SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission
Registrant, State of Incorporation,
I.R.S. Employer
File Number
Address and Telephone Number
Identification No.
The Southern Company
58-0690070
(A Delaware Corporation)
30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
(404) 506-5000
Alabama Power Company
63-0004250
(An Alabama Corporation)
600 North 18
th
Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35291
(205) 257-1000
Georgia Power Company
58-0257110
(A Georgia Corporation)
241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
(404) 506-6526
Gulf Power Company
59-0276810
(A Florida Corporation)
One Energy Place
Pensacola, Florida 32520
(850) 444-6111
Mississippi Power Company
64-0205820
(A Mississippi Corporation)
2992 West Beach
Gulfport, Mississippi 39501
(228) 864-1211
Southern Power Company
58-2598670
(A Delaware Corporation)
30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
(404) 506-5000
Large | ||||||
Accelerated | Accelerated | Non-accelerated | ||||
Registrant | Filer | Filer | Filer | |||
The Southern Company
|
X | |||||
Alabama Power Company
|
X | |||||
Georgia Power Company
|
X | |||||
Gulf Power Company
|
X | |||||
Mississippi Power Company
|
X | |||||
Southern Power Company
|
X |
Description of | Shares Outstanding | |||||
Registrant | Common Stock | at March 31, 2007 | ||||
The Southern Company
|
Par Value $5 Per Share | 751,808,611 | ||||
Alabama Power Company
|
Par Value $40 Per Share | 14,000,000 | ||||
Georgia Power Company
|
Without Par Value | 9,261,500 | ||||
Gulf Power Company
|
Without Par Value | 1,792,717 | ||||
Mississippi Power Company
|
Without Par Value | 1,121,000 | ||||
Southern Power Company
|
Par Value $0.01 Per Share | 1,000 |
2
Page | |||||
Number | |||||
DEFINITIONS | 5 | ||||
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION | 6 | ||||
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
|||||
Item 1. |
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
|
||||
Item 2. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
|
||||
8 | |||||
9 | |||||
10 | |||||
12 | |||||
13 | |||||
29 | |||||
29 | |||||
30 | |||||
31 | |||||
33 | |||||
44 | |||||
44 | |||||
45 | |||||
46 | |||||
48 | |||||
60 | |||||
60 | |||||
61 | |||||
62 | |||||
64 | |||||
74 | |||||
74 | |||||
75 | |||||
76 | |||||
78 | |||||
89 | |||||
89 | |||||
90 | |||||
91 | |||||
93 | |||||
102 | |||||
Item 3. | 27 | ||||
Item 4. | 27 |
3
Page | |||||
Number | |||||
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
|
|||||
|
|||||
Item 1. | 112 | ||||
Item 1A. | 112 | ||||
Item 2. |
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
Inapplicable | |||
Item 3. |
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
|
Inapplicable | |||
Item 4. |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
Inapplicable | |||
Item 5. |
Other Information
|
Inapplicable | |||
Item 6. | 113 | ||||
118 |
4
TERM | MEANING | |
Alabama Power
|
Alabama Power Company | |
ALJ
|
Administrative law judge | |
BMA
|
Bond Market Association | |
Clean Air Act
|
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 | |
DOE
|
U.S. Department of Energy | |
Duke Energy
|
Duke Energy Corporation | |
ECO Plan
|
Environmental Compliance Overview Plan | |
EPA
|
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | |
ERISA
|
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended | |
FASB
|
Financial Accounting Standards Board | |
FERC
|
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission | |
Form 10-K
|
Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power for the year ended December 31, 2006 and, with respect to Gulf Power, Amendment No. 1 thereto | |
Georgia Power
|
Georgia Power Company | |
Gulf Power
|
Gulf Power Company | |
IIC
|
Intercompany Interchange Contract | |
IRC
|
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended | |
IRS
|
Internal Revenue Service | |
KWH
|
Kilowatt-hour | |
LIBOR
|
London Interbank Offered Rate | |
Mirant
|
Mirant Corporation | |
Mississippi Power
|
Mississippi Power Company | |
MW
|
Megawatt | |
NRC
|
Nuclear Regulatory Commission | |
NSR
|
New Source Review | |
PEP
|
Performance Evaluation Plan | |
Power Pool
|
The operating arrangement whereby the integrated generating resources of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power are subject to joint commitment and dispatch in order to serve their combined load obligations | |
PPA
|
Power Purchase Agreement | |
PSC
|
Public Service Commission | |
Rate CNP
|
Alabama Powers certified new plant rate mechanism | |
Rate ECR
|
Alabama Powers energy cost recovery rate mechanism | |
Rate RSE
|
Alabama Powers rate stabilization and equalization rate mechanism | |
Savannah Electric
|
Savannah Electric and Power Company (merged into Georgia Power on July 1, 2006) | |
SCS
|
Southern Company Services, Inc. | |
SEC
|
Securities and Exchange Commission | |
Southern Company
|
The Southern Company | |
Southern Company system
|
Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and other subsidiaries | |
Southern Nuclear
|
Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. | |
Southern Power
|
Southern Power Company | |
traditional operating companies
|
Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power | |
wholesale revenues
|
revenues generated from sales for resale |
5
| the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory change, including legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and also changes in environmental, tax, and other laws and regulations to which Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject, as well as changes in application of existing laws and regulations; |
| current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries, including the pending EPA civil actions against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, FERC matters, IRS audits, and Mirant matters; |
| the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in which Southern Companys subsidiaries operate; |
| variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general economy and population, and business growth (and declines); |
| available sources and costs of fuels; |
| ability to control costs; |
| investment performance of Southern Companys employee benefit plans; |
| advances in technology; |
| state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including rate actions relating to fuel and storm restoration cost recovery; |
| the performance of projects undertaken by the non-utility businesses and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities; |
| fluctuations in the level of oil prices; |
| the level of production, if any, by the synthetic fuel operations at Carbontronics Synfuels Investors LP and Alabama Fuel Products, LLC for fiscal year 2007; |
| internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; |
| potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Southern Company or its subsidiaries; |
| the ability of counterparties of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to make payments as and when due; |
| the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with neighboring utilities; |
| the direct or indirect effect on Southern Companys business resulting from terrorist incidents and the threat of terrorist incidents; |
| interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts, including Southern Companys and its subsidiaries credit ratings; |
| the ability of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to obtain additional generating capacity at competitive prices; |
| catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, pandemic health events such as an avian influenza, or other similar occurrences; |
| the direct or indirect effects on Southern Companys business resulting from incidents similar to the August 2003 power outage in the Northeast; |
| the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies; and |
| other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports (including the Form 10-K) filed by the registrants from time to time with the SEC. |
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
2,743,811
$
2,471,413
480,699
414,869
121,294
110,990
62,865
65,988
3,408,669
3,063,260
1,316,519
1,048,545
64,073
104,411
565,372
562,452
281,995
283,630
306,344
298,926
183,039
175,003
2,717,342
2,472,967
691,327
590,293
20,174
11,527
10,555
6,672
(6,735
)
(32,575
)
9,862
18,103
(194,023
)
(176,375
)
(23,827
)
(30,629
)
(10,129
)
(9,015
)
(2,931
)
(8,430
)
(197,054
)
(220,722
)
494,273
369,571
155,584
107,964
$
338,689
$
261,607
$
0.45
$
0.35
$
0.45
$
0.35
750,259
742,195
755,352
747,039
$
0.3875
$
0.3725
Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
338,689
$
261,607
363,903
351,946
53,433
(39,650
)
(20,174
)
(11,527
)
6,735
32,575
(9,862
)
(18,103
)
19,992
18,448
20,554
19,104
(3,923
)
18,006
(15,990
)
(2,608
)
161,960
236,127
(63,438
)
(78,471
)
(7,077
)
(11,089
)
(63,751
)
(41,642
)
(92,238
)
(310,962
)
(100,356
)
(9,425
)
(325,500
)
(337,600
)
(1,107
)
(18,331
)
261,850
58,405
(742,384
)
(546,261
)
(167,193
)
(172,551
)
160,313
165,671
3,922
150,521
(11,423
)
(38,364
)
(22,870
)
(31,230
)
(8,237
)
(32,696
)
(787,872
)
(504,910
)
(299,583
)
433,101
1,350,000
800,000
167,509
13,875
(405,210
)
(322,839
)
(67,457
)
(14,569
)
(117
)
(290,292
)
(276,442
)
(1,759
)
(20,372
)
520,665
545,180
(5,357
)
98,675
166,846
202,111
$
161,489
$
300,786
$
181,712
$
198,762
$
(19,257
)
$
919
Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Assets
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
161,489
$
166,846
883,716
942,821
264,383
283,275
527,206
516,441
286,491
329,619
(30,117
)
(34,901
)
736,970
674,902
653,734
648,127
122,709
121,246
227,147
127,908
190,610
242,735
4,024,338
4,019,019
45,777,616
45,484,895
16,808,693
16,581,886
28,968,923
28,903,009
323,727
317,429
2,230,033
1,871,538
31,522,683
31,091,976
1,086,250
1,057,534
955,788
1,138,730
291,153
296,484
2,333,191
2,492,748
916,888
895,446
1,558,673
1,548,983
176,515
171,758
287,516
293,016
797,151
845,201
921,549
935,804
566,930
564,498
5,225,222
5,254,706
$
43,105,434
$
42,858,449
Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
1,505,952
$
1,416,898
1,641,217
1,940,801
983,918
1,081,256
257,609
248,781
128,526
110,009
215,410
390,716
205,122
183,918
151,372
151,113
119,777
443,610
286,924
385,858
5,495,827
6,352,960
12,288,193
10,942,025
1,071,667
1,561,358
5,863,088
5,989,063
287,072
291,474
497,231
503,217
1,580,291
1,566,591
1,150,708
1,136,982
1,303,503
1,300,461
804,844
793,869
536,300
305,255
12,023,037
11,886,912
30,878,724
30,743,255
743,938
744,065
3,760,819
3,759,319
1,114,045
1,096,387
(9,509
)
(192,309
)
6,673,423
6,765,219
(56,006
)
(57,487
)
11,482,772
11,371,129
$
43,105,434
$
42,858,449
Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
338,689
$
261,607
(2,468
)
11,392
2,204
290
1,307
2,521
438
1,481
14,203
$
340,170
$
275,810
Table of Contents
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
29.5
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
11.0
First Quarter
2007
(in millions)
% change
$
2,471.4
32.7
1.3
26.3
1.1
19.8
0.8
193.6
7.8
$
2,743.8
11.0
%
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
15.9
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
9.3
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$
268.0
25.6
(40.3
)
(38.6
)
$
227.7
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
First Quarter
Average Cost
2007
2006
% change
(cents per net KWH)
2.80
2.46
13.8
3.88
4.85
(20.0
)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
75.0
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
(79.3)
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
(45.5)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
10.0
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
(22.2)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
65.2
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
44.1
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
2007
Changes
Fair Value
(in millions)
$
(82
)
28
65
$
11
(a)
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered
into during the period, if any.
Source of March 31, 2007
Valuation Prices
Total
Maturity
Fair Value
Year 1
1-3 Years
(in millions)
$
11
$
(1
)
$
12
$
11
$
(1
)
$
12
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Amounts
(in millions)
$
11.0
(0.2
)
0.1
$
10.9
Table of Contents
27
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
955,773
$
802,209
155,122
146,354
42,194
79,315
44,113
44,829
1,197,202
1,072,707
386,072
341,767
4,638
22,086
72,714
56,665
171,403
169,013
118,762
109,500
115,943
109,862
72,718
65,657
942,250
874,550
254,952
198,157
6,586
5,529
4,394
4,174
(63,131
)
(53,219
)
(4,059
)
(4,059
)
(2,924
)
(9,005
)
(59,134
)
(56,580
)
195,818
141,577
72,702
53,363
123,116
88,214
8,182
6,072
$
114,934
$
82,142
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
114,934
$
82,142
(168
)
2,423
96
(1,654
)
$
114,862
$
82,911
Table of Contents
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
123,116
$
88,214
136,060
129,238
(889
)
(43,904
)
(2,276
)
(559
)
(6,586
)
(5,529
)
(2,439
)
(292
)
3,713
3,583
286
111
18,006
6,055
1,271
43,143
111,212
(21,732
)
(32,192
)
(2,288
)
7,161
(45,381
)
(21,978
)
(94,769
)
(152,217
)
93,770
103,107
(61,830
)
(66,139
)
7,811
25,325
175,764
164,418
(263,712
)
(228,402
)
(73,062
)
(72,384
)
73,062
72,384
(10,012
)
(11,839
)
(1,863
)
(5,292
)
(275,587
)
(245,533
)
(44,875
)
(315,278
)
70,000
200,000
800,000
741
217
(170,000
)
(6,515
)
(6,070
)
(116,250
)
(110,150
)
(2,469
)
(16,505
)
100,632
182,214
809
101,099
15,539
22,472
$
16,348
$
123,571
$
52,607
$
35,993
$
(3,250
)
$
(10,989
)
Table of Contents
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Assets
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
16,348
$
15,539
307,878
323,202
88,890
90,596
17,583
32,451
44,066
49,708
55,461
70,836
(9,416
)
(7,091
)
173,051
153,120
257,739
255,664
46,415
46,465
112,924
76,265
31,387
66,663
1,142,326
1,173,418
16,167,366
15,997,793
5,719,366
5,636,475
10,448,000
10,361,318
139,202
137,300
623,625
562,119
11,210,827
11,060,737
48,589
47,486
525,117
513,521
35,647
35,980
609,353
596,987
373,025
354,225
731,311
722,287
311,686
301,048
271,155
279,661
157,745
166,927
1,844,922
1,824,148
$
14,807,428
$
14,655,290
Table of Contents
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
668,648
$
668,646
74,794
119,670
129,618
162,951
202,208
263,506
62,735
62,978
49,592
3,120
49,795
29,696
61,421
53,573
38,645
38,767
25,364
87,194
56,581
79,907
1,419,401
1,570,008
4,038,399
3,838,906
309,279
309,279
2,137,888
2,116,575
97,999
98,941
186,581
188,582
379,409
375,940
483,660
476,460
601,049
600,278
405,268
399,822
30,742
35,805
4,322,596
4,292,403
10,089,675
10,010,596
612,271
612,407
560,000
490,000
2,033,544
2,028,963
1,514,931
1,516,245
(2,993
)
(2,921
)
4,105,482
4,032,287
$
14,807,428
$
14,655,290
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$32.8
39.9
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$153.6
19.1
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
2007
(in millions)
% change
$
802.2
54.0
6.7
5.0
0.6
14.1
1.8
80.5
10.0
$
955.8
19.1
%
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
6.0
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$(37.1)
(46.8)
First Quarter
First Quarter
Average Cost
2007
2006
% change
(cents per net KWH)
2.29
2.21
3.6
4.55
5.46
(16.7
)
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
8.5
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$6.1
5.5
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$7.1
10.8
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$9.9
18.6
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$6.1
67.5
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
2007
Changes
Fair Value
(in thousands)
$
(32,628
)
12,826
19,441
$
(361
)
(a)
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered
into during the period, if any.
Source of March 31, 2007
Valuation Prices
Total
Maturity
Fair Value
Year 1
1-3 Years
(in thousands)
$
(281
)
$
(3,829
)
$
3,548
(80
)
(80
)
$
(361
)
$
(3,909
)
$
3,548
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Amounts
(in thousands)
$
(307
)
(57
)
3
$
(361
)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
1,412,329
$
1,358,523
143,767
134,658
41,788
37,203
59,286
53,637
1,657,170
1,584,021
593,894
460,724
46,093
58,798
184,542
217,876
230,748
235,184
124,442
128,551
126,149
123,825
72,341
71,257
1,378,209
1,296,215
278,961
287,806
13,179
5,981
475
325
(70,587
)
(64,377
)
(14,878
)
(14,878
)
(4,216
)
(1,332
)
(76,027
)
(74,281
)
202,934
213,525
70,980
79,900
131,954
133,625
689
1,685
$
131,265
$
131,940
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
131,265
$
131,940
65
(155
)
(1,714
)
8,866
(46
)
179
$
129,570
$
140,830
Table of Contents
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
131,954
$
133,625
149,339
145,167
12,709
1,924
21,524
19,937
(13,179
)
(5,981
)
5,289
846
3,911
3,997
794
202
(12,848
)
1,153
81,442
125,870
(14,009
)
(50,694
)
(2,412
)
(18,240
)
19,084
61,863
(5,635
)
(20,602
)
(86,459
)
(229,697
)
(124,431
)
(77,501
)
(111,026
)
(111,434
)
35,473
5,021
91,520
(14,544
)
(352,475
)
(215,969
)
(94,131
)
(100,167
)
87,251
93,287
(8,937
)
(6,034
)
379
(24,192
)
(11,714
)
444
(379,627
)
(252,631
)
(58,951
)
333,852
250,000
269,949
261,000
2,208
465
(150,000
)
(1,841
)
(14,569
)
(832
)
(1,362
)
(172,475
)
(157,500
)
(3,768
)
151
284,290
272,037
(3,817
)
4,862
16,850
11,138
$
13,033
$
16,000
$
64,595
$
81,610
$
6,585
$
(25,786
)
Table of Contents
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Assets
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
13,033
$
16,850
438,277
474,046
117,771
130,585
391,923
353,976
89,285
93,656
15,677
21,941
(8,929
)
(10,030
)
406,019
392,011
306,101
304,514
61,835
61,907
65,514
74,788
32,590
72,041
1,929,096
1,986,285
21,375,467
21,279,792
8,431,908
8,343,309
12,943,559
12,936,483
184,526
180,129
1,141,872
923,948
14,269,957
14,040,560
73,632
70,879
561,132
544,013
58,251
58,848
693,015
673,740
513,238
510,531
695,535
688,671
485,465
544,152
630,741
629,003
224,660
235,788
2,549,639
2,608,145
$
19,441,707
$
19,308,730
Table of Contents
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
756,605
$
303,906
674,330
733,281
164,839
238,093
394,121
402,222
162,308
155,763
174,402
217,603
121,055
275,098
172,475
87,768
74,643
49,485
49,704
31,997
141,356
102,263
125,494
2,891,648
2,717,163
4,489,726
4,242,839
515,465
969,073
2,842,780
2,815,724
154,775
157,297
278,833
282,070
708,154
698,274
635,857
626,681
434,367
436,137
281,244
281,391
146,133
80,839
5,482,143
5,378,413
13,378,982
13,307,488
45,000
44,991
398,473
398,473
3,316,707
3,039,845
2,316,133
2,529,826
(13,588
)
(11,893
)
6,017,725
5,956,251
$
19,441,707
$
19,308,730
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$(0.7)
(0.5)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$53.8
4.0
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007
(in millions)
% change
$
1,358.5
(27.9
)
(2.1
)
12.1
0.9
(0.3
)
69.9
5.2
$
1,412.3
4.0
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
6.8
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$4.6
12.3
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$5.7
10.5
First Quarter
First Quarter
Average Cost
2007
2006
% change
(cents per net KWH)
2.64
2.33
13.3
5.95
5.95
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
(1.9)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$(4.2)
(3.2)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$7.2
120.3
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$6.2
9.6
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$(8.9)
(11.2)
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007
Changes
Fair Value
(in thousands)
$
(38,003
)
12,498
29,276
$
3,771
(a)
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered
into during the period, if any.
