GULFPORT, Miss. – Mississippi Power President and CEO Ed Holland announced today that John Huggins has been elected vice president of generation development, effective immediately. In this position, Huggins will be responsible for the development and construction of the Kemper County energy facility and other generation projects.

Since 2010, Huggins has served as general manager for the Kemper County energy facility startup, engineering and construction services. In this role, he was responsible for the overall startup and commissioning activities associated with the project, including development of startup, turnover and initial operating procedures for both the combined cycle facility and the gasification plant.

“John is not only a proven leader in engineering and construction, but also in implementing and sustaining successful energy facility operations,” said Holland. “He has the knowledge and experience needed for this role, but most importantly he knows this facility. I have every confidence in his ability to ensure the successful completion of the Kemper project.”

Huggins joined Southern Company in 1972 as an engineer. During his career he has held a number of leadership roles at Mississippi Power, Alabama Power and Southern Company, including serving as general manager of clean air compliance, construction services and environmental program strategic planning.

Huggins earned a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree from the University of Alabama, and is a registered, licensed professional engineer.

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.

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