Georgia Power Co. announced on Monday that a new nuclear reactor, the first built from scratch in the United States in decades, is now in commercial operation at Plant Vogtle near Augusta.

"The new unit represents a long-term investment in the state's clean energy future and will provide reliable, emissions-free energy to customers for decades to come," Georgia Power's website reads.

Nuclear power now constitutes approximately 25% of Georgia Power's generation.

The new reactor, Unit 3, has a full output of 1,100 megawatts of electricity, can power 500,000 homes and businesses, and is sending electricity to Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.

"This project shows just how new nuclear can and will play a critical role in achieving a clean energy future for the United States," Southern Co. CEO Chris Womack said in a statement. "Bringing this unit safely into service is a credit to the hard work and dedication of our teams at Southern Company and the thousands of additional workers who have helped build that future at this site."

Unit 3 is the third reactor at the site. The first two reactors are still in operation and have been generating electricity for decades. A fourth reactor is set to enter commercial operation by March.

"Once all four units are online, the Plant Vogtle site will be the largest generator of clean energy in the nation and support continued growth in Georgia as more industries, businesses and families come to the state," Georgia Power's website reads.