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The Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a prominent American gas and electric utility holding company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices in Birmingham, Alabama. As of 2021, it ranks as the second-largest utility company in the U.S. by customer base, serving around 9 million customers. The company's operational footprint spans vertically integrated electric utilities in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, and natural gas distribution utilities in four states. This robust infrastructure includes 50 gigawatts of rate-regulated generating capacity, primarily designated for customer service in these states. Moreover, its subsidiary Southern Power owns 13 gigawatts of natural gas generation and renewable energy facilities across the U.S., selling electricity primarily through long-term contracts.
Southern Company’s commitment to innovation is highlighted by several recent initiatives. Notably, it reported significant financial achievements for 2023, with fourth-quarter earnings of $855 million, or 78 cents per share, compared to a loss in the same period in 2022. The company also completed Plant Vogtle Unit 3, the first new nuclear unit in the U.S. in over three decades, and recently announced that Plant Vogtle Unit 4 has achieved commercial operation, solidifying its position as a leader in clean energy production.
In terms of sustainability, Southern Company is heavily investing in renewable energy projects. The South Cheyenne Solar Facility in Wyoming, the company's 30th solar facility, recently became operational, adding to Southern Power's solar portfolio, which now exceeds 2,740 MW. The company also envisions a significant expansion of its solar and renewable capacity, aiming to reach approximately 20,000 MW by 2030 as part of its net zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2050.
Southern Company is also deeply involved in innovative community projects. For instance, Nicor Gas, a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas, recently launched Smart Neighborhoods™ in Aurora, Illinois, emphasizing affordable net-zero energy communities. Furthermore, the company has partnered with WeaveGrid to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption by introducing programs that simplify home charging and offer utility incentives in Alabama and Georgia.
The company's dedication to community and diversity extends to initiatives like the UNDERRATED Golf Tour, aiming to provide opportunities to aspiring golfers from underrepresented backgrounds. Southern Company’s commitment to integrity, excellence, and respect is mirrored in its partnership with this tour, underlining its broader mission to foster inclusion within the communities it serves.
Southern Company’s corporate culture and hiring practices have earned national recognition from Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, and the Human Rights Campaign, showcasing the company's focus on excellence and innovation. Through ongoing investments in clean energy, smart technologies, and community development, Southern Company continues to transform energy into economic, environmental, and social progress for a sustainable future.
Chattanooga Gas reminds communities to "Call Before You Dig" during April's Safe Digging Month. Customers should contact 811 to have underground utility lines marked prior to any digging projects, including installations and landscaping. The service is free and legally required. Key guidelines include allowing time for markings, respecting utility markers, and excavating carefully. Chattanooga Gas serves around 68,000 customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties, providing retail natural gas sales and transportation services. For more details, visit chattanoogagas.com.
Atlanta Gas Light emphasizes the importance of safe digging as warmer weather arrives, urging communities to 'Call Before You Dig' during Safe Digging Month this April. Customers are encouraged to dial 811 to have underground utility lines marked before starting any outdoor digging projects. This service is free and legally required. The company offers guidelines for safe digging, including respecting marked lines and excavating carefully. Atlanta Gas Light serves over 1.6 million customers in Georgia and operates under Southern Company (NYSE: SO).
Southern Power announced that its battery-based energy storage projects at the Tranquillity and Garland solar facilities in California are now fully operational. These projects aim to enhance California's grid reliability by providing additional flexible resource capacity. The Garland facility will add 88 MW and 352 MWh, while Tranquillity will contribute 72 MW and 288 MWh of storage. These projects are backed by a 20-year power purchase agreement with Southern California Edison and align with Southern Power's growth strategy of securing long-term contracts with credible partners.
Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) continues to support diverse businesses in Southeast Virginia, spending over $43 million with minority, women, and veteran-owned suppliers in 2021, achieving nearly 32% diverse spending. Since 2015, VNG has invested a total of $189.3 million in diverse businesses. The company has launched an 18-month Supplier Diversity Development Program to build the capacity of diverse suppliers. With 48 diverse business partners, VNG aims to foster entrepreneurship in impacted minority groups while enhancing competitiveness and community growth.
A recent study conducted by ICF confirms that Southern Company Gas can achieve net-zero direct greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, by leveraging its existing natural gas infrastructure. The analysis shows that a pathway involving natural gas efficiency technologies and renewable natural gas (RNG) could yield nearly 25% more GHG reductions at half the cost compared to mandatory electrification. This study aligns with Southern Company’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, presenting economic benefits for customers and opportunities for local supply through renewable projects.
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) announced the opening of a high-capacity compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Port Wentworth, Georgia. Operated by Marlin Compression, this facility is one of the largest public access CNG stations on the East Coast, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The station will support fleet fueling and serve as a staging area for CNG transport trailers. A renewable natural gas (RNG) option is planned for future availability. The project reflects Chesapeake's commitment to lower carbon energy solutions.
Georgia Power has launched a new education equity initiative, investing $3 million to improve local programs in four Georgia school districts: Clayton County, Dougherty County, Richmond County, and Savannah-Chatham County. This initiative aims to enhance career readiness and economic stability in underserved communities, focusing on early childhood education, workforce opportunities, and family engagement. The funding will support various educational programs and partnerships, contributing to Georgia Power's broader commitment to social justice and economic empowerment.
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