Source of March 31, 2007
Valuation Prices
Total
Maturity
Fair Value
Year 1
1-3 Years
(in thousands)
$
3,876
$
(1,332
)
$
5,208
(105
)
(105
)
$
3,771
$
(1,437
)
$
5,208
Amounts
(in thousands)
$
3,767
4
$
3,771
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
219,584
$
179,317
23,400
20,838
40,080
52,608
13,169
10,279
296,233
263,042
146,474
121,241
1,388
4,796
7,041
6,990
46,050
43,490
13,202
14,572
21,097
21,985
20,206
18,889
255,458
231,963
40,775
31,079
1,608
781
(10,576
)
(9,272
)
(577
)
(1,148
)
(171
)
(550
)
(9,716
)
(10,189
)
31,059
20,890
11,371
7,663
19,688
13,227
825
825
$
18,863
$
12,402
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
18,863
$
12,402
890
133
50
$
19,886
$
12,452
Table of Contents
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
19,688
$
13,227
22,384
23,488
(3,997
)
(6,462
)
388
1,358
721
599
105
48
(1,159
)
3,222
1,208
26,332
(17,154
)
(7,852
)
(105
)
(153
)
7,306
295
5,325
5,116
945
556
2,078
(3,142
)
6,885
10,280
(12,345
)
(15,594
)
1,089
5,889
33,362
57,207
(43,526
)
(38,277
)
(2,755
)
(945
)
(7,287
)
(3,747
)
(80
)
(19
)
(53,648
)
(42,988
)
(42,232
)
(8,184
)
80,000
21,000
218
125
(825
)
(825
)
(18,525
)
(17,575
)
(122
)
(602
)
18,514
(6,061
)
(1,772
)
8,158
7,526
3,847
$
5,754
$
12,005
$
8,826
$
9,261
$
264
$
2,935
Table of Contents
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Assets
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
5,754
$
7,526
57,995
56,489
35,479
38,287
77,217
79,235
8,998
9,015
17,264
15,302
(973
)
(1,279
)
93,190
76,036
35,411
35,306
29,048
28,771
10,778
15,977
8,388
14,259
378,549
374,924
2,581,545
2,574,517
913,540
901,564
1,668,005
1,672,953
91,406
62,815
1,759,411
1,735,768
16,558
14,846
17,169
17,148
70,278
69,895
102,197
110,077
21,033
17,831
210,677
214,951
$
2,365,195
$
2,340,489
Table of Contents
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
78,214
$
120,446
50,813
44,375
36,971
49,979
23,640
21,363
35,602
29,771
14,362
15,033
8,946
7,645
4,587
16,932
12,235
9,029
21,716
30,975
287,086
345,548
654,956
654,860
41,238
41,238
236,677
237,862
14,259
14,721
74,518
73,922
167,077
165,410
48,443
46,485
70,647
72,533
611,621
610,933
1,594,901
1,652,579
53,887
53,887
118,060
38,060
429,615
428,592
172,306
171,968
(3,574
)
(4,597
)
716,407
634,023
$
2,365,195
$
2,340,489
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$6.5
52.1
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$40.3
22.5
First Quarter
2007
(in millions)
% change
$
179.3
2.7
1.5
4.3
2.4
3.2
1.8
30.1
16.8
$
219.6
22.5
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
(23.8)
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$2.9
28.1
First Quarter
First Quarter
Average Cost
2007
2006
% change
(cents per net KWH)
3.48
2.99
16.4
4.41
6.75
(34.7
)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
5.9
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
($1.4)
(9.4)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$3.7
48.4
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
2007
Changes
Fair Value
(in thousands)
$
(7,186
)
3,089
4,998
$
901
(a)
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered
into during the period, if any.
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Source of March 31, 2007
Valuation Prices
Total
Maturity
Fair Value
Year 1
1-3 Years
(in thousands
)
$
917
$
(56
)
$
973
(16
)
(16
)
$
901
$
(72
)
$
973
Amounts
(in thousands)
$
900
1
$
901
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
156,124
$
131,364
77,294
61,322
18,915
11,772
4,493
4,483
256,826
208,941
121,759
78,263
954
4,702
12,424
19,036
43,847
37,277
13,947
14,415
14,228
12,320
12,843
14,200
220,002
180,213
36,824
28,728
575
49
(4,423
)
(4,291
)
(649
)
(649
)
(128
)
943
(4,625
)
(3,948
)
32,199
24,780
12,130
9,065
20,069
15,715
433
433
$
19,636
$
15,282
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
19,636
$
15,282
(584
)
225
$
19,052
$
15,507
Table of Contents
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
20,069
$
15,715
16,949
16,680
9,224
10,943
(1,415
)
(3,252
)
2,680
1,506
711
743
71
25
(4,151
)
(8,790
)
11,469
54,402
(10,693
)
12,561
(532
)
460
18,301
(7,904
)
803
4,140
(1,588
)
(36,088
)
(9,578
)
(51,267
)
(28,308
)
(31,003
)
(17,828
)
(18,661
)
(10,797
)
459
(6,681
)
6,643
(57,268
)
(23,545
)
(52,798
)
(420
)
(12,229
)
(2,926
)
(10,112
)
(50
)
(37
)
(26,941
)
(75,176
)
35,354
140,974
178
9
(3
)
(433
)
(433
)
(16,825
)
(16,300
)
18,271
124,250
(2,027
)
(8,194
)
4,214
14,301
$
2,187
$
6,107
$
5,183
$
7,073
$
(21,559
)
$
5,824
Table of Contents
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Assets
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
2,187
$
4,214
36,215
42,099
22,243
23,807
40,483
50,778
4,381
5,870
20,975
20,551
31,394
23,696
(621
)
(855
)
53,372
42,679
28,459
27,927
3,730
22,031
39,980
42,391
11,765
15,091
294,563
320,279
2,074,011
2,054,151
848,063
836,922
1,225,948
1,217,229
45,678
40,608
1,271,626
1,257,837
4,685
4,636
9,161
9,280
36,144
36,424
58,593
61,086
22,240
18,834
126,138
125,624
$
1,697,012
$
1,708,376
Table of Contents
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
36,082
$
86,731
51,377
26,915
24,615
57,454
73,236
8,927
8,676
5,911
4,171
16,201
50,346
1,964
2,332
6,130
23,958
4,244
5,659
14,619
11,386
27,193
28,880
292,371
284,636
242,553
242,553
36,082
248,878
236,202
15,912
16,218
16,136
16,402
93,854
92,403
84,807
82,397
24,421
22,559
52,296
56,324
536,304
522,505
1,071,228
1,085,776
32,780
32,780
37,691
37,691
307,975
307,019
247,323
244,511
15
599
593,004
589,820
$
1,697,012
$
1,708,376
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$4.3
28.5
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$24.7
18.8
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
2007
(in millions)
% change
$
131.4
3.8
2.9
2.8
2.1
2.8
2.1
15.3
11.7
$
156.1
18.8
%
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
26.0
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$7.1
60.7
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
First Quarter
Average Cost
2007
2006
% change
(cents per net KWH)
3.56
3.14
13.4
3.37
4.38
(23.1
)
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
17.6
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$1.9
15.5
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$(1.4)
(9.6)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$(0.7)
(17.1)
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$3.1
33.8
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
2007
Changes
Fair Value
(in thousands)
$
(6,360
)
1,497
11,506
$
6,643
(a)
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered
into during the period, if any.
Source of March 31, 2007
Valuation Prices
Total
Maturity
Fair Value
Year 1
1-3 Years
(in thousands)
$
6,616
$
4,286
$
2,330
27
27
$
6,643
$
4,313
$
2,330
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Amounts
(in thousands)
$
6,591
24
28
$
6,643
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
81,117
$
51,697
109,502
87,323
1,873
809
192,492
139,829
27,366
14,259
11,030
13,971
31,287
19,407
20,889
17,507
5,298
5,885
18,394
14,707
3,711
3,661
117,975
89,397
74,517
50,432
(20,894
)
(20,342
)
(82
)
2,403
(20,976
)
(17,939
)
53,541
32,493
21,505
12,593
$
32,036
$
19,900
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
32,036
$
19,900
(891
)
(122
)
2,037
1,732
$
33,182
$
21,510
Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
32,036
$
19,900
22,086
18,070
20,953
17,251
(27,924
)
(26,672
)
15,098
5,490
(4,408
)
927
(2,010
)
5,399
38,672
149
(293
)
(650
)
(356
)
80
(8,517
)
(3,065
)
(46,701
)
(2,961
)
2,899
(12,067
)
(15,365
)
45,653
2,368
(45,852
)
(1,175
)
5,104
2
(40,748
)
(1,173
)
21,380
231
(22,450
)
(19,425
)
(26
)
(1,096
)
(19,194
)
3,809
(17,999
)
29,929
27,631
$
33,738
$
9,632
$
29,293
$
32,260
$
6,948
$
4,227
Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Assets
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
33,738
$
29,929
16,379
16,789
1,182
125
21,034
26,215
11,337
11,056
20,096
19,877
32,542
30,280
12,671
5,878
512
2,006
149,491
142,155
2,437,160
2,434,146
238,028
219,654
2,199,132
2,214,492
297,571
260,279
2,496,703
2,474,771
55,161
51,615
4,389
4,473
16,461
17,929
76,011
74,017
$
2,722,205
$
2,690,943
Table of Contents
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
At March 31,
At December 31,
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
2007
2006
(in thousands)
$
1,209
$
1,209
145,132
123,752
28,936
33,205
23,032
16,453
393
6,354
2,183
17,781
29,849
2,701
4,840
225,145
211,884
1,296,909
1,296,845
128,005
106,016
10,041
36,313
8,459
8,958
17,413
5,423
163,918
156,710
1,685,972
1,665,439
854,930
854,933
220,881
211,295
(39,578
)
(40,724
)
1,036,233
1,025,504
$
2,722,205
$
2,690,943
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$12.1
61.0
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$51.6
37.1
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
19.3
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$(0.6)
(10.0)
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$3.7
25.1
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$(2.5)
(103.4)
First Quarter 2007 vs. First Quarter 2006
(change in millions)
% change
$8.9
70.8
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
First Quarter
2007
Changes
Fair Value
(in thousands)
$
1,850
(1,378
)
(504
)
$
(32
)
(a)
Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into
during the period, if any.
Source of March 31, 2007
Valuation Prices
Total
Maturity
Fair Value
Year 1
1-3 Years
(in thousands)
$
(267
)
$
(267
)
$
235
235
$
(32
)
$
(32
)
$
Table of Contents
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Amounts
(in thousands)
$
84
(116
)
$
(32
)
Table of Contents
FOR
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
GULF POWER COMPANY
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BY REGISTRANT
Registrant
Applicable Notes
A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I
A, B, F, G, I
A, B, F, G, H, I
A, B, F, G, I
A, B, D, F, G, I
A, B, F, I
Table of Contents
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
GULF POWER COMPANY
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
(A)
INTRODUCTION
The condensed quarterly financial statements of the registrants included herein have been
prepared by each registrant, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
SEC. The Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 have been derived from the
audited financial statements of each registrant. In the opinion of each registrants
management, the information regarding such registrant furnished herein reflects all
adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the periods ended
March 31, 2007 and 2006. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and
regulations, although each registrant believes that the disclosures regarding such
registrant are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Disclosure which
would substantially duplicate the disclosure in the latest Form 10-K and details which have
not changed significantly in amount or composition since the filing of the Form 10-K are
omitted from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these condensed financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto
included in the Form 10-K. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform
to current period presentation. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for energy,
operating results for the periods presented do not necessarily indicate operating results
for the entire year.
(B)
CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS
See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company, the traditional operating
companies, and Southern Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information relating to various
lawsuits and other contingencies.
NEW SOURCE REVIEW LITIGATION
See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Alabama Power under
Environmental Matters New Source Review Actions in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for
additional information regarding civil actions brought by the EPA alleging that Alabama
Power and Georgia Power had violated the NSR provisions of the Clean Air Act and related
state laws with respect to certain of their respective coal-fired generating facilities.
The plaintiffs appeal against Alabama Power was stayed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Eleventh Circuit pending the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in a similar case against Duke
Energy. On April 2, 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion in the Duke Energy case.
On April 11, 2007, Alabama Power filed a motion to lift the stay and to reset the briefing
schedule. The plaintiffs have opposed the motion and have moved to vacate the district
courts decision and remand for further proceedings consistent with the Duke Energy
decision. The final resolution of these claims is dependent on these appeals and possible
further court action and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.
PLANT WANSLEY ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION
See MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL Environmental
Matters Plant Wansley Environmental Litigation of Southern Company and Georgia Power in
Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Georgia Power under
Environmental Matters - Plant Wansley Environmental Litigation in Item 8 of the Form 10-K
for
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
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(C)
SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
Southern Companys reportable business segment is the sale of electricity in the Southeast
by the traditional operating companies and Southern Power. The All Other column includes
parent Southern Company, which does not allocate operating expenses to business segments.
Also, this category includes segments below the quantitative threshold for separate
disclosure. These segments include investments in synthetic fuels and leveraged lease
projects, telecommunications, and energy-related services. Southern Powers revenues from
sales to the traditional operating companies were $110 million and $87 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, respectively. All other intersegment
revenues are not material. Financial data for business segments and products and services
are as follows:
Electric Utilities
Traditional
Operating
All
Companies
Southern Power
Eliminations
Total
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
(
in millions
)
31,
2007:
$
3,294
$
192
$
(140
)
$
3,346
$
101
$
(38
)
$
3,409
284
32
316
24
(1
)
339
$
39,107
$
2,722
$
(73
)
$
41,756
$
1,993
$
(644
)
$
43,105
Electric Utilities
Traditional
Operating
All
Companies
Southern Power
Eliminations
Total
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
(
in millions
)
31,
2006:
$
2,964
$
140
$
(107
)
$
2,997
$
104
$
(38
)
$
3,063
239
20
259
1
2
262
$
38,825
$
2,691
$
(110
)
$
41,406
$
1,933
$
(481
)
$
42,858
Electric Utilities Revenues
Period
Retail
Wholesale
Other
Total
(
in millions
)
$
2,744
$
481
$
121
$
3,346
2,471
415
111
2,997
(D)
MISSISSIPPI POWER RETAIL REGULATORY MATTERS
See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under Retail Regulatory Matters
Environmental Compliance Overview Plan in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information on
Mississippi Powers annual environmental filing with the Mississippi PSC. In February 2007,
Mississippi Power filed with the Mississippi PSC its annual ECO Plan evaluation for 2007.
Mississippi Power requested an 86 cent per 1,000 KWH increase for retail customers. This
increase represents approximately $7.5 million in annual revenues for Mississippi Power. On
April 13, 2007, the Mississippi PSC approved Mississippi Powers ECO Plan as filed. The new
rates are effective in May 2007.
In April 2007, the Mississippi PSC issued an order allowing Mississippi Power to defer
approximately $10.4 million of certain reliability related maintenance costs beginning
January 1, 2007 and recover them over a four-year period beginning January 1, 2008. These
costs relate to system upgrades and improvements that are now being made as a follow-up to
the emergency repairs that were made subsequent to Hurricane Katrina. As of March 31, 2007,
Mississippi Power had incurred and deferred approximately $2.1 million of such costs, which
are included in Other Regulatory Assets on the Condensed Balance Sheets herein.
