Southern Stock Price, News & Analysis

The Nicor Gas Career Academy has graduated over 120 students from its job-readiness program, designed to prepare participants for entry-level roles in the utility industry, particularly in natural gas. Notably, the sixth cohort graduated 24 participants, marking the milestone of 100 graduates since inception in 2018. The program focuses on essential skills, including safety and employability, and has achieved a 50% employment rate among participants. Recognized with the 2021 Impact Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development, the academy aims to address workforce readiness as 35% of Nicor's workforce is projected to retire in the next decade.

Southern Company announced a $10 million grant from its foundation to enhance collaboration with INROADS, UNCF, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. This initiative is part of a broader $50 million commitment aimed at supporting HBCU students through scholarships, internships, and leadership development. The funding seeks to bolster opportunities in fields like STEM and urban planning, ultimately striving to bridge the opportunity gap for underrepresented talent. This collaboration aims to improve career readiness and representation in executive roles for HBCU graduates.

On December 7, 2021, Alabama Power and Mercedes Benz U.S. International received approval for the 80-megawatt Letohatchee Solar Project in Lowndes County. This initiative, under a 15-year contract, aims to supply renewable energy credits to MBUSI while Alabama Power will procure the electricity generated. The project is expected to create approximately 300 construction jobs and generate over $9 million in local tax revenues. Commercial operations are anticipated to start in March 2024, supporting both companies' commitments to sustainable energy and economic development in Alabama.

Georgia Aquarium has partnered with Georgia Natural Gas (GNG) to introduce an interactive feature in its southern sea otter exhibit. The new installation includes two games that educate visitors on the environmental role of southern sea otters in reducing carbon emissions. Through these games, guests learn about the ecological significance of kelp forests and the impact of sea otters on maintaining them. GNG's Greener Life program will also be highlighted as a means for visitors to offset their natural gas usage. This initiative aims to foster environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Southern Power announces the operational launch of the 118-MW Glass Sands Wind Facility in Murray County, Oklahoma, marking its 15th wind facility. This project contributes to the company’s growing renewable energy portfolio, which now exceeds 4,930 MW across 43 facilities. The Glass Sands facility, equipped with 28 Vestas turbines, will sell generated electricity and renewable energy credits under a power purchase agreement with Amazon. This development strengthens Southern Power's strategy of acquiring and developing generating assets supported by long-term contracts.

Southern Company has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop the world’s first critical fast-spectrum salt reactor, the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment. Funded under the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, this initiative, with a budget of $170 million, aims to commercialize TerraPower’s advanced nuclear technology. The project will be conducted in collaboration with notable partners such as Idaho National Laboratory and 3M. Expected to enhance clean energy generation, it supports Southern Company’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

On November 17, 2021, National Utility Scam Awareness Day highlights the rising threat of utility scams. Georgia Power emphasizes its commitment to customer safety amidst over 2 million reported fraud cases in 2020. The company warns customers of scammers who can spoof their phone numbers and offers crucial tips to avoid scams. Georgia Power clarifies that they do not ask for sensitive information over the phone and urges customers to verify calls by directly dialing their customer service line. The company collaborates with law enforcement to combat these scams.

Chattanooga Gas Foundation has donated $25,000 to Project Return to support formerly incarcerated individuals in Tennessee. This donation aims to facilitate their transition back into society, aligning with the foundation's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Project Return has achieved an 82% job acquisition rate and a 13% recidivism rate, significantly lower than state and national averages. The expansion of Project Return's operations to Chattanooga reflects the area's strong economy and support from local leaders.