Welcome to our dedicated page for Southern news (Ticker: SO), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Southern stock.
Overview of Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a prominent American energy provider deeply rooted in the Southern United States. As a gas and electric utility holding company, it delivers clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to millions of customers. The company operates through a family of subsidiaries that span electric operating companies, natural gas distribution, competitive power generation, and a robust distributed energy infrastructure. With a focus on innovation and grid resilience, Southern Company leverages advanced technology to modernize its grid systems, ensuring operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Business Segments and Operations
Southern Company’s business model is structured around a diversified portfolio that includes:
- Electric Operating Companies: Delivering reliable electric power services across multiple states with a commitment to safety and efficiency.
- Natural Gas Distribution: Operating in several states to provide accessible and dependable natural gas services.
- Competitive Generation: Engaging in power generation with various clean and conventional energy sources.
- Distributed Energy and Telecommunications: Offering distributed energy solutions and advanced fiber optics services to meet modern communication and energy needs.
This wide-ranging operational base not only reinforces the company’s stability in a competitive utility market but also enables it to adapt to evolving technological and regulatory environments.
Market Position and Industry Impact
As one of the largest utility companies in the United States by customer base, Southern Company plays a critical role in the nation’s energy infrastructure. Its strategic investments in grid modernization and distributed energy resources enhance the reliability and resiliency of local grids. The company’s initiatives around innovation highlight its capacity to integrate emerging technologies—such as smart grid enhancements and renewable energy sources—into traditional utility models, thereby setting industry benchmarks.
Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Southern Company is dedicated to harnessing advanced energy solutions while maintaining operational excellence. In efforts that reflect its commitment to sustainability, the company has actively engaged in projects involving renewable energy initiatives and grid resiliency enhancements. By integrating modern technology into established energy frameworks, Southern Company supports both environmental progress and economic development.
Corporate Culture and Values
At the heart of Southern Company’s operations is a steadfast focus on customer service, reliability, and community engagement. The company emphasizes values such as operational safety, environmental responsibility, and efficient energy delivery. These principles have earned the company widespread recognition for its corporate culture and business practices.
Strategic Advantages and Competitive Differentiation
The company’s comprehensive approach—spanning traditional utility services and innovative digital and distributed solutions—positions it well within a highly competitive industry. Its depth in regulatory compliance, technological investments, and commitment to community-oriented services further distinguishes Southern Company from its peers. For investors and industry analysts, Southern Company represents a stable component of the energy sector with a proven track record and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Understanding the Company’s Role in the Energy Landscape
Southern Company’s operational expertise and diversified business model provide a multifaceted approach to energy production and distribution. Its long-term operational success is underpinned by a careful balance between conventional energy delivery and forward-thinking energy solutions, ensuring that the company not only meets contemporary demands but sets new standards for reliability and efficiency.
Georgia Power and state lawmakers gathered at the Georgia State Capitol to honor lineworkers for their response during Hurricane Helene, recognized as the most destructive storm in the company's 140-year history. The State Senate passed Resolution 253, declaring March 11, 2025, as Georgia Linemen Day.
During Hurricane Helene, lineworkers worked up to 18-hour days in hazardous conditions to restore power across Georgia. The resolution acknowledges their important role in maintaining the state's electrical infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.
Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, praised the lineworkers' unwavering commitment. The recognition precedes the annual Lineworker Appreciation Month in April, during which Georgia Power crews will share their Hurricane Helene experiences through the company's social media channels.
Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), announced the appointment of Pedro Cherry as its new president, while Anthony Wilson will continue as chairman and CEO until summer. Cherry brings 30 years of energy industry experience, including 25 years within the Southern Company system.
Cherry previously served as president and CEO of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas, overseeing approximately 1.8 million customers. His prior role as executive vice president of Customer Service and Operations at Georgia Power involved leading 5,000+ employees and managing electric systems serving 2.6 million customers.
The announcement comes during Mississippi Power's centennial year, with the company currently serving more than 192,000 customers across 23 southeast Mississippi counties. The company was recognized in 2024 by the Southeastern Electric Exchange for Top Safety Performance in its generation category.
Alabama Power has announced plans to develop Alabama's first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at the former Plant Gorgas site in Walker County. The new Gorgas Battery Facility will store up to 150 MW of electricity, equivalent to powering approximately 9,000 homes.
The 7-acre facility will feature lithium ion phosphate batteries with a 2-hour duration and recharge capability in just over 2 hours. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with completion expected by 2027. The system will connect directly to the electric grid, allowing it to charge during low-cost periods and discharge during high-cost periods.
