Southern Company, Federal Government Sign Clean Energy MOU

In late October, Southern Company and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to supply federal facilities in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi with resilient clean energy. The MOU is one of several that GSA has signed with an electric company.

“Southern Company recognizes the importance of developing and supplying carbon-free electricity as we continue our efforts toward our goal of reaching net zero by 2050,” said Southern Company President and CEO Chris Womack. “Through industry-leading innovation and a commitment to a net-zero future, we are delivering sustainable and resilient energy solutions that help drive growth and prosperity.”

By 2030, Southern Company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent from 2007 levels. As part of the MOU, the company will work with GSA to develop a roadmap that will lead to federal agencies in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi buying more renewable and carbon-free energy, including through the use of solar, battery storage, nuclear energy, and hydrogen technologies. GSA is engaging in similar initiatives across the country with other EEI member companies, including Entergy, Pepco, and Xcel Energy.

“Through smart partnerships with energy service providers, we can help advance sustainability, create jobs, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure a healthier planet for our kids,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan.

The U.S. Army is currently the largest federal customer served by Southern Company. In a statement, Army Assistant Secretary for Installations, Energy, and Environment Rachel Jacobson said the U.S. Department of Defense and the Army are “committed to using carbon-free energy to support our national defense” and that the MOU “demonstrates the exact kind of collaboration that is key to improving the reliability and resilience of the commercial grid and achieving our carbon-free energy and readiness goals.