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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.
Georgia Power is partnering with the City of Atlanta to install 10,000 energy-efficient streetlights aimed at enhancing safety and reducing crime in high-traffic and high-crime areas. The initiative, part of the "One Atlanta – Light Up the Night" campaign, will lead to a 60% reduction in energy usage and decrease the city's carbon footprint by around 2,000 tons annually. The project follows a comprehensive streetlight inventory conducted by ATL DOT and Georgia Tech, identifying critical areas for lighting improvements.
Nicor Gas has been recognized as the Most Trusted Utility Brand for residential customers in a 2021 study by Escalent. This accolade stems from a survey involving over 76,000 customers across 140 utility companies, measuring factors like reliability and community support. Nicor Gas scored 723 out of 1000, reflecting its efforts in customer assistance and environmental initiatives. Over the past year, the company allocated more than $25 million for bill payment assistance amid the pandemic and pledged to conserve 10,000 acres of open space.
Georgia Power has been recognized as a "Most Trusted Brand" in the utility sector by Escalent's 2021 Cogent Syndicated Utility Trusted Brand & Customer Engagement™: Residential study. This ranking reflects the company's strong performance in communication, customer service, and community support, particularly during the pandemic. The study surveyed over 75,000 customers across 140 utilities. Georgia Power emphasizes its commitment to providing reliable electricity at rates below the national average, focusing on enhanced customer service and energy efficiency initiatives.
Georgia Power has launched initiatives to help customers manage energy costs during the summer season, which typically sees increased energy use. The company's energy efficiency programs include free online energy checkups and rebates for home improvements. Notable programs include the Home Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Efficiency Assistance Program for low-income customers. Customers can save significantly by switching to LED bulbs and recycling old refrigerators. Georgia Power emphasizes the importance of thermostat settings and provides tools for tracking energy usage.
Georgia Power is addressing outages caused by heavy rain and gusty winds from Tropical Storm Claudette, affecting around 5,000 customers across central and north Georgia. Crews are encountering downed wires and broken poles due to fallen trees and debris. Residents are urged to prepare for further outages and adhere to safety guidelines. The company emphasizes ongoing infrastructure investments to enhance the resilience and reliability of power services. Customers can seek updates and assistance via their website and mobile app.
Georgia Power warns customers about upcoming severe weather and heavy rain expected over the weekend. The company is prepared to handle service interruptions promptly and safely. Customers are advised to check their emergency kits, stay updated on weather alerts, and avoid contact with downed power lines after storms. Georgia Power emphasizes the importance of its ongoing infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing reliability and resiliency against severe weather events, ensuring customer satisfaction and safety.
Georgia Power advises customers to manage energy use as summer heat increases. To help save on electric bills, the company provides numerous tips and resources. Customers can access energy-saving tools and rebates at www.GeorgiaPower.com/EnergyEfficiency. They can track energy usage via the My Power Usage program, which assists in budgeting. Georgia Power also offers customizable rate plans including FlatBill®, PrePay, and Nights & Weekends to optimize costs. Additionally, the company provides bill payment assistance programs for those in need.
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