ATLANTA, Jan. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today that, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the company marked a new record for winter peak demand. Between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. EST, estimated preliminary peak demand for electricity averaged approximately 16,859 megawatts (MW), exceeding the company's previous Dec. 14, 2010 winter peak demand record of 15,806 MW by more than 1,000 MW. The peak corresponded directly with the lowest temperatures of the week, with morning temperatures in many parts of the state in the single digits.

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In order to ensure adequate power supply for all customers during the extended period of record-breaking low temperatures, the company brought additional generation online prior to the arrival of the frigid weather. The company also worked around the clock to carefully monitor power loads on circuits and had crews and engineering teams on call to respond to any potential issues or service interruptions.

"The ability to quickly coordinate and respond to potential threats across our network is part of our great strength as a company," said John Pemberton, senior vice president and senior production officer for Georgia Power.  "Weather such as this reinforces the need for us to continue to invest in our infrastructure including multiple sources of generation and advanced 'smart grid' technologies in order to deliver safe and reliable power to customers."

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.  Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

SOURCE Georgia Power