Southern (NYSE:SO) Company (NYSE: SO) is one of the largest energy providers in the United States, serving more than nine million gas and electric utility customers across the Southeast. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company was formed in 1945 through the merger of several regional utilities and has since grown through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion. Southern operates an integrated network of generation, transmission and distribution systems, delivering reliable power to customers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and other adjacent states.
The company’s core business activities encompass electric utility service, natural gas distribution and power generation. Its regulated electric utilities—Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Mississippi Power and the former Gulf Power—maintain a diversified generation mix that includes nuclear, coal, natural gas and renewable energy sources. Through its competitive subsidiary, Southern Power, the company develops and operates wholesale energy projects, including solar, wind and energy storage facilities. Southern Company Gas, another affiliate, provides natural gas infrastructure and local distribution services, supporting residential, commercial and industrial customers across multiple states.
Over the decades, Southern Company has invested heavily in grid modernization and clean energy technologies. The company’s nuclear fleet, which includes facilities in Georgia and Alabama, represents a cornerstone of its low-carbon strategy, while ongoing solar and battery storage projects underscore its commitment to sustainability. Southern Company also engages in research and development, partnering with universities and national laboratories to advance grid resilience and decarbonization efforts.
Leadership at Southern Company has emphasized a balanced approach to growth, reliability and environmental stewardship. In 2023, Kimberly S. Greene succeeded long-time CEO Thomas A. Fanning, becoming the first female chief executive in the company’s history. Under her guidance, Southern Company continues to navigate regulatory environments, pursue infrastructure investment and support community initiatives, reinforcing its role as a key energy provider in the Southeastern United States.
