(SO) Southern - Ratings and Ratios

The Southern Company operates as a diversified energy company, primarily focusing on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity through its subsidiaries. Its operations encompass a wide range of activities, including the development, construction, acquisition, ownership, and management of power generation assets. This includes a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects, which enables the company to sell electricity in the wholesale market. Additionally, the company is involved in the distribution of natural gas across several states, including Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, offering gas marketing services, managing gas distribution operations, and investing in gas pipeline infrastructure.

One of the key aspects of The Southern Company's operations is its diverse portfolio of power generation facilities. This includes nuclear, coal, hydro, cogeneration, solar, wind, battery storage, and fuel cell facilities, which collectively contribute to a robust and reliable energy supply. The company's commitment to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, underscores its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and adapt to evolving energy market dynamics. Furthermore, its investment in battery storage and fuel cell technologies highlights a forward-looking approach to energy storage and distribution.

In terms of its natural gas operations, The Southern Company constructs, operates, and maintains an extensive network of approximately 77,900 miles of natural gas pipelines. This infrastructure, combined with 14 storage facilities that have a total capacity of 157 billion cubic feet (Bcf), enables the company to provide natural gas to a broad customer base, including residential, commercial, and industrial users. The scale of these operations demonstrates the company's significant role in meeting the energy needs of its service areas. With around 8.9 million electric and gas utility customers, The Southern Company is one of the major energy providers in the regions it serves.

Beyond its core energy generation and distribution activities, The Southern Company is also engaged in the development of distributed energy and resilience solutions. This includes the deployment of microgrids for a variety of customers, from commercial and industrial entities to governmental and utility companies. Moreover, the company offers digital wireless communications and fiber optics services, further diversifying its portfolio and positioning itself as a comprehensive energy and technology solutions provider. With a history dating back to its incorporation in 1945, The Southern Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and operates with a long-term perspective, balancing traditional energy production with innovative, sustainable solutions.