Southern Company Issues Online Corporate Responsibility Report
PRNewswire
NYSE:SO

ATLANTA, Ga. - March 25, 2009 - Southern Company announced today that it has issued a comprehensive, online report detailing among other initiatives its progress at improving energy efficiency, advancing use of renewable resources and researching carbon storage technology.

 

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080801/SOCOLOGO)

 

The Corporate Responsibility Report, the company's second, discusses key impacts, risks and opportunities for its electricity business including sections on business strategy and governance, electricity generation, environmental impacts, work force challenges, and stewardship initiatives.

 

The report is available at http://www.southerncompany.com/corporateresponsibility.

 

"I'm proud of the accomplishments of our employees who are providing balanced, practical options in renewables, nuclear, advanced coal, and energy efficiency for the future needs of our customers," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO David Ratcliffe. "The report is a compilation of the progress we continue to make on improving reliability while lowering our impact on resources and the environment."

 

In the report, Ratcliffe details company innovations in energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental technology research, noting accomplishments such as the megawatt-saving EarthCents energy efficiency programs that help customers save money. Also highlighted are advanced energy initiatives including a new carbon storage project in Mississippi and a Georgia coal unit conversion that will use wood chips left from forest harvests.

 

The comprehensive survey of economic, social and environmental impacts and accomplishments contains 50 electronic pages, 79 charts with performance data, nine videos, 22 related documents, a newsfeed, and many links to associated material.

 

Data from 2008 will be added as available, starting after the release of the company annual report in April.

 

In addition to environmental and electricity generation information, readers will find information on diversity programs, work force recruitment, conservation programs, charitable giving, economic development, land and lakes management, and many other subjects.

 

By reporting online, Southern Company saves the expense and environmental impact of printing. It also will enable more frequent updates and enhancements to traditional reporting like videos from top-level executives.

 

The new report follows Global Reporting Initiative™ guidelines for organization and completeness of material.

 

 

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Visit our Web site at www.southerncompany.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080801/SOCOLOGO

SOURCE: Southern Company

Web site: http://www.southerncompany.com/

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Media Contact: Jason Cuevas, Southern Company Corporate Communications, (+1.404) 506.5333 or (+1.866) 506.5333, media@southerncompany.com