LAS VEGAS – Southern Energy Inc., a unit of Southern Company, announced plans today to build an electric generation facility of up to 1,000 megawatts as part of the development of the Apex Industrial Park in southern Nevada.

Southern Energy has entered a strategic alliance with Apex Industrial Park, Inc. to assist Apex in developing the 10,000-acre site north of Las Vegas, build a state-of-the-art power generation facility and work with public and private entities to recruit new industries to the site.

“This project is a classic example of what Southern Energy does best – working with businesses and local governments to bring new jobs and capital investment to areas served by our power-generation facilities,” said Richard J. Pershing, president of Southern Energy’s Americas Group.

“The Las Vegas area is one of the most vibrant, fast-growing economies in the United States,” Pershing said. “Southern Energy’s economic development team plans to recruit businesses that will help diversify the area’s economy, which now is heavily dominated by the tourism and service industries.”

The power station, to be fueled by natural gas, will use advanced combined-cycle technology and emission controls for optimum efficiency and environmental performance. The facility also will use air-cooled generation equipment, significantly reducing the need for water. Southern Energy expects the power station to begin commercial operation in the first quarter of 2003.

“We are impressed with Southern Energy`s commitment to the communities they serve,” said David Carver, president of Apex Industrial Park. “By assisting Apex in developing the industrial park, Southern Energy will help bring new jobs to Clark County and ensure a safer environment for Nevada residents."

The Apex Industrial Park is located about 15 miles north of Las Vegas, with access to major highways and railroad lines, giving it excellent access to West Coast markets. The site also is served by major gas and electric transmission infrastructures. Southern Energy expects to open a business development office in the Las Vegas area to serve as a headquarters for recruiting new business investment to the Apex site.

“The Apex Industrial Park is in a prime position to serve many of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing consumer markets,” said Randy Harrison, president of the Southern Energy subsidiary overseeing the Apex development. “We believe Southern Energy’s expertise in operating clean and efficient energy-production facilities and our leadership in economic development will help make Apex one of the premier business sites in the western United States.”

Southern Energy Inc., with operations in 12 countries on five continents, develops, builds, owns and operates power production and delivery facilities and provides a broad range of services to utilities and industrial companies around the world. Its Southern Company Energy Marketing unit provides energy risk management, marketing and financial services and other energy-related commodities, products and services to customers in North America.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO), the largest producer of electricity in the United States, is also the parent firm of Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power and Savannah Electric.