Birmingham, Ala. - July 2, 2007 – Southern Nuclear Operating Company, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company, today announced its plan to ask the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) -- on behalf of the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant co-owners -- to renew the plant’s operating license for an additional 20 years.

If the company’s application for renewal is approved by the NRC, the operating licenses would be extended to 2047 for Unit 1 and 2049 for Unit 2. The original 40-year licenses for Units 1 and 2 expire in 2027 and 2029, respectively.

Plant Vogtle, along with Plant Hatch located near Baxley, Ga., provides about 20 percent of Georgia’s electricity at some of the lowest cost in the state. Since commercial operation began in 1989, Plant Vogtle has generated more than 337 million megawatt-hours of safe and reliable electricity – all without emitting CO2 or other greenhouse gases.

In a state where demand for electricity is projected to grow by 30 percent during the next 15 years, it is critical that the units continue to operate and provide the needed energy. Maintaining the power production from the two units is an integral part of Southern Company’s fuel-source strategy to meet future demand.

“These units are fully capable of providing critical generation, and we need to maximize their potential,” said Barnie Beasley, president and CEO, Southern Nuclear. “It’s the right business decision for our customers in Georgia, because these units can continue to operate safely, providing reliable, low cost, emissions-free electricity.”

Co-owned by Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities, the plant is among Burke County’s largest employers with approximately 900 employees.

“We’re part of this community and have been throughout the plant’s 20 years of operations,” said Tom Tynan, site vice president, Plant Vogtle. “Renewing the licenses to continue operating these two units will allow us to support the community well into the 21st century.”

Plant Vogtle’s impact on the state and area go well beyond providing low-cost, reliable electricity. Plant Vogtle has been a certified Wildlife Habitat Council site since 1993. The plant also has entered into a Safe Harbor Agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the Red-cockaded woodpecker. This Safe Harbor Agreement ensures that adequate habitat will be provided and managed properly for the Red-cockaded woodpecker.

Construction of Plant Vogtle began in 1974. Unit 1 began commercial operation in June 1987. Unit 2 began commercial operation in May, 1989. The plant has two Westinghouse pressurized water reactors. Each unit is rated at 1215 megawatts for a total capacity of 2430 megawatts.

A decision on license renewal from the NRC is expected in the 2009 timeframe.

Plant Vogtle is the third Southern Company nuclear plant to seek license renewal. The Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley, Ga., received a renewed license in January, 2002. The Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant near Dothan, Ala., received a renewed license in May, 2005.

About Southern Company:
With 4.3 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast, one of America’s fastest-growing regions. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for seven consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). 3

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