Southern Company subsidiaries donate $4.85 million to coronavirus relief

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting every aspect of daily life, the Southern Company system is helping support those most impacted.

The Alabama Power Foundation and the Georgia Power Foundation each pledged $1 million and the Mississippi Power Foundation pledged $350,000 to assist those affected by this pandemic.

Southern Company Gas announced Monday a $2.5 million investment to support relief work across its footprint. The investment is supported by Southern Company Gas, its subsidiaries and the Southern Company Gas Foundation.

“We are closely monitoring the local impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and working with community members, government and business partners to determine how we can best offer support to those in need" said Alabama Power Foundation President Myla Calhoun.

The Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund are partnering with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way and its community partners to address food insecurity, medicine and hygiene needs and energy assistance.

The Georgia Power Foundation’s donation will fund food insecurity and homeless efforts as well as emergency assistance to displaced workers throughout Georgia.

“Georgia Power is committed to standing with our neighbors, just as we have for more than 135 years, as we see this challenge through together,” said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power.

The Mississippi Power Foundation will distribute its donation through its Project Share and Community Connection programs with $200,000 going toward small businesses, $100,000 toward customer financial assistance and $50,000 toward local charities such as food banks and youth shelters.

“Our service to our customers goes far beyond providing electric service,” Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony Wilson said. “We know families and small business owners are hurting right now and it’s our hope that this assistance will help them weather these trying times.”

The Southern Company Gas Foundation will invest in relief efforts in California, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia through organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and United Way. A major part of this effort will take place in Georgia, where Southern Company Gas headquarters and two of its subsidiaries are located. The company’s local distribution business Atlanta Gas Light is working with the Public Service Commission and Georgia Watch on Atlanta Gas Light’s plan to allocate $1 million for supplemental low-income energy assistance, with a specific focus on aiding the elderly.

“These are unprecedented times, and it’s more important than ever for us to engage with those who know our communities’ needs best,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company Gas. “Whether it’s supporting health care providers and first responders or agencies focused on helping businesses and their employees get back on their feet, we are committed to providing resources where they are needed most.”

In addition to monetary donations, each company announced it would temporarily suspend service disconnections for its customers.

Please visit the websites for Southern Company Gas, Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power to learn more.