Table of Contents
(E)
COMMON STOCK
For Southern Company, the only difference in computing basic and diluted earnings per share
is attributable to exercised options and outstanding options under the stock option plan.
See Note 8 to the financial statements of Southern Company in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for
further information on the stock option plan. The effect of the stock options was
determined using the treasury stock method. Shares used to compute diluted earnings per
share are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months
Three Months
Ended
Ended
March 31,
March 31,
2007
2006
750,259
742,195
5,093
4,844
755,352
747,039
(F)
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
See Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Company, the traditional operating
companies, and Southern Power under Financial Instruments in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. At
March 31, 2007, the fair value gain/(loss) of derivative energy contracts was reflected in the financial
statements as follows (in millions):
Southern
Alabama
Georgia
Gulf
Mississippi
Southern
Company
Power
Power
Power
Power
Power
$
11.0
$
(0.3
)
$
3.8
$
0.9
$
6.6
$
(0.2
)
(0.1
)
(0.1
)
0.1
0.1
$
10.9
$
(0.4
)
$
3.8
$
0.9
$
6.6
$
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Weighted
Fair Value
Variable
Average
Hedge
Gain (Loss)
Notional
Rate
Fixed Rate
Maturity
March 31, 2007
Amount
Received
Paid
Date
(in millions)
$100 million
3-month LIBOR
6.15
%
November 2017
$
(1.6
)
$100 million
3-month LIBOR
6.15
%
December 2017
(1.7
)
$300 million
3-month LIBOR
5.75
%
July 2037
1.1
$400 million
Floating
3.85
%
December 2007
$150 million
3-month LIBOR
5.25
%
June 2017
(0.9
)
$100 million
3-month LIBOR
5.10
%
December 2017
0.7
$225 million
3-month LIBOR
5.26
%
March 2018
(1.1
)
$100 million
3-month LIBOR
5.12
%
June 2018
0.7
$300 million
1-month LIBOR
2.68
%
June 2007
0.7
$14 million
BMA Index
2.50
%
December 2007
0.1
$85 million
3-month LIBOR
5.07
%
July 2017
0.7
$80 million
3-month LIBOR
5.10
%
July 2018
0.8
*
Interest rate collar showing rate cap
**
Interest rate collar with variable rate based on one-month LIBOR (showing rate cap)
$
(17.5
)
(0.9
)
(2.2
)
(0.8
)
(13.6
)
Table of Contents
(G)
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
See Note 2 to the financial statements of Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power,
Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. Components of the pension
plans and postretirement plans net periodic costs for the three-month periods ended March
31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (in millions):
Southern
Alabama
Georgia
Gulf
Mississippi
PENSION PLANS
Company
Power
Power
Power
Power
$
37
$
9
$
13
$
2
$
2
81
21
31
4
4
(120
)
(37
)
(49
)
(6
)
(5
)
10
3
4
2
1
$
10
$
(4
)
$
$
$
1
$
38
$
9
$
13
$
2
$
2
75
19
30
3
3
(114
)
(35
)
(46
)
(5
)
(4
)
4
1
1
7
2
2
$
10
$
(4
)
$
$
$
1
Southern
Alabama
Georgia
Gulf
Mississippi
POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
Company
Power
Power
Power
Power
$
7
$
2
$
3
$
$
27
7
12
1
1
(13
)
(5
)
(7
)
10
3
5
1
$
31
$
7
$
13
$
1
$
2
$
7
$
2
$
3
$
$
25
6
11
1
1
(12
)
(4
)
(6
)
11
3
5
-
$
31
$
7
$
13
$
1
$
1
(H)
EFFECTIVE TAX RATES
See Note 5 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Georgia Power in Item 8 of
the Form 10-K for information on each companys effective income tax rate. Southern Company
has recorded synthetic fuel tax credits as of the three months ended March 31, 2007 that are
$23.1 million less than the synthetic fuel tax credits recorded for the same period in 2006,
which resulted in an increase in income tax expense. The increase in income tax expense was
partially offset by a $17.3 million reduction to tax credit reserves in the first quarter of
2007 compared to the first quarter 2006. See Note (B) herein for additional information
regarding the production of synthetic fuel tax credits in 2007. The impact of the reduction
in synthetic fuel tax credits and these reserves is an increase in Southern Companys
effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the same period
in 2006.
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Georgia Power recorded certain state income tax credits that resulted in a lower effective
income tax rate for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007 when compared to the same period
in 2006. In September 2006, Georgia Power filed its 2005 income tax returns, which included
certain other state income tax credits. Georgia Power has also filed similar claims for the
years 2001 through 2004. The Georgia Department of Revenue is currently reviewing these
claims. If approved as filed, such claims could have a significant, and possibly material,
effect on Georgia Powers net income. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot now be
determined.
(I)
ADOPTION OF FIN 48
On January 1, 2007, Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern
Power adopted FIN 48, which requires companies to determine whether it is more likely than
not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing
authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. It
also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and classification of income tax
uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties. Prior to adoption of FIN 48,
Southern Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $65 million, which included
approximately $62 million for Georgia Power. As of adoption, an additional $146 million of
unrecognized tax benefits were recorded, which resulted in a total balance of $211 million.
The $146 million is associated with a tax timing difference which was recorded by
reclassifying a deferred tax liability to an unrecognized tax benefit. Of the total $211
million unrecognized tax benefits, $65 million would impact Southern Companys effective tax
rate if recognized, which includes $62 million for Georgia Power. For the first three
months of 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits increased by $7 million,
resulting in a balance of $218 million as of March 31, 2007.
Southern Company classifies interest on tax uncertainties as interest expense. The net
amount of interest accrued as of adoption was $24 million. The impact of adopting FIN 48 on
Southern Companys financial statements was a reduction to beginning 2007 retained earnings
of approximately $15 million. The other registrants retained earnings balances were not
impacted by the adoption of FIN 48. Net interest accrued for the three months ended March
31, 2007 was $0.2 million.
Southern Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. The IRS has audited and
closed all tax returns prior to 2004. Southern Company also files income tax
returns in various states. The audits for these returns have either been concluded, or the
statute of limitations has expired, for years prior to 2002.
Southern Company does not anticipate that the total unrecognized tax benefits will
significantly change due to settlement of audits or litigation, or the expiration of statute
of limitations prior to March 31, 2008. See Note (B) herein for additional information
regarding the implementation of FIN 48.
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112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
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Second Supplemental Indenture to the
Senior Note Indenture dated as of March
28, 2007, providing for the issuance of
the Series 2007B Senior Notes.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated March 20,
2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit 4.2.)
Thirty-Eighth Supplemental Indenture to
Senior Note Indenture dated as of April
18, 2007, providing for the issuance of
the Series 2007B Senior Notes.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated April 4,
2007, File No. 1-3164, as Exhibit 4.2.)
Twenty-Eighth Supplemental Indenture to
Senior Note Indenture dated as of March
13, 2007, providing for the issuance of
the Series 2007A Senior Notes.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated March 6,
2007, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2.)
(10) Material Contracts
Amended and Restated Change in Control
Agreement dated November 16, 2006
between Southern Company, SCS and David
M. Ratcliffe. *
Amended and Restated Change in Control
Agreement dated November 16, 2006
between Southern Company, SCS and
Thomas A. Fanning. *
Amended and Restated Change in Control
Agreement dated November 16, 2006
between Southern Company, Georgia Power
and Michael D. Garrett. *
Amended and Restated Change in Control
Agreement dated November 16, 2006
between Southern Company, SCS and
William Paul Bowers. *
Amended and Restated Change in Control
Agreement dated November 16, 2006
between Southern Company, Alabama Power
and Charles D. McCrary. *
The Southern Company Supplemental
Benefit Plan, Amended and Restated
Effective as of January 1, 2005.
(Designated in Form 8-K dated March 30,
2007, File No. 1-3526, as Exhibit
10.1.)
The Southern Company Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan, Amended and
Restated Effective as of January 1,
2005. (Designated in Form 8-K dated
March 30, 2007, File No. 1-3526, as
Exhibit 10.2)
Amended and Restated Southern Company
Change in Control Benefits Protection
Plan, effective February 28, 2007.
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Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated
November 16, 2006 between Southern Company, Alabama Power
and Charles D. McCrary. See Exhibit 10(a)5 herein. *
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan, Amended
and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2005. Exhibit
10(a)6 herein.
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1,
2005. See Exhibit 10(a)7 herein.
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control
Benefits Protection Plan, effective February 28, 2007.
See Exhibit 10(a)8 herein.
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised effective May
1, 2007, among Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power,
Mississippi Power, Southern Power and SCS.
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement dated
November 16, 2006 between Southern Company, Georgia Power
and Michael D. Garrett. See Exhibit 10(a)3 herein. *
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan, Amended
and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2005. Exhibit
10(a)6 herein.
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1,
2005. See Exhibit 10(a)7 herein.
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control
Benefits Protection Plan, effective February 28, 2007.
See Exhibit 10(a)8 herein.
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised effective May
1, 2007, among Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power,
Mississippi Power, Southern Power and SCS. See Exhibit
10(b)5 herein.
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan, Amended
and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2005. Exhibit
10(a)6 herein.
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1,
2005. See Exhibit 10(a)7 herein.
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control
Benefits Protection Plan, effective February 28, 2007.
See Exhibit 10(a)8 herein.
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised effective May
1, 2007, among Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power,
Mississippi Power, Southern Power and SCS. See Exhibit
10(b)5 herein.
Table of Contents
The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan,
Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2005.
Exhibit 10(a)6 herein.
The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan, Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1,
2005. See Exhibit 10(a)7 herein.
Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in
Control Benefits Protection Plan, effective February
28, 2007. See Exhibit 10(a)8 herein.
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised effective
May 1, 2007, among Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf
Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power and SCS. See
Exhibit 10(b)5 herein.
Intercompany Interchange Contract as revised effective
May 1, 2007, among Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf
Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power and SCS. See
Exhibit 10(b)5 herein.
(24) Power of Attorney and Resolutions
-
Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in
the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006,
File No. 1-3526 as Exhibit 24(a) and incorporated
herein by reference.)
-
Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in
the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006,
File No. 1-3164 as Exhibit 24(b) and incorporated
herein by reference.)
-
Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in
the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006,
File No. 1-6468 as Exhibit 24(c) and incorporated
herein by reference.)
-
Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in
the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006,
File No. 0-2429 as Exhibit 24(d) and incorporated
herein by reference.)
-
Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in
the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006,
File No. 001-11229 as Exhibit 24(e) and incorporated
herein by reference.)
Table of Contents
-
Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in the
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, File No.
333-98553 as Exhibit 24(f) and incorporated herein by
reference.)
(31) Section 302 Certifications
-
Certificate of Southern Companys Chief Executive
Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
-
Certificate of Southern Companys Chief Financial
Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
-
Certificate of Alabama Powers Chief Executive Officer
required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
-
Certificate of Alabama Powers Chief Financial Officer
required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
-
Certificate of Georgia Powers Chief Executive Officer
required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
-
Certificate of Georgia Powers Chief Financial Officer
required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
-
Certificate of Gulf Powers Chief Executive Officer
required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
-
Certificate of Gulf Powers Chief Financial Officer
required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
-
Certificate of Mississippi Powers Chief Executive
Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
-
Certificate of Mississippi Powers Chief Financial
Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
Table of Contents
-
Certificate of Southern Powers Chief
Executive Officer required by Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
-
Certificate of Southern Powers Chief
Financial Officer required by Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32) Section 906 Certifications
Southern Company
-
Certificate of Southern Companys Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
-
Certificate of Alabama Powers Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
-
Certificate of Georgia Powers Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
-
Certificate of Gulf Powers Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
-
Certificate of Mississippi Powers Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
-
Certificate of Southern Powers Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002.
* Reflects the correction of an error in the agreement as
originally filed.
Table of Contents
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
David M. Ratcliffe
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Thomas A. Fanning
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Table of Contents
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
Charles D. McCrary
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Art P. Beattie
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Table of Contents
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
Michael D. Garrett
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Cliff S. Thrasher
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Table of Contents
GULF POWER COMPANY
Susan N. Story
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Ronnie R. Labrato
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Table of Contents
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
Anthony J. Topazi
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Frances V. Turnage
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Table of Contents
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY
Ronnie L. Bates
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Michael W. Southern
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Wayne Boston
(Wayne Boston, Attorney-in-fact)
Exhibit 10(a)1
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT ("Agreement") made and entered into by and between The Southern Company ("Southern"), Southern Company Services, Inc. (the "Company") and Mr. David M. Ratcliffe ("Mr. Ratcliffe") (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties") is effective November 16, 2006. This Agreement amends and restates the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement entered into by Mr. Ratcliffe, Southern and the Company, effective June 1, 2004.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Mr. Ratcliffe is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to provide to Mr. Ratcliffe certain severance benefits under certain circumstances following a change in control (as defined herein) of Southern or the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and the agreements of the Parties set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Annual Compensation" shall mean Mr. Ratcliffe's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan.
1.2 "Base Salary" shall mean Mr. Ratcliffe's highest annual base salary rate during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.3 "Beneficial Ownership" shall mean beneficial ownership within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
1.4 "Benefit Index" shall mean the Hewitt Associates' Benefit Index(r), or if such index is no longer available, cannot be used, or if pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof another Benefits Consultant has been chosen by the Compensation Committee, such other comparable index utilized by the Benefits Consultant.
1.5 "Benefits Consultant" shall mean Hewitt Associates or such other nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm as shall be designated in writing by the Compensation Committee upon the occurrence of a Preliminary Change in Control that would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control.
1.6 "Board of Directors" shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
1.7 "Business Combination" shall mean a reorganization, merger or consolidation of Southern or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Southern.
1.8 "Change in Control" shall mean,
(a) with respect to Southern, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of Southern's Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(a)(i) the following acquisitions of Southern's Voting Securities shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(A) any acquisition directly from Southern;
(B) any acquisition by Southern;
(C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary;
(D) any acquisition by a qualified pension plan or publicly held mutual fund;
(E) any acquisition by an employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed exclusively of such employees; or
(F) any Business Combination which would not otherwise constitute a Change in Control because of the application of clauses (A), (B) or (C) of Section 1.8(a)(iii);
(ii) A change in the composition of the Southern Board whereby individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Southern Board; or
(iii) The Consummation of a Business Combination, unless, following such Business Combination, all of the following three conditions are met:
(A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who held Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of Southern's Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination hold Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 65% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the corporation surviving or resulting from such Business Combination, (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such Business Combination holds Beneficial Ownership of all or substantially all of Southern's Voting Securities or all or substantially all of Southern's assets) (such surviving or resulting corporation to be referred to as "Surviving Company"), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of Southern's Voting Securities;
(B) no Person (excluding any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund, Group composed exclusively of Employees or employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or Surviving Company) holds Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of Surviving Company except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and
(C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of Surviving Company were members of the Incumbent Board on the date of the Preliminary Change in Control.
(b) with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(b)(i), any acquisition by Mr. Ratcliffe, any other employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed entirely of such employees, any qualified pension plan, any publicly held mutual fund or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary shall not constitute a Change in Control;
(ii) The Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company ("Company Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Company Business Combination, Southern or a Southern Subsidiary Controls the corporation surviving or resulting from such Company Business Combination; or
(iii) The Consummation of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity which Southern or a Southern Subsidiary does not Control ("Subsidiary Change in Control").
1.9 "COBRA Coverage" shall mean any continuation coverage to which Mr. Ratcliffe or his dependents may be entitled pursuant to Code Section 4980B.
1.10 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.11 "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of Southern.
1.12 "Company" shall mean Southern Company Services, Inc., its successors and assigns.
1.13 "Compensation Committee" shall mean the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Southern Board.
1.14 "Consummation" shall mean the completion of the final act necessary to complete a transaction as a matter of law, including, but not limited to, any required approvals by the corporation's shareholders and board of directors, the transfer of legal and beneficial title to securities or assets and the final approval of the transaction by any applicable domestic or foreign governments or governmental agencies.
1.15 "Control" shall mean, in the case of a corporation, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the corporation's Voting Securities, or in the case of any other entity, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of such entity's voting equity interests.
1.16 "Economic Equivalent" or "Economic Equivalence" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.23(f) hereof.
1.17 "Employee Outplacement Program" shall mean the program established by the Company from time to time for the purpose of assisting employees in finding employment outside of the Company which provides for the following services:
(a) self assessment, career decision and goal setting;
(b) job market research and job sources;
(c) networking and interviewing skills;
(d) planning and implementation strategy;
(e) resume writing, job hunting methods and salary negotiation; and
(f) office support and job search resources.
1.18 "Company" shall mean Southern Company Services, Inc., its successors and assigns.
1.19 "Company Business Combination" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(ii) hereof.
1.20 "Equity Based Bonus Plan" shall mean a plan or arrangement that provides for the grant to participants of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, phantom stock appreciation rights or any other similar rights the terms of which provide a participant with the potential to receive the benefit of any increase in value of the underlying equity or notional amount (e.g., number of phantom shares) from the date of grant through a subsequent date.
1.21 "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.22 "Executive Employee" shall mean those employees of the Company of Grade Level 10 or above.
