In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path through the Southeast, Georgia Power, Southern Company, and Southern Company Gas charitable foundations are stepping up to support the affected communities. The three entities have announced a collective donation of $3 million to aid in relief efforts.
The Georgia Power Foundation will contribute $1 million to local organizations serving Georgia’s impacted communities. Meanwhile, the Southern Company Foundation is donating $1 million to the American Red Cross, a crucial partner in providing widespread relief across the Southeast. To further amplify their support, the company will match up to $500,000 in employee donations to the Red Cross. The Southern Company Gas Foundation joins the effort with a $500,000 donation, directing the funds to support local recovery efforts throughout the state of Georgia through its Atlanta Gas Light Foundation.
Beyond financial assistance, the companies are providing emergency support to hundreds of their own employees affected by the storm. Many of these employees are actively engaged in Georgia Power’s statewide restoration efforts.
Kim Greene, Chairman, President, and CEO of Georgia Power, highlighted the company’s commitment to its communities and employees in times of crisis: “During times of crisis like Hurricane Helene, we are able to tap the full strength of the Southern Company system to support our communities and colleagues.” She added, “At Georgia Power, our employees are citizens wherever we serve every day, and this commitment goes into overdrive when we’re coming together to overcome extreme challenges.” Greene expressed gratitude for the resilience of communities and the dedication of everyone involved in the recovery efforts, emphasizing that “our thoughts and prayers remain with all the families and customers impacted, and all our teams who remain on the ground right now responding.”
Georgia Power has been working tirelessly to restore power to its customers, having already restored service to over 1.2 million customers – more than 90% of those affected by the historic hurricane. The company has over 20,000 personnel actively engaged in the response, including integrated teams from across the Southern Company family. Progress is ongoing, and the company expects to reach 95% restoration by Saturday. Crews are working around the clock to repair the extensive damage and restore power to the most customers possible, particularly in the hardest hit areas like Augusta, Savannah, and Valdosta. The scale of the damage is such that in many cases, teams are essentially rebuilding sections of the power grid, rather than just repairing specific elements.
Despite the challenging conditions and ongoing damage, the teams remain committed to working safely and efficiently until every customer who can accept power is restored.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power, the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company, serves 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. The company is committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy through a diverse generation mix that includes nuclear, coal, natural gas, as well as renewables like solar, hydroelectric, and wind. Georgia Power is recognized as an industry leader in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power.
About Southern Company
Southern Company is a leading energy company in America, serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company is focused on providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, and a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across the nation. Southern Company is recognized for its commitment to innovation, developing a diverse portfolio of energy resources, including nuclear, coal, natural gas, renewables, and energy efficiency. The company is also known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, earning recognition as a top military employer and a leader in diversity by various organizations.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company, serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states. The company also serves over 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing companies. Southern Company Gas’s portfolio includes investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for wholesale natural gas customers, and ownership of natural gas storage facilities.