The facility aims to enhance grid reliability, support clean energy integration, and provide reserve power for Alabamians. The project represents a sustainable repurposing of the historic Plant Gorgas site, which has served the state since 1917.
Mississippi Power Chairman, President and CEO Anthony Wilson has announced his retirement for summer 2025 after more than 40 years with Mississippi Power and Southern Company. Under Wilson's leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones in safety and reliability, earning recognition from the Southeastern Electric Exchange and Edison Electric Institute.
During Mississippi Power's centennial year, the company has experienced substantial growth, recently securing contracts with two customers totaling approximately 600 MW, which will lead to over $10 billion of investment in southeast Mississippi. Wilson, who began his career with Mississippi Power in 1984, has been instrumental in the company's development, serving more than 192,000 customers across 23 southeast Mississippi counties.
Alabama Power, a Southern Company (NYSE:SO) subsidiary, launches the 26th season of its Renew Our Rivers (ROR) environmental cleanup program starting March 1, 2025. The initiative plans to engage 5,000 volunteers across 28 scheduled cleanup events through October 31.
Building on its 25-year legacy of removing 13.4 million pounds of debris from Alabama waterways through 104,000 volunteers, the program saw significant success in 2024 with 3,400 volunteers removing 107 tons of trash. ROR Coordinator Mike Clelland reports increased volunteer recruitment, particularly among lake associations, with growing participation from students, scout groups, and community members post-pandemic.
The cleanup schedule spans multiple locations including Valley Creek, Lake Eufaula, Logan Martin, and various other waterways across Alabama.
Southern Company (SO) reported Q4 2024 earnings of $534 million ($0.49 per share), down from $855 million ($0.78 per share) in Q4 2023. However, full-year 2024 earnings increased to $4.4 billion ($4.02 per share) from $4.0 billion ($3.64 per share) in 2023.
Operating revenues showed positive growth, with Q4 2024 revenues reaching $6.3 billion, up 4.9% from Q4 2023. Full-year 2024 revenues increased 5.8% to $26.7 billion compared to $25.3 billion in 2023.
The company's adjusted earnings growth was driven by higher utility revenues, partially offset by increased non-fuel operations and maintenance expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and income taxes.
Southern Company has announced the election of Jimmy Etheredge as an independent director, effective April 1, 2025. Etheredge brings significant leadership experience, having served as CEO of Accenture North America from September 2019 to August 2023, where he led an 80,000-member team.
Prior to his CEO role, Etheredge was Senior Managing Director of US Southeast at Accenture from December 2016 to September 2019. His career at Accenture began in 1985, becoming a partner in 1997 and an executive partner in 2011. Throughout his tenure, he has advised utilities industry clients both domestically and internationally.
A Georgia Tech graduate with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Etheredge currently serves on multiple boards, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as deputy chair, Encora Digital , and various non-profit organizations.
Georgia Power has filed its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) detailing strategies to meet growing energy demands in Georgia. The company projects approximately 8,200 megawatts (MW) of electrical load growth over the next six years, with a 2,200 MW increase by 2030 compared to 2023 projections.
Key proposals include: power uprates at Plants Hatch and Vogtle adding 112 MW of carbon-free energy; upgrades to Plant McIntosh adding 268 MW capacity; extended operation of coal and natural gas units through 2034; modernization of 9 hydroelectric plants; and procurement of 4,000 MW of renewable resources by 2035, expanding the renewable portfolio to approximately 11,000 MW.
The plan also includes transmission improvements across 1,000+ miles of lines and enhanced customer programs focusing on energy efficiency and income-qualified assistance.
Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), announced its Alabama Business Charitable Trust will provide $250,000 in emergency bill assistance to help Alabamians affected by Winter Storms Cora and Enzo. This funding is additional to the Trust's annual $1 million energy bill assistance support.
The emergency funds will be distributed through community action agencies and Project Share, in partnership with the Salvation Army. Eligible applicants must have income at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines, ranging from $37,650 annually for single-person households to $131,800 for eight-person households. The assistance can be used for various energy costs including gas, electric, kerosene, wood, and propane for January 2025.
Southern Company (SO) has declared its regular quarterly dividend of 72 cents per share on its common stock. The dividend will be payable on March 6, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 18, 2025. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the company's history, as it has maintained or increased its quarterly dividend payments for 77 consecutive years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to providing consistent returns to shareholders.
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