reviews, improving forecast accuracy before problems affected program outcomes.