1.23 "Good Reason" shall mean, without Mr. Ratcliffe's express written
consent, after written notice to the Company, and after a thirty (30) day
opportunity for the Company to cure, the continuing occurrence of any of the
events described in Subsections (a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) or (d)(ii) of
this Section 1.23. In the case of Mr. Ratcliffe claiming benefits under this
Agreement upon a Subsidiary Change in Control, the foregoing notice and
opportunity to cure will be satisfied if Mr. Ratcliffe provides to the
Compensation Committee a copy of his written offer of employment by the
acquiring company within thirty (30) days of such offer along with a written
explanation describing how the terms of such offer satisfy the requirements of
Subsections (a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) of this Section 1.23. The
Compensation Committee shall make a determination of whether such written offer
of employment satisfies the requirements of Sections 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii),
(c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof upon consultation with the Benefits Consultant
and shall notify Mr. Ratcliffe of its decision within thirty (30) days of
receipt of Mr. Ratcliffe's written offer of employment. Any dispute regarding
the Compensation Committee's decision shall be resolved in accordance with
Article III hereof.
(a) Inconsistent Duties.
(i) Change in Control. A meaningful and detrimental alteration in Mr. Ratcliffe's position or in the nature or status of his responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Ratcliffe is offered employment with the acquiring employer with a job title, duties and status which are materially and detrimentally lower than Mr.
Ratcliffe's job title, duties and status in effect at the Company as of the date the offer of employment is received.
(b) Reduced Compensation.
(i) Change in Control. A reduction of five percent (5%) or more by the Company in any of the following amounts of compensation expressed in subparagraphs (A), (B) or (C) hereof, except for a less than ten percent (10%), across-the-board reduction in such compensation amounts similarly affecting ninety-five percent (95%) or more of the Executive Employees eligible for such compensation:
(A) Mr. Ratcliffe's Base Salary;
(B) the sum of Mr. Ratcliffe's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan, as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated; or
(C) the sum of Mr. Ratcliffe's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan plus the Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Ratcliffe is offered Base Salary, Target Bonus under the acquiring company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan and Target Bonus under the
acquiring company's Equity Based Bonus Plan that, in the aggregate, is less than ninety percent (95%) of Mr. Ratcliffe's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan, plus Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day the offer of employment is received;
(c) Relocation.
(i) Company. A change in Mr. Ratcliffe's work location to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the facility where Mr. Ratcliffe was located on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, unless such new work location is within fifty (50) miles of Mr. Ratcliffe's principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated. The acceptance, if any, by Mr. Ratcliffe of employment by the Company at a work location which is outside the fifty mile radius set forth in this Section 1.23(c) shall not be a waiver of Mr. Ratcliffe's right to refuse subsequent transfer by the Company to a location which is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. Ratcliffe's principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, and such subsequent nonconsensual transfer shall be "Good Reason" under this Agreement;
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the case of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Ratcliffe's work location under the terms of the offer of employment from the acquiring employer is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. Ratcliffe's work location at the Company as of the date the offer of employment by the acquiring employer is received.
(d) Benefits and Perquisites.
(i) Change in Control - Retirement and Welfare Benefits. The taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly cause a Material Reduction in the Retirement and Welfare Benefits to which Mr. Ratcliffe is entitled under the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefit plans in which Mr. Ratcliffe was participating on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Vacation and Paid Time Off. The failure by the Company to provide Mr. Ratcliffe with the number of paid vacation days or, if applicable, paid time off days to which Mr. Ratcliffe is entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy or the paid time off program (whichever applicable) in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated (except for across-the-board vacation policy or paid time off program changes or policy or program terminations similarly affecting at least ninety-five percent (95%) of all Executive Employees of the Company).
(iii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Ratcliffe is offered a package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits by the acquiring employer that is not Economically Equivalent, as determined under Sections 1.23(f) and (g) hereof.
(e) Adoption of Severance Agreement. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if the offer of employment by
the acquiring employer does not include an agreement to enter into a severance agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.
(f) Economic Equivalence. For purposes of Section 1.23(d)(iii) above, an acquiring employer's package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits shall be considered Economically Equivalent if, in the written opinion of the Benefits Consultant, the anticipated, employer-provided value of what Mr. Ratcliffe is expected to derive from the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits is equal to or greater than ninety percent (90%) of such value Mr. Ratcliffe would have derived from the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefits using the Benefit Index.
(g) Benefit Index Guidelines. For purposes of Section 1.23(f) above, the following guidelines shall be followed by the Company, the acquiring employer and the Benefits Consultant in the performance of the Benefit Index calculations:
(i) Upon a Preliminary Change in Control that if Consummated would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control, the Company and the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits Consultant the applicable benefit plan provisions for the plan year in which the Subsidiary Change in Control is anticipated to occur. Plan provisions for the immediately preceding plan year may be provided if the Benefits Consultant determines that there have been no changes to such plans that would materially affect the determination of Economic Equivalence. If the acquiring employer's relevant plan provisions have not previously been included in the Benefits Consultant's Benefit Index database, the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits Consultant such plan information as the Benefits Consultant shall
request in writing as soon as practicable following such request. The Compensation Committees shall take such action as is reasonably required to facilitate the transfer of such information from the acquiring employer to the Benefits Consultant.
(ii) The standard Benefit Index assumptions for the plan year from which the plan provisions are taken shall be used.
(iii) The Company shall provide to the Benefit Consultant actual data for its Employees.
(iv) The determination of whether or not the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits are Economically Equivalent to the Retirement and Welfare Benefits provided to Mr. Ratcliffe by the Company shall be determined on an aggregate basis. All assessments shall consider all benefits in total and no individual-by-individual, plan-by-plan determination of Economic Equivalence shall be made.
1.24 "Group" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
1.25 "Group Health Plan" shall mean the group health plan covering Mr. Ratcliffe, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.26 "Group Life Insurance Plan" shall mean the group life insurance plan covering Mr. Ratcliffe, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.27 "Incumbent Board" shall mean those individuals who constitute the Southern Board as of February 23, 2006, plus any individual who shall become a director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for election by Southern's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no individual who shall become a director of the Southern Board subsequent to
February 23, 2006 whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of the Regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Southern Board shall be a member of the Incumbent Board.
1.28 "Long Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of more than twelve months.
1.29 "Month of Service" shall mean any calendar month during which Mr. Ratcliffe has worked at least one (1) hour or was on approved leave of absence while in the employ of the Company or any other Southern Subsidiary.
1.30 "Material Reduction" shall mean (i) any change in a retirement plan or
arrangement that has the effect of reducing the present value of the projected
benefits to be provided to Mr. Ratcliffe by five percent (5%) or more, (ii) any
five percent (5%) or more reduction in medical, health and accident and
disability benefits as a percentage of premiums or premium equivalents in
accordance with the Company's prior practice as measured over a period of the
three previous plan years from the date the Change in Control is Consummated, or
(iii) any five percent (5%) or more reduction in employer matching funds as a
percentage of employee contributions in accordance with the Company's prior
practice measured over a period of the previous three plan years from the date
the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.31 "Omnibus Plan" shall mean the Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, and the Design and Administrative Specifications duly adopted thereunder, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.32 "Pension Plan" shall mean The Southern Company Pension Plan or any successor thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.33 "Performance Dividend Program" or "PDP" shall mean the Performance Dividend Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.34 "Performance Pay Program" or "PPP" shall mean the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.35 "Person" shall mean any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of Exchange Act.
1.36 "Preliminary Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following as administratively determined by the Southern Committee.
(a) Southern or the Company has entered into a written agreement, such as, but not limited to, a letter of intent, which, if Consummated, would result in a Change in Control;
(b) Southern, the Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if Consummated, would result in a Change of Control under circumstances where the Consummation of the announced action or intended action is legally and financially possible;
(c) Any Person achieves the Beneficial Ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Common Stock; or
(d) The Southern Board or the Board of Directors has declared that a Preliminary Change of Control has occurred.
1.37 "Retirement and Welfare Benefits" shall mean benefits provided by the following types of plans and arrangements: pension plans, defined contribution plans (matched savings, profit sharing, money purchase, ESOP, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for death benefits while employed or retired (life insurance, survivor income, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for short-term disability benefits (including accident and sick time), plans providing for long-term disability benefits, plans providing health-care benefits (including reimbursements during active employment or retirement related to expenses for medical, vision, hearing, dental, and similar plans and arrangements).
1.38 "Separation Date" shall mean the date on which Mr. Ratcliffe's
employment with the Company is terminated; provided, however, that solely for
purposes of Section 2.2(c) hereof, if, upon termination of employment with the
Company, Mr. Ratcliffe is deemed to have retired pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date shall be the effective date
of his retirement pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.39 "Short Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of twelve months or less.
1.40 "Southern" shall mean The Southern Company, its successors and assigns.
1.41 "Southern Board" shall mean the board of directors of Southern.
1.42 "Southern Committee" shall mean the committee comprised of the Chairman of the Southern Board, the Chief Financial Officer of Southern and the General Counsel of Southern.
1.43 "Southern Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation or other entity Controlled by Southern or another Southern Subsidiary.
1.44 "Subsidiary Change in Control" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(iii) hereof.
1.45 "Target Bonus" shall mean the amount of incentive compensation expressed as either a percent of salary or pay, an expected dollar amount, the number of awards granted or such other quantifiable measure to determine the amount to be paid or awards granted under the terms of the respective Short Term Bonus Plan, Long Term Bonus Plan or Equity Based Bonus Plan, as used by the Company or respective acquiring employer to measure the market competitiveness of its employee compensation programs.
1.46 "Termination for Cause" or "Cause" shall mean Mr. Ratcliffe's termination of employment with the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) The willful and continued failure by Mr. Ratcliffe to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Mr. Ratcliffe's Total Disability or from Mr. Ratcliffe's retirement or any such actual or anticipated failure resulting from termination by Mr. Ratcliffe for Good Reason) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to him by the Southern Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Southern Board believes Mr. Ratcliffe has not substantially performed his duties; or
(b) The willful engaging by Mr. Ratcliffe in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, including but not limited to any of the following:
(i) any willful act involving fraud or dishonesty in the course of Mr. Ratcliffe's employment by the Company;
(ii) the willful carrying out of any activity or the making of any statement by Mr. Ratcliffe which would materially prejudice or impair the good name and standing of the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary or would bring the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary into contempt, ridicule or would reasonably shock or offend any community in which the Company, Southern or such other Southern Subsidiary is located;
(iii) attendance by Mr. Ratcliffe at work in a state of intoxication or otherwise being found in possession at his workplace of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal offense;
(iv) violation of the Company's policies on drug and alcohol usage, fitness for duty requirements or similar policies as may exist from time to time as adopted by the Company's safety officer;
(v) assault or other act of violence by Mr. Ratcliffe against any person during the course of employment; or
(vi) Mr. Ratcliffe's indictment for any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
No act or failure to act by Mr. Ratcliffe shall be deemed "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by Mr. Ratcliffe not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Ratcliffe shall not be deemed to have
been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to
him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of the majority
of the Southern Board at a meeting called and held for such purpose (after
reasonable notice to Mr. Ratcliffe and an opportunity for him, together with
counsel, to be heard before the Southern Board), finding that, in the good faith
opinion of the Southern Board, Mr. Ratcliffe was guilty of conduct set forth in
Section 1.46(a) or (b) hereof and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
1.47 "Total Disability" shall mean total disability under the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.48 "Voting Securities" shall mean the outstanding voting securities of a corporation entitling the holder thereof to vote generally in the election of such corporation's directors.
1.49 "Waiver and Release" shall mean the Waiver and Release substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
1.50 "Year of Service" shall mean an Employee's Months of Service divided by twelve (12) rounded to the nearest whole year, rounding up if the remaining number of months is seven (7) or greater and rounding down if the remaining number of months is less than seven (7). If an Employee has a break in his service with his Employing Company, he will receive credit under this Plan for the service prior to the break in service only if the break in service was less than five years and his service prior to the break exceeds the length of the break in service.
ARTICLE II - SEVERANCE BENEFITS
2.1 Eligibility.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, if Mr. Ratcliffe's employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company for reasons other than Cause or if Mr. Ratcliffe voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2 hereof, subject to the terms and conditions described in this Article II.
(b) Limits on Eligibility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Mr. Ratcliffe shall not be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan if Mr. Ratcliffe :
(i) is not actively at work on his Separation Date, unless Mr. Ratcliffe is capable of returning to work within twelve (12) weeks of the beginning of any leave of absence from work;
(ii) voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for other than Good Reason;
(iii) has his employment terminated by the Company for Cause;
(iv) accepts the transfer of his employment to Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or any employer that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of Southern;
(v) accepts the transfer of his employment to any employer (or its affiliate) that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of a Southern Subsidiary or the Company and becomes an employee of any such employer (or its affiliate) following such acquisition (provided, however, that if Mr. Ratcliffe would otherwise have been entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement but for this Section 2.1(b)(v), Mr. Ratcliffe shall be eligible for benefits under this Agreement except for those outplacement, severance and welfare benefits described in Sections 2.2(a), (b) and (c) hereof);
(vi) is involuntarily separated from service with the Company after refusing an offer of employment by Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, under circumstances where the terms of such offer would not have amounted to Good Reason for voluntary termination of employment from the Company by comparing each item of compensation and benefits of such offer of employment as set forth in Section 1.23(a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) and (d)(ii) above, with such items of compensation and benefits to which he is entitled at the Company as of the day immediately preceding the day of such offer of employment;
(vii) refuses an offer of employment by an acquiring employer in a Subsidiary Change in Control under circumstances where such offer does not provide Good Reason under the requirements of Section 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof.
(viii) elects to receive the benefits of any other voluntary or involuntary severance, separation or outplacement program, plan or agreement maintained by the Company in lieu of benefits under this
Agreement; provided however, that the receipt of benefits under any retention plan or agreement shall not be deemed to be the receipt of benefits under any severance, separation or outplacement program for purposes of this Agreement.
2.2 Severance Benefits. Upon the Company's receipt of an effective Waiver and Release, Mr. Ratcliffe shall be entitled to receive the following severance benefits:
(a) Employee Outplacement Services. Mr. Ratcliffe shall be eligible to participate in the Employee Outplacement Program, which program shall not be less than six (6) months duration measured from Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date.
(b) Severance Amount. Mr. Ratcliffe shall be paid in cash an amount equal to three times his Annual Compensation (the "Severance Amount"). If any portion of the Severance Amount constitutes an "excess parachute payment" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Excess Parachute Payment")), the Company shall pay to Mr. Ratcliffe an additional amount calculated by determining the amount of tax under Code Section 4999 that he otherwise would have paid on any Excess Parachute Payment with respect to the Change in Control and dividing such amount by a decimal determined by adding the tax rate under Code Section 4999 ("Excise Tax"), the hospital insurance tax under Code Section 3101(b) ("HI Tax") and federal and state income tax measured at the highest marginal rates ("Income Tax") and subtracting such result from the number one (1) (the "280G Gross-up"); provided, however, that no 280G Gross-up shall be paid unless the Severance Amount plus all other "parachute payments" to Mr. Ratcliffe under Code Section 280G exceeds three (3) times Mr. Ratcliffe's "base amount" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Base Amount")) by ten percent (10%) or more; provided further, that if no 280G Gross-up is paid, the Severance Amount shall be capped at three (3) times
Mr. Ratcliffe's Base Amount, less all other "parachute payments" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G) received by Mr. Ratcliffe, less one dollar (the "Capped Amount"), if the Capped Amount, reduced by HI Tax and Income Tax, exceeds what otherwise would have been the Severance Amount, reduced by HI Tax, Income Tax and Excise Tax.
For purposes of this Section 2.2(b), whether any amount would
constitute an Excess Parachute Payment and any other calculations of tax,
e.g., Excise Tax, HI Tax, Income Tax, etc., or other amounts, e.g., Base
Amount, Capped Amount, etc., shall be determined by a nationally recognized
firm specializing in federal income taxes as selected by the Compensation
Committee, and such calculations or determinations shall be binding upon
Mr. Ratcliffe, Southern and the Company.
(c) Welfare Benefit.
(i) Except as provided in Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. Ratcliffe shall be eligible to participate in the Company's Group Health Plan for a period of six (6) months for each of Mr. Ratcliffe's Years of Service, not to exceed a period of five (5) years, beginning on the first day of the first month following Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date unless otherwise specifically provided under such plan, upon Mr. Ratcliffe's payment of both the Company's and Mr. Ratcliffe's premium under such plan. Mr. Ratcliffe shall also be entitled to elect coverage under the Group Health Plan for his dependents who are participating in the Group Health Plan on Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date (and for such other dependents as may be entitled to coverage under the provisions
of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) for the duration of Mr. Ratcliffe's extended medical coverage under this Section 2.2(c) to the extent such dependents remain eligible for dependent coverage under the terms of the Group Health Plan.
(ii) The extended medical coverage afforded to Mr. Ratcliffe pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) as well as the premiums to be paid by Mr. Ratcliffe in connection with such coverage shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Group Health Plan and shall be subject to any changes in the terms and conditions of the Group Health Plan as well as any future increases in premiums under the Group Health Plan. The premiums to be paid by Mr. Ratcliffe in connection with this extended coverage shall be due on the first day of each month; provided, however, that if Mr. Ratcliffe fails to pay his premium within thirty (30) days of its due date, his extended coverage shall be terminated.
(iii) Any Group Health Plan coverage provided under this Section 2.2(c) shall be a part of and not in addition to any COBRA Coverage which Mr. Ratcliffe or his dependent may elect. In the event that Mr. Ratcliffe or his dependent becomes eligible to be covered, by virtue of re-employment or otherwise, by any employer-sponsored group health plan or is eligible for coverage under any government-sponsored health plan during the above period, coverage under the Company's Group Health Plan available to Mr. Ratcliffe or his dependent by virtue of the provisions of this Article II shall terminate, except as may otherwise be required by law, and shall not be renewed. It shall be the duty of Mr. Ratcliffe to inform the Company of his eligibility to participate in any such health plan.
