Southern Company wins EEI’s prestigious Edison Award

The Southern Company won the 92nd Edison Award, a prestigious award given out annually by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) for contributions that lead to the advancement of the electric power industry.

The company was honored for its energy storage system initiatives, including the development, commissioning, and operation of the Energy Storage Research Center (ESRC). The facility – located in Birmingham, Ala. — serves as an industry-wide destination for battery energy storage technology testing, evaluation, and demonstration. Further, the facility is the anchor for several other Southern Company energy storage R&D initiatives, such as the Georgia Power and Alabama Power Smart Neighborhoods. The ESRC was developed in collaboration with Southern Research, the Electric Power Research Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy, and others.

“EEI member companies continue to integrate clean energy technologies, such as energy storage, that will help pave the way for the future of our industry,” EEI President Tom Kuhn said. “Southern Company’s leadership and technical expertise for the testing, development, and deployment of a diverse portfolio of energy storage solutions not only improves the resiliency and reliability of the energy grid but also creates tremendous value for customers. Congratulations to the Southern Company team for their outstanding work and for winning this well-deserved award.”

The EEI’s distinguished Edison Award is given out annually for distinguished leadership, innovation, and contribution to the advancement of the electric industry for the benefit of all. The Atlanta-based Southern Company was selected by a panel of former energy industry executives.

“As we prepare Southern Company to succeed in the transition to a net-zero carbon future, our many energy storage R&D initiatives – including the Energy Storage Research Center, Georgia Power and Alabama Power Smart Neighborhoods, and other pilot demonstrations – are advancing energy storage as an effective, technically viable energy solution,” Southern Company Chairman, President, and CEO Tom Fanning said. “We are grateful to receive the electric power industry’s most prestigious honor and proud to personify what this award represents,” Fanning continued. “I want to thank Tom Kuhn and the distinguished panel of judges who participated in this year’s selection process. I also would like to thank our many R&D partners in these efforts, including the Electric Power Research Institute and U.S. Department of Energy. Their collaboration is essential as we move emerging energy storage technologies forward.”