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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.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, Southern Company's SOPOD Network presents a special episode hosted by Bentina Terry and DEI Program Manager Hoss Brown. The discussion centers around the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and its direct impact on mental health, collaboration, and innovation. This event includes real-world examples and insights on creating a psychologically safe environment where employees feel comfortable expressing themselves. Southern Company CEO Chris Womack shares a special welcome for the episode. For more details, visit Southern Company on 3blmedia.com or contact via info@3blmedia.com.
Southern Company is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by highlighting the contributions of AAPI employees. Featured speakers include Yvonne Murray, Charles R. Daniel, Pradeep Vitta, and Joyce Solomon, who discuss their roles and innovations within the company.
The company emphasizes its commitment to inclusivity and fostering a diverse workplace where employees can thrive. This celebration is part of Southern Company's broader efforts in promoting intentional inclusion and recognizing the diverse cultures within its workforce.
Southern Company has made an early-stage investment in Johnson Energy Storage (JES), a company specializing in solid-state battery technology. JES, founded by Dr. Lonnie Johnson, aims to develop batteries that are safer and less expensive than current Lithium-ion batteries.
Southern Company's investment underscores its commitment to clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions. JES's solid-state batteries could revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs) by offering faster charging times and longer ranges, important factors in enhancing EV adoption.
Southern Company's support is a strategic move to foster innovative energy technologies and support local entrepreneurship, reflecting its vision for a sustainable energy future.
Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, announced the expansion of its Millers Branch Solar Facility in Haskell County, Texas. The new phase will add 180 megawatts (MW) to the existing 200 MW, with potential to reach 500 MW.
Scheduled for commercial operation by Q2 2026, the project supports Southern Power's strategy of developing assets with long-term contracts. Prominent companies including Cisco, Juniper Networks, and IDEXX Laboratories have signed power purchase agreements for the Phase II output.
Southern Power's renewable portfolio now includes over 2,920 MW of solar and 5,450 MW of total renewable capacity across 30 solar and 15 wind facilities.
Southern Company recently joined Incubatenergy Labs, a program by EPRI focused on connecting start-up companies in clean energy and electrification with energy providers to pilot innovative solutions. The company was the host sponsor of EPRI's Electrification 2024 Conference, showcasing emerging companies. Southern Company's New Ventures Director expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation and shaping the future of energy through active engagement.
Southern Company announced that Peter P. Sena III will succeed Stephen Kuczynski as chairman and CEO of Southern Nuclear. Sena, who joined in 2019, brings extensive industry experience and will oversee operations across multiple nuclear power plants. Kuczynski led the company through challenges and the successful construction of Vogtle Units 3&4.
The TOUR Championship has been recognized as a GEO Certified® Tournament for the first time in its history. They are delivering 100% renewable energy for the event, aligning with their goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The recognition showcases their commitment to sustainability.
Solar energy accounted for over 50% of new U.S. electricity generating capacity in 2023, with a record 32.4 gigawatts added to the grid, a 51% increase from 2022. Southern Company and its subsidiaries lead the solar expansion in the Southeast, with plans to triple solar capacity by the early 2030s. The company aims to have around 20,000 MW of renewable capacity and storage by 2030, contributing to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2050.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) announced the pricing of $1.3 billion in Series 2024A 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due June 15, 2027, reflecting an upsize of $200 million. The Convertible Notes will have an initial conversion rate of 10.8166 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, with an initial conversion price of approximately $92.45 per share. The offering is expected to close on May 9, 2024. Southern Company intends to use the proceeds to repay commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) announced an offering of $1.1 billion in convertible senior notes due June 15, 2027, to qualified institutional buyers. The terms of the notes will be determined at pricing, with interest paid semiannually. The company plans to use the proceeds to repay commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes.