With more than 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast.

As a leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company is a driving force in environmental integrity and innovation, leading industry efforts to produce greener energy by expanding renewable options, developing clean coal technologies, championing energy efficiency and advancing new nuclear power.

Southern Company’s culture of unquestionable trust, total commitment and superior performance called “Southern Style,” coupled with the exchange of value between the company and its employees as outlined in the company’s Employment Value Statement, represent the blueprint of the company’s success.

Through a strategic work force development program, Southern Company actively recruits transitioning military, National Guard and Reserve members, as well as veterans of all service branches.

Military veterans and Reservists made up 26 percent of the company’s new hires in 2009 as a result of strategic recruiting efforts, relationships with ACAP/TAP offices, and the company’s competitive pay and benefits package, which includes paid leave when called to active duty. Southern Company pays the difference between the employee’s company salary and military salary. Holiday pay while on military leave also applies.

“Military veterans and Reservists have skills and a proven commitment to pride, duty, honor and discipline that mirror our Southern Style values,” said David Ratcliffe, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “All of that will add value to Southern Company’s overall success. In return, Southern Company can offer military veterans and Reservists stability, opportunity and a supportive, challenging work environment where they can be successful.”