How Southern Company is Leading the US Energy Transition
Southern Company is a giant in American energy, supplying more than nine million customers and businesses.
As one of the largest energy providers in the US, its role in the energy transition will impact millions, making it vital that things are done carefully.
The company is already making great progress and believes it will hit its 2030 emissions goal five years ahead of schedule.
Chris Womack, President and Chief Executive Officer at Southern Company, says: “We remain committed to building upon our strong company culture of innovation, resilience and sustainability.
“We aren’t afraid to do big things. Since 2007, we have significantly reduced our reliance on coal-fired generation and increased generation from renewables.”
Southern Company
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility company based in the Southern US.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, it is one of the largest energy providers in the United States.
It owns 18 companies including Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power.
In 2022, Southern Company had revenue of US$29.3bn and more than 27,000 employees.
The business was founded in 1945 but its origins can be traced back to 1924.
Southern Company’s sustainability goals
Southern Company aims to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Its short-term goals include increasing its total diverse spend to 30% and investing US$225m to advance racial equity by 2025 and a 50% reduction in Scope 1 emissions by 2030.
The company believes it is on track to achieve its 2030 Scope 1 emissions target by 2025, five years ahead of schedule.
- Serve our customers
- Advance clean energy
- Lead through innovation
- Invest in our people
- Elevate our communities
Plant Vogtle nuclear energy
Southern Company’s subsidiary Georgia Power brought Plant Vogtle Unit Three into commercial operation in 2023, representing the company’s long term investment into the state’s clean energy future.
Once all four units of the plant are online, the Plant Vogtle site will be the largest generator of clean energy in the US, located in Burke County, Georgia.
“The Plant Vogtle three and four nuclear expansion is another incredible example of how Georgia Power is building a reliable and resilient energy future for our state,” says Kim Greene, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Power.
“It is important that we make these kinds of long-term investments and see them through so we can continue providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to our 2.7 million customers.”
The plant is the first new nuclear power facility to break ground in decades in the US.
The just transition to clean energy
Southern Company’s 2022 Just Transition report says: “Our belief that we must be a citizen wherever we serve is woven into the fabric of our company.”
The company has aligned its transition principles with the ILO’s Just Transition guidelines and the Just Transition Declaration put in place at COP26.
Southern Company’s transition principles include effective governance, stakeholder engagement and transparent communication, employee support and coordination with labour unions and community and environmental commitment.
Sean McGarvey, President at North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), says: “NABTU’s successful apprenticeship readiness programmes throughout the US are changing thousands of lives and these programmes could not happen without the support of partners like Southern Company.
“We know the power of investing in local workers to strengthen our highly skilled construction workforce pipeline and we are grateful for the longstanding commitment by Southern Company to do it with us.”
Southern Company’s inclusive workforce
The 2024 Disability Equality Index rated Southern company as one of the "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion” for the eighth consecutive year.
"We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our success," says Sloane Drake, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Southern Company.
"We are committed to creating an environment where all employees, including those with disabilities, feel valued and empowered.
“By embracing the unique skills and perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to our team, we foster innovation and drive our company forward.”
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