(iv) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.3 hereof, regardless of whether Mr. Ratcliffe elects the extended coverage described in Section 2.2(c) hereof, the Company shall pay to Mr. Ratcliffe a cash amount equal to the Company's and Mr. Ratcliffe's cost of premiums for three (3) years of coverage under the Group Health Plan and Group Life Insurance Plan, as such Plans were in effect as of the date of the Change in Control.
(d) Stock Option Vesting. The provisions of this Section 2.2(d) shall apply to any equity based awards under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(d) by reference.
(i) Any of Mr. Ratcliffe's Options and Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding as of the Separation Date which are not then exercisable and vested, shall become fully exercisable and vested; provided, that in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right, if Mr. Ratcliffe is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Stock Appreciation Right shall not become fully vested and exercisable at such time if such actions would result in liability to Mr. Ratcliffe under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, provided further that any such actions not taken as a result of the rules under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act shall be effected as of the first date that such activity would no longer result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any of Mr. Ratcliffe's Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units as of
the Separation Date shall lapse, and such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall become free of all restrictions and limitations and become fully vested and transferable.
(e) Performance Pay Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(e) shall apply to the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(e) by reference. Provided Mr. Ratcliffe is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PPP, if the PPP is in place as of Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Ratcliffe is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Ratcliffe shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of his Cash-Based Award under the PPP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance under the PPP and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(f) Performance Dividend Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(f) shall apply to the Performance Dividend Program, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(f) by reference. Provided Mr. Ratcliffe is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PDP, if the PDP is in place through Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Ratcliffe is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Ratcliffe shall be entitled to receive cash for each such Cash-Based Award under the PDP held as of such date based on a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance under the PDP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, and the sum of the quarterly dividends declared on the Common Stock in the performance year of and prior to the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(f), payout of each Cash-Based Award under the PDP shall be based upon the performance
measurement period that would otherwise have ended on December 31st of the year in which Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date occurs, all other remaining PPP performance measurement periods shall terminate with respect to Mr. Ratcliffe and no payment to Mr. Ratcliffe shall be made with respect thereto.
(g) Other Short Term Incentives Under the Omnibus Plan. The provisions of this Section 2.2(g) shall apply to Performance Unit or Performance Share awards under the Omnibus Plan. Provided Mr. Ratcliffe is not otherwise entitled to a Performance Unit/Share award under the Omnibus Plan, Mr. Ratcliffe shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of the value of his Performance Units and/or Performance Shares for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(h) Other Short-Term Incentive Plans. The provisions of this Section
2.2(h) shall apply to Mr. Ratcliffe to the extent that he, as of the date
of the Change in Control, is a participant in any other "short term
incentive compensation plan" not otherwise previously referred to in this
Section 2.2. Provided Mr. Ratcliffe is not otherwise entitled to a plan
payout under any change in control provisions of such plans, if the "short
term incentive compensation plan" is in place through Mr. Ratcliffe's
Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Ratcliffe is entitled to participate
therein, Mr. Ratcliffe shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal
to his award under the Company's "short term incentive compensation plan"
for the annual performance period in which the Separation Date shall have
occurred, at Mr. Ratcliffe's target performance level and prorated by the
number of months which have passed since the beginning of the annual
performance period until the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(h), the term "short term incentive compensation plan" shall mean any incentive compensation plan or arrangement adopted in writing by the Company which provides for annual, recurring compensatory bonuses to participants based upon articulated performance criteria, and which have been identified by the Compensation Committee and listed on Exhibit B hereto, which may be amended from time to time to reflect plan additions, terminations and amendments.
(i) Pro rata Calculation. For purposes of calculating any pro rata Cash-Based Awards under Section 2.2(e), (f), (g) and (h) hereof, a month shall not be considered if the determining event occurs on or before the 14th day of the month, and a month shall be considered if the determining event occurs on or after the 15th day of the month.
(j) No Duplicate Benefits. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.2 to the contrary, in the event that Mr. Ratcliffe has received or is entitled to receive a Cash-Based Award under the PPP or the PDP as determined under the provisions of the Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan (the "BPP") for the Performance Period which includes Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date, then the amount of any such Cash-Based Award under this Plan shall be reduced dollar-for-dollar by any such amount received or to be received under the BPP.
2.3 Coordination with Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, if Mr. Ratcliffe is otherwise eligible to retire pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, he shall be deemed to have retired for purposes of all employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company of which Mr. Ratcliffe is a participant. If Mr. Ratcliffe is deemed to have retired in accordance with the preceding sentence, he shall not be eligible
to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2(c) hereof if, upon his Separation Date, Mr. Ratcliffe becomes eligible to receive the retiree medical and life insurance coverage provided to certain retirees pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, the Group Health Plan and the Group Life Insurance Plan.
2.4 Payment of Benefits.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4(b) hereof, the total
amount payable under this Article II shall be paid to Mr. Ratcliffe in one
(1) lump sum payment within two (2) payroll periods of the later of the
following to occur: (a) Mr. Ratcliffe's Separation Date, or (b) the tender
to the Company by Mr. Ratcliffe of an effective Waiver and Release in the
form of Exhibit A attached hereto and the expiration of any applicable
revocation period for such waiver. In the event of a dispute with respect
to liability or amount of any benefit due hereunder, an effective Waiver
and Release shall be tendered at the time of final resolution of any such
dispute when payment is tendered by the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.4(a) above, if the Compensation Committee determines that it is necessary to delay any payment under this Article II in order to avoid any tax liability pursuant to Code Section 409A(a)(1), such payment shall be delayed for the period set forth in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and such delayed payment shall bear a reasonable rate of interest as determined by the Compensation Committee.
2.5 Benefits in the Event of Death. In the event of Mr. Ratcliffe's death prior to the payment of all benefits due under this Article II, Mr. Ratcliffe's estate shall be entitled to receive as due any amounts not yet paid under this Article II upon the tender by the executor or administrator of the estate of an effective Waiver and Release.
2.6 Legal Fees. In the event of a dispute between Mr. Ratcliffe and the Company with regard to any amounts due hereunder, if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Ratcliffe's favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. Ratcliffe's legal fees incurred with respect to all issues in such dispute in an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
2.7 No Mitigation. Mr. Ratcliffe shall have no duty or obligation to seek other employment following his Separation Date and, except as otherwise provided in Subsection 2.1(b) hereof, the amounts due Mr. Ratcliffe hereunder shall not be reduced or suspended if he accepts such subsequent employment.
2.8 Non-qualified Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans. Subsequent to a Change in Control, any claims by Mr. Ratcliffe for benefits under any of the Company's non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation plans shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the procedures and provisions set forth in Article III hereof and if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Ratcliffe's favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. Ratcliffe's legal fees in the manner provided in Section 2.6 hereof.
ARTICLE III - ARBITRATION
3.1 General. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Company's obligations to pay severance benefits under this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled and resolved solely by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") except as otherwise provided herein. The arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolution of any such claim for severance benefits and the arbitrators' award shall be final and binding. The provisions of this Article III are not intended to apply to any other disputes, claims or
controversies arising out of or relating to Mr. Ratcliffe's employment by the Company or the termination thereof.
3.2 Demand for Arbitration. Arbitration shall be initiated by serving a written notice of demand for arbitration to Mr. Ratcliffe, in the case of the Company, or to the Compensation Committee, in the case of Mr. Ratcliffe.
3.3 Law and Venue. The arbitrators shall apply the laws of the State of Georgia, except to the extent pre-empted by federal law, excluding any law which would require the use of the law of another state. The arbitration shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia.
3.4 Appointment of Arbitrators. Arbitrators shall be appointed within fifteen (15) business days following service of the demand for arbitration. The number of arbitrators shall be three. One arbitrator shall be appointed by Mr. Ratcliffe, one arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company, and the two arbitrators shall appoint a third. If the arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator within thirty (30) business days after the service of demand for arbitration, the third arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA.
3.5 Costs. The arbitration filing fee shall be paid by Mr. Ratcliffe. All other costs of arbitration shall be borne equally by Mr. Ratcliffe and the Company, provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse such fees and costs in the event any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Ratcliffe's favor and Mr. Ratcliffe is reimbursed legal fees under Section 2.6 hereof.
3.6 Interim and Injunctive Relief. Nothing in this Article III is intended to preclude, upon application of either party, any court having jurisdiction from issuing and enforcing in any lawful manner such temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and other interim measures of relief as may be
necessary to prevent harm to either party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate pending the conclusion of arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Article III and nothing herein is intended to prevent any court from entering and enforcing in any lawful manner such judgments for permanent equitable relief as may be necessary to prevent harm to a party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate following the issuance of arbitral awards pursuant to this Article III.
ARTICLE IV - TRANSFER OF EMPLOYMENT
4.1 Transfer of Employment. In the event that Mr. Ratcliffe's employment by the Company is terminated during the two year period following a Change in Control and Mr. Ratcliffe accepts employment by Southern or a another Southern Subsidiary, the Company shall assign this Agreement to Southern or such Southern Subsidiary, Southern shall accept such assignment or cause such Southern Subsidiary to accept such assignment, and such assignee shall become the "Company" for all purposes hereunder.
ARTICLE V - MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Funding of Benefits. Unless the Board of Directors in its discretion determines otherwise, the amounts payable to Mr. Ratcliffe under the this Agreement shall not be funded in any manner and shall be paid by the Company out of its general assets, which assets are subject to the claims of the Company's creditors.
5.2 Withholding. There shall be deducted from the payment of any amount due under this Agreement the amount of any tax required by any governmental authority to be withheld and paid over by the Company to such governmental authority for the account of Mr. Ratcliffe.
5.3 Assignment. Neither Mr. Ratcliffe nor his beneficiaries shall have any rights to sell, assign, transfer, encumber, or otherwise convey the right to receive the payment of any amount due hereunder, which payment and the rights thereto are expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void and of no effect.
5.4 Interpretation. This Agreement is intended to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder in order to avoid any additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1). In the event it is necessary to interpret the provisions of this Agreement for purposes of its operation, such interpretation shall, to the extent possible, be consistent with such intent.
5.5 Amendment and Termination. The Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a writing executed by the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement this 1st day of May, 2007.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
By: /s/Patricia L. Roberts SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC. By: /s/Patricia L. Roberts MR. RATCLIFFE /s/David M. Ratcliffe David M. Ratcliffe |
Exhibit A
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
The attached Waiver and Release is to be given to Mr. David M. Ratcliffe upon the occurrence of an event that triggers eligibility for severance benefits under the Change in Control Agreement, as described in Section 2.2 of such Agreement.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
I, David M. Ratcliffe, understand that I am entitled to receive the severance benefits described in Article II of the Change in Control Agreement (the "Agreement") if I execute this Waiver and Release ("Waiver"). I understand that the benefits I will receive under the Agreement are in excess of those I would have received from The Southern Company and Southern Company Services, Inc. (collectively, the "Company") if I had not elected to sign this Waiver.
I recognize that I may have a claim against the Company under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act or other federal, state and local laws.
In exchange for receiving the severance and welfare benefits under Article II of the Agreement, I hereby voluntarily and irrevocably waive, release, dismiss with prejudice, and withdraw all claims, complaints, suits or demands of any kind whatsoever (whether known or unknown) which I ever had, may have, or now have against The Southern Company, Southern Company Services, Inc., Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Communications Services, Inc. d/b/a Southern LINC, Southern Company Energy Solutions, L.L.C., Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., Southern Telecom, Inc., Southern Company Management Development, Inc., and other current or former subsidiaries or affiliates of The Southern Company and their past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, insurers and attorneys (collectively, the "Releasees"), arising from or relating to (directly or indirectly) my employment or the termination of my employment or other events occurred as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including but not limited to:
(a) claims for violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 1981, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 11141, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act;
(b) claims for violations of any other federal or state statute or regulation or local ordinance;
(c) claims for lost or unpaid wages, compensation, or benefits, defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, assault, battery, wrongful or constructive discharge, negligent hiring, retention or supervision, fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, tortious interference, breach of contract, or breach of fiduciary duty;
(d) claims to benefits under any bonus, severance, workforce reduction, early retirement, outplacement, or any other similar type plan sponsored by the Company (except for those plans listed below); or
(e) any other claims under state law arising in tort or contract.
In signing this Agreement, I am not releasing any claims that may arise under the terms of this Agreement or which may arise out of events occurring after the date I execute this Agreement.
I am also not releasing claims to benefits that I am already entitled to receive under The Southern Company Pension Plan, The Southern Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan, The Southern Company Employee Savings Plan, The Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, The Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan or under any workers' compensation laws. However, I understand and acknowledge that nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to require the Company to institute or continue in effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Company and the Company hereby reserves the right to amend or terminate any of its benefit programs at any time in accordance with the procedures set forth in such plans.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit me from engaging in protected
activities under applicable law (including protected activities described in
Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act) or from communicating, either
voluntarily or otherwise, with any governmental agency concerning any potential
violation of the law.
I understand and agree for a period of two (2) years after the date I execute this Agreement, I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all valuable, non-public, competitively sensitive data and information relating to the Releasees' business that is not generally known by or readily available to Releasees' competitors and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such information to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further understand and agree that I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all trade secrets of Releasees for as long as such items remain trade secrets under applicable law and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such trade secrets to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further agree to keep confidential and not disclose the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the benefits under the Agreement, except to my spouse, attorneys or financial advisors (who must be informed of and agree to be bound by the confidentiality provisions contained in this Agreement before I disclose any information to them about this Agreement), or where such disclosure is required by law.
I agree to return to the Company prior to my last day of employment all property of the Company, including but not limited to data, lists, information, memoranda, documents, identification cards, credit cards, parking cards, keys, computers, fax machines, beepers, phones, and files (including copies thereof).
I understand and agree that I will not seek re-employment as an employee, leased employee or independent contractor with the Company or any Southern Company subsidiary or affiliate during the twenty-four (24) month period beginning immediately following my execution of this Agreement.
I have carefully read this agreement and I fully understand all of the provisions of this Waiver.
I have been encouraged and advised in writing to seek advice from anyone of my choosing regarding this Waiver (including my attorney, accountant or tax advisor). Prior to signing this Waiver, I have been given the opportunity and sufficient time to seek such advice.
I have had the opportunity to review and consider this Waiver for a period of at least twenty-one (21) days before signing it.
I understand that I may revoke this Waiver at any time during the seven
(7) calendar day period after I sign this Waiver. In order to revoke this
Waiver, I must deliver written notification of such revocation to the
Compensation Committee. I understand that this Waiver is not effective until the
expiration of this seven (7) calendar day revocation period. I understand that
upon the expiration of such seven (7) calendar day revocation period this entire
Waiver will be binding upon me and will be irrevocable. Revocation of this
Waiver will not alter or change the termination of my employment by the Company.
In signing this Waiver, I am not relying on any representation or statement (written or oral) not specifically set forth in this Waiver, the Agreement or by the company or any of its representatives with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Waiver or otherwise.
I was not coerced, threatened, or otherwise forced to sign this Waiver. I am voluntarily signing and delivering this Waiver of my own free will.
I understand that by signing this Waiver I am giving up rights i may have. I understand I do not have to sign this Waiver.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby executes this Waiver this ____ day of ________________, in the year _____.
Sworn to and subscribed to me this
___day of _________, ____
My Commission Expires:
Acknowledged and Accepted by the Company.
Exhibit 10(a)2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT ("Agreement") made and entered into by and between The Southern Company ("Southern"), Southern Company Services, Inc. (the "Company") and Mr. Thomas A. Fanning ("Mr. Fanning") (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties") is effective November 16, 2006. This Agreement amends and restates the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement entered into by Mr. Fanning, Southern and the Company, effective June 1, 2004.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Mr. Fanning is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to provide to Mr. Fanning certain severance benefits under certain circumstances following a change in control (as defined herein) of Southern or the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and the agreements of the Parties set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Annual Compensation" shall mean Mr. Fanning's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan.
1.2 "Base Salary" shall mean Mr. Fanning's highest annual base salary rate during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.3 "Beneficial Ownership" shall mean beneficial ownership within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
1.4 "Benefit Index" shall mean the Hewitt Associates' Benefit Index(r), or if such index is no longer available, cannot be used, or if pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof another Benefits Consultant has been chosen by the Compensation Committee, such other comparable index utilized by the Benefits Consultant.
1.5 "Benefits Consultant" shall mean Hewitt Associates or such other nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm as shall be designated in writing by the Compensation Committee upon the occurrence of a Preliminary Change in Control that would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control.
1.6 "Board of Directors" shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
1.7 "Business Combination" shall mean a reorganization, merger or consolidation of Southern or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Southern.
