A storm of unprecedented proportions – Southern Company's response to Hurricane Helene

Southern Company

Hurricane Helene made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane on the evening of September 26, bringing winds of 140 miles per hour and heavy rainfall as it moved north into Georgia.

The storm left catastrophic damage. For Georgia Power, Hurricane Helene was the most destructive storm in the company's 140-year history.

Immediate and unwavering response

The Southern Company system sprung into action, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to restoring service and supporting affected communities. As of October 7, Georgia Power had restored service to 99% of the nearly 1.5 million customers affected by the storm. This massive effort involved more than 20,000 employees, including teammates from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and numerous other companies.

The damage was so severe in places that entire sections of the power grid had to be rebuilt. In total, Helene damaged or destroyed more than 8,300 power poles, 350 transmission structures and 4,500 transformers. More than 1,000 miles of power lines have been restored.

Atlanta Gas Light (AGL), with support from Virginia Natural Gas teammates, safely completed nearly 1,000 emergency leak calls over the last four days of September. This number represents more calls than AGL received in the first four months of 2024 combined.

Coordinated and innovative efforts

Emergency crews worked tirelessly around the clock and used a variety of methods to repair the extensive damage. Teams on the ground navigated through downed trees, broken utility poles, flooded roads and downed utilities, while air units and watercraft provided crucial support. Specially equipped helicopters removed trees from transmission lines, drones assessed damage and made repairs from the air, and Marsh Masters navigated swamps and wetlands.

A big thank you to everyone who helped

Kim Greene, Chair, President and CEO of Georgia Power, shared her thoughts on the devastation and the company's response:

“Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented damage to Georgia Power’s service areas, impacting countless communities, customers and our teammates. Our employees’ hard work and unwavering commitment to our communities have been nothing short of inspiring, and I am confident we will emerge stronger and more united than ever.”

This was a historic storm that required an unprecedented response and coordination from many teams across Georgia. State leaders including Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies, members of the Georgia Public Service Commission, and members of the Georgia Legislature and its leadership, as well as local county commissioners, mayors, first responders, law enforcement, and countless others continue to be great partners.

“For your kindness, compassion and patience, we thank our Georgia Power customers, communities, employees and partners. More than ever, I am proud to be a Georgian, proud to be part of this team, and grateful to be one.” “Our road to recovery may be long, but we are here for Georgia and we are here for you.” added Greene.

Preparation and industry-wide support

In the days leading up to Helene's landfall, Georgia Power's advance planning and strategy were critical to the recovery effort. The company positioned 10,000 cleanup workers, equipment and supplies near areas likely to be affected, ensuring a rapid response as soon as weather conditions permitted. Stan Connally, executive vice president of operations at Southern Company and president and CEO of Southern Company Services, also coordinated efforts between industry executives and government leaders to ensure an effective and efficient response.

Support for our communities

As Georgia's rebuilding progresses, Southern Company remains true to its commitment to being citizens wherever it operates.

Southern Company, Georgia Power and Southern Company Gas charitable foundations jointly donated $3 million to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. These funds were allocated to local charities, the American Red Cross and community reconstruction efforts.

To further support customers, Georgia Power has suspended disconnections, waived applicable late fees, and suspended debt collection activities through December 15, 2024. Atlanta Gas Light has also suspended shutoffs for customers in affected areas.

“At Southern Company, our commitment to our communities is unwavering. In the face of the unprecedented destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, we stood together and offered our resources and support to those in need. We will continue to be a pillar of strength and resilience for all affected,” said Chris Womack, Chairman, President and CEO of Southern Company.

Southern Company

Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers in the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Our mission is to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service. The Company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with nationwide capabilities, a fiber optic network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet the needs of customers and communities while advancing our goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ​​ensure that we consider the needs of those we serve at the heart of everything we do and are key to our sustained success. We transform energy into economic, ecological and social progress for tomorrow. Our culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, JD Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

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