ATLANTA, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power was recently recognized by The Salvation Army for its work with the Project SHARE program, an emergency assistance fund specifically for residents of Georgia. The company received the award last week at the National Energy & Utility Affordability Conference in San Diego.

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Created in partnership with The Salvation Army in 1985, Project SHARE was one of the first fuel funds in America.  Since its inception, more than one million Georgians have benefitted from the program which helps residents in need of emergency assistance with expenses such as utility bills, housing and even medical necessities. 

Since 1985, Georgia Power and its customers have contributed more than $60 million to the program with all customer donations matched dollar for dollar by the company.  The program is highly localized, with funds allocated back to residents within the county from which they are contributed.

"We are especially proud to be recognized for our longstanding partnership with the Salvation Army Georgia Division," said Paul Bowers, president and CEO of Georgia Power.  "We believe in giving back to the communities we serve – it is essential that, as corporate citizens, we engage to help make our state a better place to live, work and grow opportunities."

Project SHARE is nationally recognized as one of the earliest, best and most effective models for funding assistance and is often cited as a model for both utility companies and assistance agencies.

"Project SHARE fundamentally changed the foundation of social services for The Salvation Army in Georgia," noted Major Jim Arrowood, Georgia Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army.  "Because of this program, along with our generous donors and partners like Georgia Power, we are able to provide assistance to over 292,165 men, women and children each year throughout the state of Georgia. We are grateful that our Project SHARE partnership with Georgia Power remains as strong today as when we began the program together almost thirty years ago."

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average.  Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. 

www.georgiapower.com

SOURCE Georgia Power