Gulf Power along with its other Southern Company subsidiaries was named “Power Company of the Year” at the Platt’s 2011 Global Energy Awards in December. The recognition honors Southern Company as the leading power company in the world for 2011.

Specific judging criteria included customer care and satisfaction, effective risk management, financial results, innovation, operational excellence, safety, security, and strategic vision.

Gulf Power was evaluated along with Southern Company on its “successful development and implementation of a strategic plan that optimizes performance and growth while taking an aggressive, proactive approach toward a radically altered business and trading environment.”

“As part of Southern Company, Gulf Power is truly honored to be recognized,” said Mark Crosswhite, Gulf Power President and Chief Executive Officer. “This award recognizes the hard work of our employees and their dedication to providing safe, reliable and affordable service to our customers.”

Southern Company was among nine finalists chosen from a list of more than 200 nominations, based on their performance for each category’s criteria within the designated timeframe. The company was selected from the overall list of finalists by an independent panel of judges, including former regulators, past heads of major energy companies, leading academics and international energy experts.

“At Gulf Power, the customer is at the center of all we do every day. Being recognized as Power Company of the Year is a great award to receive, and it highlights our customer focus and our commitment to our communities,” said Crosswhite.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electric service to our customers while working to improve the communities we serve. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”