GULFPORT – Today, the Mississippi Power board of directors elected G. Edison (Ed) Holland president and CEO. Holland will be responsible for the operations of Mississippi Power, including overseeing the continued construction of the Kemper County energy facility. Holland is replacing Ed Day who has announced plans to retire. The change is effective immediately.

“Mississippi Power is getting a highly regarded, experienced leader in Ed Holland,” said Thomas A. Fanning, Southern Company chairman, president and chief executive officer. “He brings a strong combination of judgment and vision to the role that will propel the company forward. Ed will be engaged in the region and work to strengthen the communities we serve.

“Ed Day is a dedicated leader who has had many accomplishments spanning his 30-year career with Southern Company and we wish him well,” Fanning said. “It’s always tough when lifelong employees choose to move on, but we wish Ed the best in his retirement. He has passed the reins to the right person to lead Mississippi Power.”

Holland has a distinguished career in the electric utility industry. He was formerly the CEO of Savannah Electric and the vice president of power generation and transmission with Gulf Power, a Southern Company subsidiary. He also has led the Governmental Affairs, Transmission, Human Resources, Internal Audit and Information Technology organizations since he joined the company in 1992. Holland most recently served as executive vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer for Southern Company.

“I look forward to working with all of the dedicated employees of Mississippi Power, many with whom I have worked with during my years at Southern Company,” said Holland. “We also have a tremendous retiree base in the area and I look forward to seeking their counsel as I move into this role.

“I am committed to the customers and communities we serve. We will work diligently to ensure that we complete the major projects that are underway and continue to deliver the most efficient, reliable and affordable energy to our customers.”

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Recognized throughout the utility industry for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts, Mississippi Power is the 2013 winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Assistance Award. Visit our website at www.mississippipower.com, Follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook.