Southern Company has earned the Edison Electric Institute's 2015 National Key Accounts Customer Service award for Outstanding Customer Service. This is the 12^thtime the company has been recognized for its delivery of exceptional service to customers.

"Southern Company's success is based on a fundamental commitment to put customers at the center of our business decisions," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "Every day, our dedicated employees use this customer-focused model to deliver value to the families and businesses we are privileged to serve."

In addition to the company's recognition, Regional Account Managers Janet K. Booker and Cynthia E. Verner were named two of six industrywide recipients of an individual National Key Accounts Executive Award for Outstanding Customer Service. Booker and Verner represent the company through engagement with national brands in the hospitality, home improvement, health care, grocery and discount sectors.

Southern Company's national accounts organization serves more than 100 large, multi-site customers representing approximately 30,000 accounts within the company's four-state service territory, with a focus on building strong relationships and delivering value.

Since its inception in 1988, EEI's National Key Accounts program has addressed the unique and growing needs of commercial customers with multiple sites or outlets, including chains and franchise operations. Through the National Key Accounts network of electric utilities, trade allies and industry leaders, these businesses gain a single point of contact at each utility that serves their company. Managers of national accounts offer a variety of valuable services, including expediting new service connections, providing information about rates and recommending energy-efficiency management strategies.