1.8 "Change in Control" shall mean,
(a) with respect to Southern, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of Southern's Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(a)(i) the following acquisitions of Southern's Voting Securities shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(A) any acquisition directly from Southern;
(B) any acquisition by Southern;
(C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary;
(D) any acquisition by a qualified pension plan or publicly held mutual fund;
(E) any acquisition by an employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed exclusively of such employees; or
(F) any Business Combination which would not otherwise constitute a Change in Control because of the application of clauses (A), (B) or (C) of Section 1.8(a)(iii);
(ii) A change in the composition of the Southern Board whereby individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Southern Board; or
(iii) The Consummation of a Business Combination, unless, following such Business Combination, all of the following three conditions are met:
(A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who held Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of Southern's Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination hold Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 65% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the corporation surviving or resulting from such Business Combination, (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such Business Combination holds Beneficial Ownership of all or substantially all of Southern's Voting Securities or all or substantially all of Southern's assets) (such surviving or resulting corporation to be referred to as "Surviving Company"), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of Southern's Voting Securities;
(B) no Person (excluding any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund, Group composed exclusively of Employees or employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or Surviving Company) holds Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of Surviving Company except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and
(C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of Surviving Company were members of the Incumbent Board on the date of the Preliminary Change in Control.
(b) with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(b)(i), any acquisition by Mr. Fanning, any other employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed entirely of such employees, any qualified pension plan, any publicly held mutual fund or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary shall not constitute a Change in Control;
(ii) The Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company ("Company Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Company Business Combination, Southern or a Southern Subsidiary Controls the corporation surviving or resulting from such Company Business Combination; or
(iii) The Consummation of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity which Southern or a Southern Subsidiary does not Control ("Subsidiary Change in Control").
1.9 "COBRA Coverage" shall mean any continuation coverage to which Mr. Fanning or his dependents may be entitled pursuant to Code Section 4980B.
1.10 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.11 "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of Southern.
1.12 "Company" shall mean Southern Company Services, Inc., its successors and assigns.
1.13 "Compensation Committee" shall mean the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Southern Board.
1.14 "Consummation" shall mean the completion of the final act necessary to complete a transaction as a matter of law, including, but not limited to, any required approvals by the corporation's shareholders and board of directors, the transfer of legal and beneficial title to securities or assets and the final approval of the transaction by any applicable domestic or foreign governments or governmental agencies.
1.15 "Control" shall mean, in the case of a corporation, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the corporation's Voting Securities, or in the case of any other entity, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of such entity's voting equity interests.
1.16 "Economic Equivalent" or "Economic Equivalence" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.23(f) hereof.
1.17 "Employee Outplacement Program" shall mean the program established by the Company from time to time for the purpose of assisting employees in finding employment outside of the Company which provides for the following services:
(a) self assessment, career decision and goal setting;
(b) job market research and job sources;
(c) networking and interviewing skills;
(d) planning and implementation strategy;
(e) resume writing, job hunting methods and salary negotiation; and
(f) office support and job search resources.
1.18 "Company" shall mean Southern Company Services, Inc., its successors and assigns.
1.19 "Company Business Combination" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(ii) hereof.
1.20 "Equity Based Bonus Plan" shall mean a plan or arrangement that provides for the grant to participants of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, phantom stock appreciation rights or any other similar rights the terms of which provide a participant with the potential to receive the benefit of any increase in value of the underlying equity or notional amount (e.g., number of phantom shares) from the date of grant through a subsequent date.
1.21 "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.22 "Executive Employee" shall mean those employees of the Company of Grade Level 10 or above.
1.23 "Good Reason" shall mean, without Mr. Fanning's express written
consent, after written notice to the Company, and after a thirty (30) day
opportunity for the Company to cure, the continuing occurrence of any of the
events described in Subsections (a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) or (d)(ii) of
this Section 1.23. In the case of Mr. Fanning claiming benefits under this
Agreement upon a Subsidiary Change in Control, the foregoing notice and
opportunity to cure will be satisfied if Mr. Fanning provides to the
Compensation Committee a copy of his written offer of employment by the
acquiring company within thirty (30) days of such offer along with a written
explanation describing how the terms of such offer satisfy the requirements of
Subsections (a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) of this Section 1.23. The
Compensation Committee shall make a determination of whether such written offer
of employment satisfies the requirements of Sections 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii),
(c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof upon consultation with the Benefits Consultant
and shall notify Mr. Fanning of its decision within thirty (30) days of receipt
of Mr. Fanning's written offer of employment. Any dispute regarding the
Compensation Committee's decision shall be resolved in accordance with Article
III hereof.
(a) Inconsistent Duties.
(i) Change in Control. A meaningful and detrimental alteration in Mr. Fanning's position or in the nature or status of his responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Fanning is offered employment with the acquiring employer with a job title, duties and status which are materially and detrimentally lower than Mr. Fanning's
job title, duties and status in effect at the Company as of the date the offer of employment is received.
(b) Reduced Compensation.
(i) Change in Control. A reduction of five percent (5%) or more by the Company in any of the following amounts of compensation expressed in subparagraphs (A), (B) or (C) hereof, except for a less than ten percent (10%), across-the-board reduction in such compensation amounts similarly affecting ninety-five percent (95%) or more of the Executive Employees eligible for such compensation:
(A) Mr. Fanning's Base Salary;
(B) the sum of Mr. Fanning's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan, as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated; or
(C) the sum of Mr. Fanning's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan plus the Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Fanning is offered Base Salary, Target Bonus under the acquiring company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan and Target Bonus under the
acquiring company's Equity Based Bonus Plan that, in the aggregate, is less than ninety percent (95%) of Mr. Fanning's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan, plus Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day the offer of employment is received;
(c) Relocation.
(i) Company. A change in Mr. Fanning's work location to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the facility where Mr. Fanning was located on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, unless such new work location is within fifty (50) miles of Mr. Fanning's principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated. The acceptance, if any, by Mr. Fanning of employment by the Company at a work location which is outside the fifty mile radius set forth in this Section 1.23(c) shall not be a waiver of Mr. Fanning's right to refuse subsequent transfer by the Company to a location which is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. Fanning's principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, and such subsequent nonconsensual transfer shall be "Good Reason" under this Agreement;
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the case of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Fanning's work location under the terms of the offer of employment from the acquiring employer is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. Fanning's work location at the Company as of the date the offer of employment by the acquiring employer is received.
(d) Benefits and Perquisites.
(i) Change in Control - Retirement and Welfare Benefits. The taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly cause a Material Reduction in the Retirement and Welfare Benefits to which Mr. Fanning is entitled under the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefit plans in which Mr. Fanning was participating on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Vacation and Paid Time Off. The failure by the Company to provide Mr. Fanning with the number of paid vacation days or, if applicable, paid time off days to which Mr. Fanning is entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy or the paid time off program (whichever applicable) in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated (except for across-the-board vacation policy or paid time off program changes or policy or program terminations similarly affecting at least ninety-five percent (95%) of all Executive Employees of the Company).
(iii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Fanning is offered a package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits by the acquiring employer that is not Economically Equivalent, as determined under Sections 1.23(f) and (g) hereof.
(e) Adoption of Severance Agreement. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if the offer of employment by the acquiring employer does not include an agreement to enter into a
severance agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.
(f) Economic Equivalence. For purposes of Section 1.23(d)(iii) above, an acquiring employer's package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits shall be considered Economically Equivalent if, in the written opinion of the Benefits Consultant, the anticipated, employer-provided value of what Mr. Fanning is expected to derive from the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits is equal to or greater than ninety percent (90%) of such value Mr. Fanning would have derived from the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefits using the Benefit Index.
(g) Benefit Index Guidelines. For purposes of Section 1.23(f) above, the following guidelines shall be followed by the Company, the acquiring employer and the Benefits Consultant in the performance of the Benefit Index calculations:
(i) Upon a Preliminary Change in Control that if Consummated would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control, the Company and the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits Consultant the applicable benefit plan provisions for the plan year in which the Subsidiary Change in Control is anticipated to occur. Plan provisions for the immediately preceding plan year may be provided if the Benefits Consultant determines that there have been no changes to such plans that would materially affect the determination of Economic Equivalence. If the acquiring employer's relevant plan provisions have not previously been included in the Benefits Consultant's Benefit Index database, the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits
Consultant such plan information as the Benefits Consultant shall request in writing as soon as practicable following such request. The Compensation Committees shall take such action as is reasonably required to facilitate the transfer of such information from the acquiring employer to the Benefits Consultant.
(ii) The standard Benefit Index assumptions for the plan year from which the plan provisions are taken shall be used.
(iii) The Company shall provide to the Benefit Consultant actual data for its Employees.
(iv) The determination of whether or not the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits are Economically Equivalent to the Retirement and Welfare Benefits provided to Mr. Fanning by the Company shall be determined on an aggregate basis. All assessments shall consider all benefits in total and no individual-by-individual, plan-by-plan determination of Economic Equivalence shall be made.
1.24 "Group" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
1.25 "Group Health Plan" shall mean the group health plan covering Mr. Fanning, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.26 "Group Life Insurance Plan" shall mean the group life insurance plan covering Mr. Fanning, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.27 "Incumbent Board" shall mean those individuals who constitute the Southern Board as of February 23, 2006, plus any individual who shall become a director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for election by Southern's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
individual who shall become a director of the Southern Board subsequent to February 23, 2006 whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of the Regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Southern Board shall be a member of the Incumbent Board.
1.28 "Long Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of more than twelve months.
1.29 "Month of Service" shall mean any calendar month during which Mr. Fanning has worked at least one (1) hour or was on approved leave of absence while in the employ of the Company or any other Southern Subsidiary.
1.30 "Material Reduction" shall mean (i) any change in a retirement plan or
arrangement that has the effect of reducing the present value of the projected
benefits to be provided to Mr. Fanning by five percent (5%) or more, (ii) any
five percent (5%) or more reduction in medical, health and accident and
disability benefits as a percentage of premiums or premium equivalents in
accordance with the Company's prior practice as measured over a period of the
three previous plan years from the date the Change in Control is Consummated, or
(iii) any five percent (5%) or more reduction in employer matching funds as a
percentage of employee contributions in accordance with the Company's prior
practice measured over a period of the previous three plan years from the date
the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.31 "Omnibus Plan" shall mean the Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, and the Design and Administrative Specifications duly adopted thereunder, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.32 "Pension Plan" shall mean The Southern Company Pension Plan or any successor thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.33 "Performance Dividend Program" or "PDP" shall mean the Performance Dividend Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.34 "Performance Pay Program" or "PPP" shall mean the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.35 "Person" shall mean any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of Exchange Act.
1.36 "Preliminary Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following as administratively determined by the Southern Committee.
(a) Southern or the Company has entered into a written agreement, such as, but not limited to, a letter of intent, which, if Consummated, would result in a Change in Control;
(b) Southern, the Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if Consummated, would result in a Change of Control under circumstances where the Consummation of the announced action or intended action is legally and financially possible;
(c) Any Person achieves the Beneficial Ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Common Stock; or
(d) The Southern Board or the Board of Directors has declared that a Preliminary Change of Control has occurred.
1.37 "Retirement and Welfare Benefits" shall mean benefits provided by the following types of plans and arrangements: pension plans, defined contribution plans (matched savings, profit sharing, money purchase, ESOP, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for death benefits while employed or retired (life insurance, survivor income, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for short-term disability benefits (including accident and sick time), plans providing for long-term disability benefits, plans providing health-care benefits (including reimbursements during active employment or retirement related to expenses for medical, vision, hearing, dental, and similar plans and arrangements).
1.38 "Separation Date" shall mean the date on which Mr. Fanning's
employment with the Company is terminated; provided, however, that solely for
purposes of Section 2.2(c) hereof, if, upon termination of employment with the
Company, Mr. Fanning is deemed to have retired pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. Fanning's Separation Date shall be the effective date of
his retirement pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.39 "Short Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of twelve months or less.
1.40 "Southern" shall mean The Southern Company, its successors and assigns.
1.41 "Southern Board" shall mean the board of directors of Southern.
1.42 "Southern Committee" shall mean the committee comprised of the Chairman of the Southern Board, the Chief Financial Officer of Southern and the General Counsel of Southern.
1.43 "Southern Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation or other entity Controlled by Southern or another Southern Subsidiary.
1.44 "Subsidiary Change in Control" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(iii) hereof.
1.45 "Target Bonus" shall mean the amount of incentive compensation expressed as either a percent of salary or pay, an expected dollar amount, the number of awards granted or such other quantifiable measure to determine the amount to be paid or awards granted under the terms of the respective Short Term Bonus Plan, Long Term Bonus Plan or Equity Based Bonus Plan, as used by the Company or respective acquiring employer to measure the market competitiveness of its employee compensation programs.
1.46 "Termination for Cause" or "Cause" shall mean Mr. Fanning's termination of employment with the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) The willful and continued failure by Mr. Fanning to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Mr. Fanning's Total Disability or from Mr. Fanning's retirement or any such actual or anticipated failure resulting from termination by Mr. Fanning for Good Reason) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to him by the Southern Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Southern Board believes Mr. Fanning has not substantially performed his duties; or
(b) The willful engaging by Mr. Fanning in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, including but not limited to any of the following:
(i) any willful act involving fraud or dishonesty in the course of Mr. Fanning's employment by the Company;
(ii) the willful carrying out of any activity or the making of any statement by Mr. Fanning which would materially prejudice or impair the good name and standing of the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary or would bring the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary into contempt, ridicule or would reasonably shock or offend any community in which the Company, Southern or such other Southern Subsidiary is located;
(iii) attendance by Mr. Fanning at work in a state of intoxication or otherwise being found in possession at his workplace of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal offense;
(iv) violation of the Company's policies on drug and alcohol usage, fitness for duty requirements or similar policies as may exist from time to time as adopted by the Company's safety officer;
(v) assault or other act of violence by Mr. Fanning against any person during the course of employment; or
(vi) Mr. Fanning's indictment for any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
No act or failure to act by Mr. Fanning shall be deemed "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by Mr. Fanning not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Fanning shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of the majority of the Southern Board at a meeting called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Mr. Fanning and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard before the Southern Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Southern Board, Mr. Fanning was guilty of conduct set forth in Section 1.46(a) or (b) hereof and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
1.47 "Total Disability" shall mean total disability under the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.48 "Voting Securities" shall mean the outstanding voting securities of a corporation entitling the holder thereof to vote generally in the election of such corporation's directors.
1.49 "Waiver and Release" shall mean the Waiver and Release substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
1.50 "Year of Service" shall mean an Employee's Months of Service divided by twelve (12) rounded to the nearest whole year, rounding up if the remaining number of months is seven (7) or greater and rounding down if the remaining number of months is less than seven (7). If an Employee has a break in his service with his Employing Company, he will receive credit under this Plan for the service prior to the break in service only if the break in service was less than five years and his service prior to the break exceeds the length of the break in service.
ARTICLE II - SEVERANCE BENEFITS
2.1 Eligibility.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, if Mr. Fanning's employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company for reasons other than Cause or if Mr. Fanning voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2 hereof, subject to the terms and conditions described in this Article II.
(b) Limits on Eligibility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Mr. Fanning shall not be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan if Mr. Fanning :
(i) is not actively at work on his Separation Date, unless Mr. Fanning is capable of returning to work within twelve (12) weeks of the beginning of any leave of absence from work;
(ii) voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for other than Good Reason;
(iii) has his employment terminated by the Company for Cause;
(iv) accepts the transfer of his employment to Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or any employer that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of Southern;
(v) accepts the transfer of his employment to any employer (or its affiliate) that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of a Southern Subsidiary or the Company and becomes an employee of any such employer (or its affiliate) following such acquisition (provided, however, that if Mr. Fanning would otherwise have been entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement but for this Section 2.1(b)(v), Mr. Fanning shall be eligible for benefits under this Agreement except for those outplacement, severance and welfare benefits described in Sections 2.2(a), (b) and (c) hereof);
(vi) is involuntarily separated from service with the Company after refusing an offer of employment by Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, under circumstances where the terms of such offer would not have amounted to Good Reason for voluntary termination of employment from the Company by comparing each item of compensation and benefits of such offer of employment as set forth in Section 1.23(a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) and (d)(ii) above, with such items of compensation and benefits to which he is entitled at the Company as of the day immediately preceding the day of such offer of employment;
(vii) refuses an offer of employment by an acquiring employer in a Subsidiary Change in Control under circumstances where such offer does not provide Good Reason under the requirements of Section 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof.
(viii) elects to receive the benefits of any other voluntary or involuntary severance, separation or outplacement program, plan or agreement maintained by the Company in lieu of benefits under this
Agreement; provided however, that the receipt of benefits under any retention plan or agreement shall not be deemed to be the receipt of benefits under any severance, separation or outplacement program for purposes of this Agreement.
2.2 Severance Benefits. Upon the Company's receipt of an effective Waiver and Release, Mr. Fanning shall be entitled to receive the following severance benefits:
(a) Employee Outplacement Services. Mr. Fanning shall be eligible to participate in the Employee Outplacement Program, which program shall not be less than six (6) months duration measured from Mr. Fanning's Separation Date.
(b) Severance Amount. Mr. Fanning shall be paid in cash an amount equal to three times his Annual Compensation (the "Severance Amount"). If any portion of the Severance Amount constitutes an "excess parachute payment" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Excess Parachute Payment")), the Company shall pay to Mr. Fanning an additional amount calculated by determining the amount of tax under Code Section 4999 that he otherwise would have paid on any Excess Parachute Payment with respect to the Change in Control and dividing such amount by a decimal determined by adding the tax rate under Code Section 4999 ("Excise Tax"), the hospital insurance tax under Code Section 3101(b) ("HI Tax") and federal and state income tax measured at the highest marginal rates ("Income Tax") and subtracting such result from the number one (1) (the "280G Gross-up"); provided, however, that no 280G Gross-up shall be paid unless the Severance Amount plus all other "parachute payments" to Mr. Fanning under Code Section 280G exceeds three (3) times Mr. Fanning's "base amount" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Base Amount")) by ten percent (10%) or more; provided further, that if no 280G Gross-up is paid, the Severance Amount shall be capped at three (3) times Mr. Fanning's
Base Amount, less all other "parachute payments" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G) received by Mr. Fanning, less one dollar (the "Capped Amount"), if the Capped Amount, reduced by HI Tax and Income Tax, exceeds what otherwise would have been the Severance Amount, reduced by HI Tax, Income Tax and Excise Tax.
