Southern Company ranks among the largest utilities in the United States. The company serves 9 million customers through electric utilities in three states and natural gas distribution companies in four states across the Southeast.
Southern Company operates 44 gigawatts of regulated generating capacity and owns subsidiary Southern Power, which manages 13 gigawatts of natural gas and renewable energy assets. The company also runs fiber optics networks and telecommunications services.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Southern Company has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The utility operates nuclear plants, natural gas facilities, and renewable energy projects to meet growing energy demand in its service territories.
Southern Company History
Southern Company Co-founders
Southern Company Market Cap
Southern Company maintains a market capitalization of approximately $96 billion as of December 2025. This ranks Southern Company as the 216th most valuable company globally and places it among the largest utilities in the United States.
Southern Company Revenue
Southern Company generated $26.72 billion in revenue during 2024, an increase of 5.83% from the prior year. The company’s trailing twelve-month revenue reached $28.91 billion by late 2025, representing 9.4% year-over-year growth.
Southern Company Acquisitions
Southern Company has grown through strategic acquisitions that expanded its geographic reach and service capabilities. The company has acquired utilities, power generation assets, and infrastructure businesses to strengthen its market position.
The 2016 acquisition of AGL Resources transformed Southern Company into a combined electric and gas utility. This $12 billion deal added natural gas distribution operations serving customers in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee. The acquisition included Nicor Gas, one of the largest natural gas distributors in the United States.
Southern Company acquired PowerSecure International in 2016 to expand its distributed energy business. This deal brought microgrids, energy storage, and distributed generation capabilities to commercial and industrial customers. PowerSecure now operates as a Southern Company subsidiary providing resilience solutions.
In the telecommunications sector, Southern Company built its fiber optics network through internal investment and targeted acquisitions. Southern Telecom, founded in 1997, provides colocation and dark fiber services to businesses. Southern LINC offers digital wireless communications across the Southeast region.
Southern Power, the wholesale generation subsidiary, has acquired numerous power plants and renewable energy projects. The company purchases wind farms, solar installations, and natural gas facilities to serve wholesale customers under long-term power purchase agreements. These acquisitions support Southern Company’s transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Southern Company Competitors
Southern Company competes with major electric and gas utilities across the United States. The utility sector includes regulated monopolies, independent power producers, and diversified energy companies that operate generation, transmission, and distribution assets.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Operations |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy | North Carolina | Electric, Natural Gas |
| Dominion Energy | Virginia | Electric, Natural Gas |
| FirstEnergy | Ohio | Electric Distribution |
| American Electric Power | Ohio | Electric Generation, Distribution |
| Xcel Energy | Minnesota | Electric, Natural Gas |
| Entergy | Louisiana | Electric Generation |
| Public Service Enterprise Group | New Jersey | Electric, Natural Gas |
| AES Corporation | Virginia | Power Generation |
| NextEra Energy | Florida | Electric, Renewables |
| Evergy | Kansas | Electric Utility |
FAQs
Where is Southern Company headquartered?
Southern Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company incorporated in Delaware in 1945 and moved its headquarters to Georgia in 1950.
How many customers does Southern Company serve?
Southern Company serves 9 million customers through electric utilities in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, plus natural gas distribution companies in four states.
What utilities does Southern Company own?
Southern Company owns Georgia Power, Alabama Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Company Gas. The company also operates Southern Power and Southern Nuclear subsidiaries.
Is Southern Company investing in renewable energy?
Yes. Southern Company has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. The company operates solar and wind projects through Southern Power and continues expanding renewable generation.
What is Southern Company’s stock symbol?
Southern Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SO. The company pays quarterly dividends and ranks among the largest utility stocks by market cap.