Southern Company Takes Top Honors in National Customer Satisfaction Survey

ATLANTA, May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southern Company has received the highest ranking in customer satisfaction among U.S. electric service providers for the ninth consecutive year by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). ACSI is a national economic indicator for customer evaluations of the quality of products and services available to household consumers in the United States.

Southern Company scored 81 out of a possible 100, receiving the highest score among the energy utility companies ranked. The industry average for energy utilities in 2008 is 74, higher than the 2007 industry average of 73.

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The American Customer Satisfaction Index is based on interviews with U.S. residential customers across a number of industries including energy utilities. The study measures customer satisfaction among some on the largest electricity providers in the country in a number of areas, including perceived quality, perceived price and customer expectations.

"We're pleased to be recognized by our customers as a leader in customer satisfaction for the ninth straight year and proud to be among the highest scoring companies in the U.S.," said David Ratcliffe, chairman, president and CEO, Southern Company. "Customer satisfaction is a top priority and we remain committed to providing our customers with superior service, high reliability and affordable prices."

With nearly 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, one of America's fastest-growing regions. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Visit our Web site at http://www.southerncompany.com/ .