For purposes of this Section 2.2(b), whether any amount would
constitute an Excess Parachute Payment and any other calculations of tax,
e.g., Excise Tax, HI Tax, Income Tax, etc., or other amounts, e.g., Base
Amount, Capped Amount, etc., shall be determined by a nationally recognized
firm specializing in federal income taxes as selected by the Compensation
Committee, and such calculations or determinations shall be binding upon
Mr. Fanning, Southern and the Company.
(c) Welfare Benefit.
(i) Except as provided in Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. Fanning shall be eligible to participate in the Company's Group Health Plan for a period of six (6) months for each of Mr. Fanning's Years of Service, not to exceed a period of five (5) years, beginning on the first day of the first month following Mr. Fanning's Separation Date unless otherwise specifically provided under such plan, upon Mr. Fanning's payment of both the Company's and Mr. Fanning's premium under such plan. Mr. Fanning shall also be entitled to elect coverage under the Group Health Plan for his dependents who are participating in the Group Health Plan on Mr. Fanning's Separation Date (and for such other dependents as may be entitled to coverage under the provisions of the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) for the duration of Mr. Fanning's extended medical coverage under this Section 2.2(c) to the extent such dependents remain eligible for dependent coverage under the terms of the Group Health Plan.
(ii) The extended medical coverage afforded to Mr. Fanning pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) as well as the premiums to be paid by Mr. Fanning in connection with such coverage shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Group Health Plan and shall be subject to any changes in the terms and conditions of the Group Health Plan as well as any future increases in premiums under the Group Health Plan. The premiums to be paid by Mr. Fanning in connection with this extended coverage shall be due on the first day of each month; provided, however, that if Mr. Fanning fails to pay his premium within thirty (30) days of its due date, his extended coverage shall be terminated.
(iii) Any Group Health Plan coverage provided under this Section 2.2(c) shall be a part of and not in addition to any COBRA Coverage which Mr. Fanning or his dependent may elect. In the event that Mr. Fanning or his dependent becomes eligible to be covered, by virtue of re-employment or otherwise, by any employer-sponsored group health plan or is eligible for coverage under any government-sponsored health plan during the above period, coverage under the Company's Group Health Plan available to Mr. Fanning or his dependent by virtue of the provisions of this Article II shall terminate, except as may otherwise be required by law, and shall not be renewed. It shall be the duty of Mr. Fanning to inform the Company of his eligibility to participate in any such health plan.
(iv) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.3 hereof, regardless of whether Mr. Fanning elects the extended coverage described in Section 2.2(c) hereof, the Company shall pay to Mr. Fanning a cash amount equal to the Company's and Mr. Fanning's cost of premiums for three (3) years of coverage under the Group Health Plan and Group Life Insurance Plan, as such Plans were in effect as of the date of the Change in Control.
(d) Stock Option Vesting. The provisions of this Section 2.2(d) shall apply to any equity based awards under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(d) by reference.
(i) Any of Mr. Fanning's Options and Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding as of the Separation Date which are not then exercisable and vested, shall become fully exercisable and vested; provided, that in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right, if Mr. Fanning is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Stock Appreciation Right shall not become fully vested and exercisable at such time if such actions would result in liability to Mr. Fanning under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, provided further that any such actions not taken as a result of the rules under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act shall be effected as of the first date that such activity would no longer result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any of Mr. Fanning's Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units as of the Separation Date shall lapse, and such Restricted Stock and Restricted
Stock Units shall become free of all restrictions and limitations and become fully vested and transferable.
(e) Performance Pay Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(e) shall apply to the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(e) by reference. Provided Mr. Fanning is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PPP, if the PPP is in place as of Mr. Fanning's Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Fanning is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Fanning shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of his Cash-Based Award under the PPP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance under the PPP and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(f) Performance Dividend Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(f) shall apply to the Performance Dividend Program, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(f) by reference. Provided Mr. Fanning is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PDP, if the PDP is in place through Mr. Fanning's Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Fanning is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Fanning shall be entitled to receive cash for each such Cash-Based Award under the PDP held as of such date based on a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance under the PDP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, and the sum of the quarterly dividends declared on the Common Stock in the performance year of and prior to the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(f), payout of each Cash-Based Award under the PDP shall be based upon the performance measurement period that would
otherwise have ended on December 31st of the year in which Mr. Fanning's Separation Date occurs, all other remaining PPP performance measurement periods shall terminate with respect to Mr. Fanning and no payment to Mr. Fanning shall be made with respect thereto.
(g) Other Short Term Incentives Under the Omnibus Plan. The provisions of this Section 2.2(g) shall apply to Performance Unit or Performance Share awards under the Omnibus Plan. Provided Mr. Fanning is not otherwise entitled to a Performance Unit/Share award under the Omnibus Plan, Mr. Fanning shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of the value of his Performance Units and/or Performance Shares for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(h) Other Short-Term Incentive Plans. The provisions of this
Section 2.2(h) shall apply to Mr. Fanning to the extent that he, as of
the date of the Change in Control, is a participant in any other
"short term incentive compensation plan" not otherwise previously
referred to in this Section 2.2. Provided Mr. Fanning is not otherwise
entitled to a plan payout under any change in control provisions of
such plans, if the "short term incentive compensation plan" is in
place through Mr. Fanning's Separation Date and to the extent Mr.
Fanning is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Fanning shall be
entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to his award under the
Company's "short term incentive compensation plan" for the annual
performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred,
at Mr. Fanning's target performance level and prorated by the number
of months which have passed since the beginning of the annual
performance period until the Separation Date. For purposes of this
Section 2.2(h), the term "short term incentive compensation plan" shall mean any incentive compensation plan or arrangement adopted in writing by the Company which provides for annual, recurring compensatory bonuses to participants based upon articulated performance criteria, and which have been identified by the Compensation Committee and listed on Exhibit B hereto, which may be amended from time to time to reflect plan additions, terminations and amendments.
(i) Pro rata Calculation. For purposes of calculating any pro rata Cash-Based Awards under Section 2.2(e), (f), (g) and (h) hereof, a month shall not be considered if the determining event occurs on or before the 14th day of the month, and a month shall be considered if the determining event occurs on or after the 15th day of the month.
(j) No Duplicate Benefits. Notwithstanding anything in this
Section 2.2 to the contrary, in the event that Mr. Fanning has
received or is entitled to receive a Cash-Based Award under the PPP or
the PDP as determined under the provisions of the Southern Company
Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan (the "BPP") for the
Performance Period which includes Mr. Fanning's Separation Date, then
the amount of any such Cash-Based Award under this Plan shall be
reduced dollar-for-dollar by any such amount received or to be
received under the BPP.
2.3 Coordination with Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, if Mr. Fanning is otherwise eligible to retire pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, he shall be deemed to have retired for purposes of all employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company of which Mr. Fanning is a participant. If Mr. Fanning is deemed to have retired in accordance with the preceding sentence, he shall not be eligible to
receive the benefits described in Section 2.2(c) hereof if, upon his Separation Date, Mr. Fanning becomes eligible to receive the retiree medical and life insurance coverage provided to certain retirees pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, the Group Health Plan and the Group Life Insurance Plan.
2.4 Payment of Benefits.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4(b) hereof, the total
amount payable under this Article II shall be paid to Mr. Fanning in one
(1) lump sum payment within two (2) payroll periods of the later of the
following to occur: (a) Mr. Fanning's Separation Date, or (b) the tender to
the Company by Mr. Fanning of an effective Waiver and Release in the form
of Exhibit A attached hereto and the expiration of any applicable
revocation period for such waiver. In the event of a dispute with respect
to liability or amount of any benefit due hereunder, an effective Waiver
and Release shall be tendered at the time of final resolution of any such
dispute when payment is tendered by the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.4(a) above, if the Compensation Committee determines that it is necessary to delay any payment under this Article II in order to avoid any tax liability pursuant to Code Section 409A(a)(1), such payment shall be delayed for the period set forth in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and such delayed payment shall bear a reasonable rate of interest as determined by the Compensation Committee.
2.5 Benefits in the Event of Death. In the event of Mr. Fanning's death prior to the payment of all benefits due under this Article II, Mr. Fanning's estate shall be entitled to receive as due any amounts not yet paid under this Article II upon the tender by the executor or administrator of the estate of an effective Waiver and Release.
2.6 Legal Fees. In the event of a dispute between Mr. Fanning and the Company with regard to any amounts due hereunder, if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Fanning's favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. Fanning's legal fees incurred with respect to all issues in such dispute in an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
2.7 No Mitigation. Mr. Fanning shall have no duty or obligation to seek other employment following his Separation Date and, except as otherwise provided in Subsection 2.1(b) hereof, the amounts due Mr. Fanning hereunder shall not be reduced or suspended if he accepts such subsequent employment.
2.8 Non-qualified Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans. Subsequent to a Change in Control, any claims by Mr. Fanning for benefits under any of the Company's non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation plans shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the procedures and provisions set forth in Article III hereof and if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Fanning's favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. Fanning's legal fees in the manner provided in Section 2.6 hereof.
ARTICLE III - ARBITRATION
3.1 General. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Company's obligations to pay severance benefits under this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled and resolved solely by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") except as otherwise provided herein. The arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolution of any such claim for severance benefits and the arbitrators' award shall be final and binding. The provisions of this Article III are not intended to apply to any other disputes, claims or
controversies arising out of or relating to Mr. Fanning's employment by the Company or the termination thereof.
3.2 Demand for Arbitration. Arbitration shall be initiated by serving a written notice of demand for arbitration to Mr. Fanning, in the case of the Company, or to the Compensation Committee, in the case of Mr. Fanning.
3.3 Law and Venue. The arbitrators shall apply the laws of the State of Georgia, except to the extent pre-empted by federal law, excluding any law which would require the use of the law of another state. The arbitration shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia.
3.4 Appointment of Arbitrators. Arbitrators shall be appointed within fifteen (15) business days following service of the demand for arbitration. The number of arbitrators shall be three. One arbitrator shall be appointed by Mr. Fanning, one arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company, and the two arbitrators shall appoint a third. If the arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator within thirty (30) business days after the service of demand for arbitration, the third arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA.
3.5 Costs. The arbitration filing fee shall be paid by Mr. Fanning. All other costs of arbitration shall be borne equally by Mr. Fanning and the Company, provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse such fees and costs in the event any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Fanning's favor and Mr. Fanning is reimbursed legal fees under Section 2.6 hereof.
3.6 Interim and Injunctive Relief. Nothing in this Article III is intended to preclude, upon application of either party, any court having jurisdiction from issuing and enforcing in any lawful manner such temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and other interim measures of relief as may be
necessary to prevent harm to either party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate pending the conclusion of arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Article III and nothing herein is intended to prevent any court from entering and enforcing in any lawful manner such judgments for permanent equitable relief as may be necessary to prevent harm to a party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate following the issuance of arbitral awards pursuant to this Article III.
ARTICLE IV - TRANSFER OF EMPLOYMENT
4.1 Transfer of Employment. In the event that Mr. Fanning's employment by the Company is terminated during the two year period following a Change in Control and Mr. Fanning accepts employment by Southern or a another Southern Subsidiary, the Company shall assign this Agreement to Southern or such Southern Subsidiary, Southern shall accept such assignment or cause such Southern Subsidiary to accept such assignment, and such assignee shall become the "Company" for all purposes hereunder.
ARTICLE V - MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Funding of Benefits. Unless the Board of Directors in its discretion determines otherwise, the amounts payable to Mr. Fanning under the this Agreement shall not be funded in any manner and shall be paid by the Company out of its general assets, which assets are subject to the claims of the Company's creditors.
5.2 Withholding. There shall be deducted from the payment of any amount due under this Agreement the amount of any tax required by any governmental authority to be withheld and paid over by the Company to such governmental authority for the account of Mr. Fanning.
5.3 Assignment. Neither Mr. Fanning nor his beneficiaries shall have any rights to sell, assign, transfer, encumber, or otherwise convey the right to receive the payment of any amount due hereunder, which payment and the rights thereto are expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void and of no effect.
5.4 Interpretation. This Agreement is intended to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder in order to avoid any additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1). In the event it is necessary to interpret the provisions of this Agreement for purposes of its operation, such interpretation shall, to the extent possible, be consistent with such intent.
5.5 Amendment and Termination. The Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a writing executed by the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement this 1st day of May, 2007.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
By: /s/David M. Ratcliffe SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC. By: /s/Robert A. Bell MR. FANNING /s/Thomas A. Fanning Thomas A. Fanning |
Exhibit A
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
The attached Waiver and Release is to be given to Mr. Thomas A. Fanning upon the occurrence of an event that triggers eligibility for severance benefits under the Change in Control Agreement, as described in Section 2.2 of such Agreement.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
I, Thomas A. Fanning, understand that I am entitled to receive the severance benefits described in Article II of the Change in Control Agreement (the "Agreement") if I execute this Waiver and Release ("Waiver"). I understand that the benefits I will receive under the Agreement are in excess of those I would have received from The Southern Company and Southern Company Services, Inc. (collectively, the "Company") if I had not elected to sign this Waiver.
I recognize that I may have a claim against the Company under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act or other federal, state and local laws.
In exchange for receiving the severance and welfare benefits under Article II of the Agreement, I hereby voluntarily and irrevocably waive, release, dismiss with prejudice, and withdraw all claims, complaints, suits or demands of any kind whatsoever (whether known or unknown) which I ever had, may have, or now have against The Southern Company, Southern Company Services, Inc., Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Communications Services, Inc. d/b/a Southern LINC, Southern Company Energy Solutions, L.L.C., Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., Southern Telecom, Inc., Southern Company Management Development, Inc., and other current or former subsidiaries or affiliates of The Southern Company and their past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, insurers and attorneys (collectively, the "Releasees"), arising from or relating to (directly or indirectly) my employment or the termination of my employment or other events occurred as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including but not limited to:
(a) claims for violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 1981, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 11141, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act;
(b) claims for violations of any other federal or state statute or regulation or local ordinance;
(c) claims for lost or unpaid wages, compensation, or benefits, defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, assault, battery, wrongful or constructive discharge, negligent hiring, retention or supervision, fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, tortious interference, breach of contract, or breach of fiduciary duty;
(d) claims to benefits under any bonus, severance, workforce reduction, early retirement, outplacement, or any other similar type plan sponsored by the Company (except for those plans listed below); or
(e) any other claims under state law arising in tort or contract.
In signing this Agreement, I am not releasing any claims that may arise under the terms of this Agreement or which may arise out of events occurring after the date I execute this Agreement.
I am also not releasing claims to benefits that I am already entitled to receive under The Southern Company Pension Plan, The Southern Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan, The Southern Company Employee Savings Plan, The Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, The Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan or under any workers' compensation laws. However, I understand and acknowledge that nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to require the Company to institute or continue in effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Company and the Company hereby reserves the right to amend or terminate any of its benefit programs at any time in accordance with the procedures set forth in such plans.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit me from engaging in protected
activities under applicable law (including protected activities described in
Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act) or from communicating, either
voluntarily or otherwise, with any governmental agency concerning any potential
violation of the law.
I understand and agree for a period of two (2) years after the date I execute this Agreement, I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all valuable, non-public, competitively sensitive data and information relating to the Releasees' business that is not generally known by or readily available to Releasees' competitors and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such information to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further understand and agree that I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all trade secrets of Releasees for as long as such items remain trade secrets under applicable law and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such trade secrets to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further agree to keep confidential and not disclose the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the benefits under the Agreement, except to my spouse, attorneys or financial advisors (who must be informed of and agree to be bound by the confidentiality provisions contained in this Agreement before I disclose any information to them about this Agreement), or where such disclosure is required by law.
I agree to return to the Company prior to my last day of employment all property of the Company, including but not limited to data, lists, information, memoranda, documents, identification cards, credit cards, parking cards, keys, computers, fax machines, beepers, phones, and files (including copies thereof).
I understand and agree that I will not seek re-employment as an employee, leased employee or independent contractor with the Company or any Southern Company subsidiary or affiliate during the twenty-four (24) month period beginning immediately following my execution of this Agreement.
I have carefully read this agreement and I fully understand all of the provisions of this Waiver.
I have been encouraged and advised in writing to seek advice from anyone of my choosing regarding this Waiver (including my attorney, accountant or tax advisor). Prior to signing this Waiver, I have been given the opportunity and sufficient time to seek such advice.
I have had the opportunity to review and consider this Waiver for a period of at least twenty-one (21) days before signing it.
I understand that I may revoke this Waiver at any time during the seven
(7) calendar day period after I sign this Waiver. In order to revoke this
Waiver, I must deliver written notification of such revocation to the
Compensation Committee. I understand that this Waiver is not effective until the
expiration of this seven (7) calendar day revocation period. I understand that
upon the expiration of such seven (7) calendar day revocation period this entire
Waiver will be binding upon me and will be irrevocable. Revocation of this
Waiver will not alter or change the termination of my employment by the Company.
