GULFPORT, MS - Aug. 28, 2008 - Mississippi Power employees are holding preliminary organizational calls to review plans and to ensure all preparations are in order as people watch the development of Hurricane Gustav.

“At this point, we have not activated our storm center, but we are closely monitoring the storm’s activity,” said Kristie Barton, company storm director. “For the remainder of this week and through landfall, we will be acting in a prudent planning manner.”

The basic components of Mississippi Power’s emergency plan remain the same as always. Every Mississippi Power employee has a specific storm assignment. As soon as there is a possibility of a hurricane making landfall along or near the Mississippi Coast, company employees make arrangements to move equipment and material into areas expected to be affected. Additional line crews and tree trimmers from other companies will be called on and mobilized, if needed. Emergency communication procedures for customers, the media and employees will also be put into effect.

“Storm preparedness is an integral task for any utility serving coastal areas,” said Barton. “This is a new year and each year brings its own threats and possibilities. Our emergency restoration plans have always been extensive, but even as well as they worked in the past, we seek to improve them. Based on lessons learned, once again we’ll be very well prepared.”

Mississippi Power employees and restoration crews run drills and conduct mock storm restorations to make sure employees stay storm ready throughout the year.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, serves approximately 184,000 customers in the 23 counties of Southeast Mississippi. The company earned a 2006 Edison Award, the electric utility industry’s most prestigious honor, for restoration efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

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Media Contact: Cindy Duvall, MPC Corporate Communications, 228.865.5543 or 1.800.821.6383, cwduvall@southernco.com