In a joint filing today with the Georgia Public Service Commission, Southern Company and AGL Resources requested that the Commission find that their proposed merger complies with applicable Georgia law. The combination would unite two Georgia-based energy leaders that together serve approximately 9 million electric and gas utility customers in nine states. 

When completed, the combination of Southern Company and AGL Resources is expected to create the second-largest utility company in the U.S. by customer base, bringing together:

• Eleven regulated electric and natural gas distribution companies;

• Operations of nearly 200,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines;

• More than 80,000 miles of natural gas pipelines; and

• Approximately 46,000 megawatts of electricity generating capacity.

Southern Company is already one of the largest consumers of natural gas in America, with that fuel accounting for nearly half of the electricity generated to serve customers' needs. Southern Company's full portfolio of energy resources also includes carbon-free nuclear, 21^st century coal, one of America's largest renewable energy portfolios and energy efficiency.

A natural extension of the company's commitment to finding real solutions for America's energy future, Southern Company's pending acquisition of AGL Resources will help address one of the key challenges facing the energy industry – developing the infrastructure necessary to send low-priced natural gas to areas where it is increasingly needed.