Welcome to our dedicated page for The Southern Company news (Ticker: SO), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on The Southern Company stock.
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.
Alabama Power Company has declared its regular quarterly dividends on outstanding preferred stock. For the quarter ending December 31, 2020, dividends amount to:
- 4.20% - $1.05 per share
- 4.52% - $1.13 per share
- 4.60% - $1.15 per share
- 4.64% - $1.16 per share
- 4.72% - $1.18 per share
- 4.92% - $1.23 per share
- Class A Preferred Stock (5.00%) - $.3125 per share
Dividends are payable on January 1, 2021, to shareholders of record on December 17, 2020. Alabama Power is a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), serving over 1.4 million customers.
Georgia Power emphasizes the significance of landscaping choices during fall planting season to enhance reliability and reduce power outages. The company advises customers to maintain clear areas around power lines, highlighting that tree limbs can disrupt service during storms. Georgia Power recommends three planting zones: Tall (60+ feet), Medium (up to 40 feet), and Low (up to 25 feet). Additionally, Georgia Power manages 160,000 acres and 24,000 miles of transmission lines, ensuring reliable service for 2.6 million customers statewide.
Georgia Power is deploying 150 personnel and 150 contract teams to assist Mississippi Power in response to Hurricane Delta. The utility is coordinating with other companies through a mutual assistance network to manage local service interruptions effectively. Preparations include pandemic safety measures for employees and customers. Georgia Power's storm response process focuses on assessing conditions and making repairs quickly. The company aims to maintain reliable energy delivery to its 2.6 million customers, utilizing a diverse energy generation mix. For more details, visit GeorgiaPower.com.
Georgia Power emphasizes fire safety during National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10) by highlighting the risks of in-home electrical issues, which account for over 13% of structure fires in the U.S. (2012–2016). The company provides essential safety tips, including avoiding combustible storage near electrical equipment, preventing overloads, and knowing the proper use of fire extinguishers. Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is committed to delivering safe, reliable energy, and enhancing community awareness regarding electrical safety.
Georgia Power is highlighting Energy Efficiency Day, offering tips for customers to enhance energy savings during the colder months. Key suggestions include:
- Utilizing Natural Light to warm homes.
- Maintaining HVAC Systems to optimize performance.
- Installing Smart Thermostats for automatic adjustments.
- Sealing Windows and Doors to reduce heat loss.
- Improving Insulation to conserve energy year-round.
Additionally, Georgia Power's Marketplace features various energy-efficient products and incentives for customers seeking to save.
Georgia Power announced significant progress in safely closing all 29 ash ponds at its coal-fired power plants across Georgia. Currently, 19 ash ponds are being excavated, while 10 will be securely closed in place. Notable achievements include halting coal ash receipt at all ponds, ongoing dewatering at six sites, and recycling over 85% of ash and gypsum produced. The company has also expanded its groundwater monitoring network to over 550 wells. Georgia Power's efforts comply with federal and state Coal Combustion Residual regulations and aim to protect local water quality.
Southern Company plans to announce its third-quarter 2020 earnings on Oct. 29 at 7:30 a.m. EDT. A conference call led by CEO Thomas A. Fanning and CFO Andrew W. Evans will follow at 1 p.m. EDT. Investors can access a live webcast of the call, with replays available for up to 12 months. Serving 9 million customers, Southern Company focuses on delivering reliable energy through its diverse portfolio, including renewables, natural gas, and nuclear energy. The company emphasizes innovation and customer service.
Georgia Power is encouraging its 7,000 employees to participate in the upcoming November 3 general election by providing accessible voter information resources. The company highlights the importance of voting as a civic duty and encourages employees to practice COVID-19 safety measures while voting. Key dates include voter registration, which must be completed by October 5, and early voting from October 12 to October 30. Georgia Power aims to promote community engagement and ensure a safe voting process.
Georgia Power's typical residential customer will receive a $13 credit on their October bill, part of a $61.6 million one-time credit approved by the Georgia PSC. This credit, combined with lower fuel rates, results in a total reduction of over $18 for the month. Customers will see a cumulative total of more than $46 in credits this year. Earlier this year, credits of $11.29 in June and $22 in February were implemented due to financial results and tax legislation, respectively. Georgia Power maintains rates below the national average while ensuring reliable service.