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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 celebrates its annual Thank a Lineman initiative throughout April 2021, recognizing the vital role of utility workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These line crews have been instrumental in restoring power during severe weather events, particularly after tornadoes and spring storms in Coweta, Polk, and Bartow counties. The company emphasizes its commitment to reliable service for its 2.6 million customers in Georgia. The initiative encourages customers to engage through social media and express gratitude to the workers who maintain essential energy services.
Georgia Power warns customers of an impending severe storm in the state, marking the third such event in three weeks. The company emphasizes safety and preparedness, urging customers to monitor weather updates and follow storm safety tips. Recommendations include checking emergency kits, securing appliances, and avoiding downed power lines post-storm. Georgia Power highlights its continual investment in infrastructure and Smart Grid technology to enhance reliability and resiliency against severe weather disruptions. The firm remains committed to providing safe, reliable energy to its 2.6 million customers across Georgia.
Georgia Power's Dr. Mark Berry has been appointed Vice Chair of The Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI) Research Advisory Committee, succeeding Steve Powell. Dr. Berry, who has a strong history with EPRI and Southern Company, will focus on advancing research initiatives aimed at enhancing electricity safety and environmental responsibility. Georgia Power, the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is committed to delivering affordable and reliable energy, emphasizing a diverse generation mix including renewables.
Southern Power has announced the acquisition of the 300-megawatt Deuel Harvest Wind Farm from Invenergy, marking its largest wind project to date. Located in Deuel County, South Dakota, the facility will contribute significantly to Southern Power's renewable energy portfolio, now exceeding 2,533 MW. The project includes two power purchase agreements: a 25-year deal with Great River Energy starting in January 2023 and a 15-year agreement with Xcel Energy commencing in October 2021. This acquisition supports Southern Company's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Georgia Power Foundation announced a $1 million investment in environmental grants to support eight organizations in Georgia, aimed at preserving the state's waterways for World Water Day. The funded projects include creek restorations and pollution mitigation initiatives across various counties. The Foundation's philanthropy strategy emphasizes education, environment, and community empowerment. The Waters for Georgia program is designed for measurable environmental benefits, with each project set to be implemented over two years.
Georgia Power alerts customers of impending severe weather, including thunderstorms, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. The company advises customers to prepare by monitoring local weather updates and following safety protocols. Key preparedness actions include checking emergency kits, securing electrical appliances, and ensuring safe shelter during storms. Georgia Power emphasizes ongoing investments in infrastructure for reliability and resiliency, including Smart Grid technology to enhance outage response. The firm aims to provide clean, reliable energy while maintaining customer service excellence across Georgia.
On March 12, 2021, Georgia Power celebrated National Solar Appreciation Day by highlighting its extensive solar resources and programs available for customers. The company aims to increase its renewable generation by over 72% by 2025, targeting 22% of its energy mix from renewables. Georgia Power currently has over 2,500 MW of renewable resources and plans to add 2,260 MW, with an emphasis on solar. Key programs include Community Solar and Simple Solar, allowing customers to engage with solar energy even without personal installations.
Nicor Gas, serving 2.2 million customers in Northern Illinois, has announced initiatives to assist 250,000 families living at or below the federal poverty line, exacerbated by COVID-19. The company partners with organizations like the Northern Illinois Food Bank and Greater Chicago Food Depository to combat food insecurity, which has surged by 62% in the area. Additionally, Nicor Gas provided care packages to over 2,000 customers and offers energy assistance programs. These efforts aim to alleviate financial burdens during challenging economic times.
Georgia Power has appointed Fran Forehand as the new senior vice president of Power Delivery, effective April 2, 2021. Forehand, who previously served as vice president of Customer Service and Operations at Mississippi Power, has extensive experience in electric system operations. She will oversee the planning, design, and maintenance of the company’s distribution and transmission systems. This change follows the retirement of Glen Grizzle, who had a 40-year career with Georgia Power. The company aims to maintain reliable energy services for its 2.6 million customers across Georgia.
Georgia Power is enhancing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Georgia by investing $6 million over the next three years to install 49 DC fast chargers, allowing drivers to gain 100 miles in just 12 minutes. This initiative is part of the Electric Highway Coalition, enabling seamless EV travel through a coordinated network from Texas to Washington, D.C. Georgia Power's commitment supports the adoption of EVs, with plans to electrify 50% of its fleet by 2030, emphasizing environmental benefits and expanding access for customers.
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