Southern Company receives Energy Company of the Year award from Platts

Southern Company, which has grown to become the second largest U.S. utility, was named the Energy Company of the Year at last week’s annual Platts Global Energy Awards.

Platts said that Southern Company is recognized as a leader in the utilities industry in scope, diversity, technological innovations, consumer care and environmental concerns. Award winners were selected from more than 170 nominees from 30 countries.

In addition, Southern Company received the Strategic Deal of the Year award for its merger with AGL Resources, a $12 billion deal completed in just 10 months that doubled the company’s customer base to 9 million.

“On behalf of our more than 31,000 employees, I am truly honored to be recognized with these prestigious awards,” Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning said. “Southern Company has built a long-term record of success – for more than a century – by adhering to a customer-focused business model. We remain committed to meeting customers’ energy needs today while building the future of energy through cutting-edge research and technology.”

Martin Fraenkel, president of Platts, said that in the current  low-price environment, it is noteworthy that Southern Company has been able to deliver improving dividends to its shareholders and an ever-expanding footprint.