Dalton-based North Georgia Electric Membership Co-op wants to put the structure near the intersection of New Rosedale Road and Haywood Valley Road but more than a dozen area residents turned out to protest at a Rome-Floyd County Planning Commission hearing earlier this month.

The planning commission recommended denial in a 6 – 3 vote, but utility spokesman Paul Ruud said the substation is needed to provide reliable service to about 1,000 customers.

County commissioners have said they intend to ask for proof another site won’t work instead.

The hearing is set for the board’s 6 p.m. meeting in the County Administration Building, 12 East Fourth Ave.

(ROME NEWS TRIBUNE)