In signing this Waiver, I am not relying on any representation or statement (written or oral) not specifically set forth in this Waiver, the Agreement or by the company or any of its representatives with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Waiver or otherwise.
I was not coerced, threatened, or otherwise forced to sign this Waiver. I am voluntarily signing and delivering this Waiver of my own free will.
I understand that by signing this Waiver I am giving up rights I may have. I understand I do not have to sign this Waiver.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby executes this Waiver this ____ day of ________________, in the year _____.
Sworn to and subscribed to me this
___day of _________, ____
My Commission Expires:
Acknowledged and Accepted by the Company.
Exhibit 10(a)3
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT ("Agreement") made and entered into by and between The Southern Company ("Southern"), Georgia Power Company (the "Company") and Mr. Michael D. Garrett ("Mr. Garrett ") (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties") is effective November 16, 2006. This Agreement amends and restates the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement entered into by Mr. Garrett, Southern and the Company, effective June 1, 2004.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Mr. Garrett is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to provide to Mr. Garrett certain severance benefits under certain circumstances following a change in control (as defined herein) of Southern or the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and the agreements of the Parties set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Annual Compensation" shall mean Mr. Garrett's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan.
1.2 "Base Salary" shall mean Mr. Garrett's highest annual base salary rate during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.3 "Beneficial Ownership" shall mean beneficial ownership within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
1.4 "Benefit Index" shall mean the Hewitt Associates' Benefit Index(r), or if such index is no longer available, cannot be used, or if pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof another Benefits Consultant has been chosen by the Compensation Committee, such other comparable index utilized by the Benefits Consultant.
1.5 "Benefits Consultant" shall mean Hewitt Associates or such other nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm as shall be designated in writing by the Compensation Committee upon the occurrence of a Preliminary Change in Control that would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control.
1.6 "Board of Directors" shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
1.7 "Business Combination" shall mean a reorganization, merger or consolidation of Southern or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Southern.
1.8 "Change in Control" shall mean,
(a) with respect to Southern, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of Southern's Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(a)(i) the following acquisitions of Southern's Voting Securities shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(A) any acquisition directly from Southern;
(B) any acquisition by Southern;
(C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary;
(D) any acquisition by a qualified pension plan or publicly held mutual fund;
(E) any acquisition by an employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed exclusively of such employees; or
(F) any Business Combination which would not otherwise constitute a Change in Control because of the application of clauses (A), (B) or (C) of Section 1.8(a)(iii);
(ii) A change in the composition of the Southern Board whereby individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Southern Board; or
(iii) The Consummation of a Business Combination, unless, following such Business Combination, all of the following three conditions are met:
(A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who held Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of Southern's Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination hold Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 65% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the corporation surviving or resulting from such Business Combination, (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such Business Combination holds Beneficial Ownership of all or substantially all of Southern's Voting Securities or all or substantially all of Southern's assets) (such surviving or resulting corporation to be referred to as "Surviving Company"), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of Southern's Voting Securities;
(B) no Person (excluding any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund, Group composed exclusively of Employees or employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or Surviving Company) holds Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of Surviving Company except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and
(C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of Surviving Company were members of the Incumbent Board on the date of the Preliminary Change in Control.
(b) with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(b)(i), any acquisition by Mr. Garrett, any other employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed entirely of such employees, any qualified pension plan, any publicly held mutual fund or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary shall not constitute a Change in Control;
(ii) The Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company ("Company Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Company Business Combination, Southern or a Southern Subsidiary Controls the corporation surviving or resulting from such Company Business Combination; or
(iii) The Consummation of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity which Southern or a Southern Subsidiary does not Control ("Subsidiary Change in Control").
1.9 "COBRA Coverage" shall mean any continuation coverage to which Mr. Garrett or his dependents may be entitled pursuant to Code Section 4980B.
1.10 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.11 "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of Southern.
1.12 "Company" shall mean Georgia Power Company, its successors and assigns.
1.13 "Compensation Committee" shall mean the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Southern Board.
1.14 "Consummation" shall mean the completion of the final act necessary to complete a transaction as a matter of law, including, but not limited to, any required approvals by the corporation's shareholders and board of directors, the transfer of legal and beneficial title to securities or assets and the final approval of the transaction by any applicable domestic or foreign governments or governmental agencies.
1.15 "Control" shall mean, in the case of a corporation, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the corporation's Voting Securities, or in the case of any other entity, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of such entity's voting equity interests.
1.16 "Economic Equivalent" or "Economic Equivalence" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.23(f) hereof.
1.17 "Employee Outplacement Program" shall mean the program established by the Company from time to time for the purpose of assisting employees in finding employment outside of the Company which provides for the following services:
(a) self assessment, career decision and goal setting;
(b) job market research and job sources;
(c) networking and interviewing skills;
(d) planning and implementation strategy;
(e) resume writing, job hunting methods and salary negotiation; and
(f) office support and job search resources.
1.18 "Company" shall mean Georgia Power Company, its successors and assigns.
1.19 "Company Business Combination" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(ii) hereof.
1.20 "Equity Based Bonus Plan" shall mean a plan or arrangement that provides for the grant to participants of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, phantom stock appreciation rights or any other similar rights the terms of which provide a participant with the potential to receive the benefit of any increase in value of the underlying equity or notional amount (e.g., number of phantom shares) from the date of grant through a subsequent date.
1.21 "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.22 "Executive Employee" shall mean those employees of the Company of Grade Level 10 or above.
1.23 "Good Reason" shall mean, without Mr. Garrett's express written
consent, after written notice to the Company, and after a thirty (30) day
opportunity for the Company to cure, the continuing occurrence of any of the
events described in Subsections (a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) or (d)(ii) of
this Section 1.23. In the case of Mr. Garrett claiming benefits under this
Agreement upon a Subsidiary Change in Control, the foregoing notice and
opportunity to cure will be satisfied if Mr. Garrett provides to the
Compensation Committee a copy of his written offer of employment by the
acquiring company within thirty (30) days of such offer along with a written
explanation describing how the terms of such offer satisfy the requirements of
Subsections (a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) of this Section 1.23. The
Compensation Committee shall make a determination of whether such written offer
of employment satisfies the requirements of Sections 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii),
(c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof upon consultation with the Benefits Consultant
and shall notify Mr. Garrett of its decision within thirty (30) days of receipt
of Mr. Garrett's written offer of employment. Any dispute regarding the
Compensation Committee's decision shall be resolved in accordance with Article
III hereof.
(a) Inconsistent Duties.
(i) Change in Control. A meaningful and detrimental alteration in Mr. Garrett's position or in the nature or status of his responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Garrett is offered employment with the acquiring employer with a job title, duties and status which are materially and detrimentally lower than Mr. Garrett's
job title, duties and status in effect at the Company as of the date the offer of employment is received.
(b) Reduced Compensation.
(i) Change in Control. A reduction of five percent (5%) or more by the Company in any of the following amounts of compensation expressed in subparagraphs (A), (B) or (C) hereof, except for a less than ten percent (10%), across-the-board reduction in such compensation amounts similarly affecting ninety-five percent (95%) or more of the Executive Employees eligible for such compensation:
(A) Mr. Garrett's Base Salary;
(B) the sum of Mr. Garrett's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan, as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated; or
(C) the sum of Mr. Garrett's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan plus the Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Garrett is offered Base Salary, Target Bonus under the acquiring company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan and Target Bonus under the acquiring company's Equity Based Bonus Plan that, in the aggregate, is
less than ninety percent (95%) of Mr. Garrett's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan, plus Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day the offer of employment is received;
(c) Relocation.
(i) Company. A change in Mr. Garrett's work location to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the facility where Mr. Garrett was located on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, unless such new work location is within fifty (50) miles of Mr. Garrett's principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated. The acceptance, if any, by Mr. Garrett of employment by the Company at a work location which is outside the fifty mile radius set forth in this Section 1.23(c) shall not be a waiver of Mr. Garrett's right to refuse subsequent transfer by the Company to a location which is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. Garrett's principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, and such subsequent nonconsensual transfer shall be "Good Reason" under this Agreement;
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the case of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Garrett's work location under the terms of the offer of employment from the acquiring employer is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. Garrett's work location at the Company as of the date the offer of employment by the acquiring employer is received.
(d) Benefits and Perquisites.
(i) Change in Control - Retirement and Welfare Benefits. The taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly cause a Material Reduction in the Retirement and Welfare Benefits to which Mr. Garrett is entitled under the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefit plans in which Mr. Garrett was participating on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Vacation and Paid Time Off. The failure by the Company to provide Mr. Garrett with the number of paid vacation days or, if applicable, paid time off days to which Mr. Garrett is entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy or the paid time off program (whichever applicable) in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated (except for across-the-board vacation policy or paid time off program changes or policy or program terminations similarly affecting at least ninety-five percent (95%) of all Executive Employees of the Company).
(iii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Garrett is offered a package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits by the acquiring employer that is not Economically Equivalent, as determined under Sections 1.23(f) and (g) hereof.
(e) Adoption of Severance Agreement. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if the offer of employment by the acquiring employer does not include an agreement to enter into a
severance agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.
(f) Economic Equivalence. For purposes of Section 1.23(d)(iii) above, an acquiring employer's package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits shall be considered Economically Equivalent if, in the written opinion of the Benefits Consultant, the anticipated, employer-provided value of what Mr. Garrett is expected to derive from the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits is equal to or greater than ninety percent (90%) of such value Mr. Garrett would have derived from the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefits using the Benefit Index.
(g) Benefit Index Guidelines. For purposes of Section 1.23(f) above, the following guidelines shall be followed by the Company, the acquiring employer and the Benefits Consultant in the performance of the Benefit Index calculations:
(i) Upon a Preliminary Change in Control that if Consummated would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control, the Company and the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits Consultant the applicable benefit plan provisions for the plan year in which the Subsidiary Change in Control is anticipated to occur. Plan provisions for the immediately preceding plan year may be provided if the Benefits Consultant determines that there have been no changes to such plans that would materially affect the determination of Economic Equivalence. If the acquiring employer's relevant plan provisions have not previously been included in the Benefits Consultant's Benefit Index database, the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits Consultant such plan information as the Benefits Consultant shall
request in writing as soon as practicable following such request. The Compensation Committees shall take such action as is reasonably required to facilitate the transfer of such information from the acquiring employer to the Benefits Consultant.
(ii) The standard Benefit Index assumptions for the plan year from which the plan provisions are taken shall be used.
(iii) The Company shall provide to the Benefit Consultant actual data for its Employees.
(iv) The determination of whether or not the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits are Economically Equivalent to the Retirement and Welfare Benefits provided to Mr. Garrett by the Company shall be determined on an aggregate basis. All assessments shall consider all benefits in total and no individual-by-individual, plan-by-plan determination of Economic Equivalence shall be made.
1.24 "Group" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
1.25 "Group Health Plan" shall mean the group health plan covering Mr. Garrett, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.26 "Group Life Insurance Plan" shall mean the group life insurance plan covering Mr. Garrett, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.27 "Incumbent Board" shall mean those individuals who constitute the Southern Board as of February 23, 2006, plus any individual who shall become a director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for election by Southern's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
individual who shall become a director of the Southern Board subsequent to February 23, 2006 whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of the Regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Southern Board shall be a member of the Incumbent Board.
1.28 "Long Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of more than twelve months.
1.29 "Month of Service" shall mean any calendar month during which Mr. Garrett has worked at least one (1) hour or was on approved leave of absence while in the employ of the Company or any other Southern Subsidiary.
1.30 "Material Reduction" shall mean (i) any change in a retirement plan or
arrangement that has the effect of reducing the present value of the projected
benefits to be provided to Mr. Garrett by five percent (5%) or more, (ii) any
five percent (5%) or more reduction in medical, health and accident and
disability benefits as a percentage of premiums or premium equivalents in
accordance with the Company's prior practice as measured over a period of the
three previous plan years from the date the Change in Control is Consummated, or
(iii) any five percent (5%) or more reduction in employer matching funds as a
percentage of employee contributions in accordance with the Company's prior
practice measured over a period of the previous three plan years from the date
the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.31 "Omnibus Plan" shall mean the Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, and the Design and Administrative Specifications duly adopted thereunder, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.32 "Pension Plan" shall mean The Southern Company Pension Plan or any successor thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.33 "Performance Dividend Program" or "PDP" shall mean the Performance Dividend Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.34 "Performance Pay Program" or "PPP" shall mean the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.35 "Person" shall mean any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of Exchange Act.
1.36 "Preliminary Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following as administratively determined by the Southern Committee.
(a) Southern or the Company has entered into a written agreement, such as, but not limited to, a letter of intent, which, if Consummated, would result in a Change in Control;
(b) Southern, the Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if Consummated, would result in a Change of Control under circumstances where the Consummation of the announced action or intended action is legally and financially possible;
(c) Any Person achieves the Beneficial Ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Common Stock; or
(d) The Southern Board or the Board of Directors has declared that a Preliminary Change of Control has occurred.
1.37 "Retirement and Welfare Benefits" shall mean benefits provided by the following types of plans and arrangements: pension plans, defined contribution plans (matched savings, profit sharing, money purchase, ESOP, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for death benefits while employed or retired (life insurance, survivor income, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for short-term disability benefits (including accident and sick time), plans providing for long-term disability benefits, plans providing health-care benefits (including reimbursements during active employment or retirement related to expenses for medical, vision, hearing, dental, and similar plans and arrangements).
1.38 "Separation Date" shall mean the date on which Mr. Garrett's
employment with the Company is terminated; provided, however, that solely for
purposes of Section 2.2(c) hereof, if, upon termination of employment with the
Company, Mr. Garrett is deemed to have retired pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. Garrett's Separation Date shall be the effective date of
his retirement pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.39 "Short Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of twelve months or less.
1.40 "Southern" shall mean The Southern Company, its successors and assigns.
1.41 "Southern Board" shall mean the board of directors of Southern.
1.42 "Southern Committee" shall mean the committee comprised of the Chairman of the Southern Board, the Chief Financial Officer of Southern and the General Counsel of Southern.
1.43 "Southern Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation or other entity Controlled by Southern or another Southern Subsidiary.
1.44 "Subsidiary Change in Control" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(iii) hereof.
1.45 "Target Bonus" shall mean the amount of incentive compensation expressed as either a percent of salary or pay, an expected dollar amount, the number of awards granted or such other quantifiable measure to determine the amount to be paid or awards granted under the terms of the respective Short Term Bonus Plan, Long Term Bonus Plan or Equity Based Bonus Plan, as used by the Company or respective acquiring employer to measure the market competitiveness of its employee compensation programs.
1.46 "Termination for Cause" or "Cause" shall mean Mr. Garrett's termination of employment with the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) The willful and continued failure by Mr. Garrett to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Mr. Garrett's Total Disability or from Mr. Garrett's retirement or any such actual or anticipated failure resulting from termination by Mr. Garrett for Good Reason) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to him by the Southern Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Southern Board believes Mr. Garrett has not substantially performed his duties; or
(b) The willful engaging by Mr. Garrett in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, including but not limited to any of the following:
(i) any willful act involving fraud or dishonesty in the course of Mr. Garrett's employment by the Company;
(ii) the willful carrying out of any activity or the making of any statement by Mr. Garrett which would materially prejudice or impair the good name and standing of the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary or would bring the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary into contempt, ridicule or would reasonably shock or offend any community in which the Company, Southern or such other Southern Subsidiary is located;
(iii) attendance by Mr. Garrett at work in a state of intoxication or otherwise being found in possession at his workplace of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal offense;
(iv) violation of the Company's policies on drug and alcohol usage, fitness for duty requirements or similar policies as may exist from time to time as adopted by the Company's safety officer;
(v) assault or other act of violence by Mr. Garrett against any person during the course of employment; or
(vi) Mr. Garrett's indictment for any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
No act or failure to act by Mr. Garrett shall be deemed "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by Mr. Garrett not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Garrett shall not be deemed to
have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been
delivered to him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the
affirmative vote of the majority of the Southern Board at a meeting
called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Mr.
Garrett and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard
before the Southern Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of
the Southern Board, Mr. Garrett was guilty of conduct set forth in
Section 1.46(a) or (b) hereof and specifying the particulars thereof
in detail.
1.47 "Total Disability" shall mean total disability under the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.48 "Voting Securities" shall mean the outstanding voting securities of a corporation entitling the holder thereof to vote generally in the election of such corporation's directors.
1.49 "Waiver and Release" shall mean the Waiver and Release substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
1.50 "Year of Service" shall mean an Employee's Months of Service divided by twelve (12) rounded to the nearest whole year, rounding up if the remaining number of months is seven (7) or greater and rounding down if the remaining number of months is less than seven (7). If an Employee has a break in his service with his Employing Company, he will receive credit under this Plan for the service prior to the break in service only if the break in service was less than five years and his service prior to the break exceeds the length of the break in service.
ARTICLE II - SEVERANCE BENEFITS
2.1 Eligibility.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, if Mr. Garrett's employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company for reasons other than Cause or if Mr. Garrett voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2 hereof, subject to the terms and conditions described in this Article II.
(b) Limits on Eligibility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Mr. Garrett shall not be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan if Mr. Garrett :
(i) is not actively at work on his Separation Date, unless Mr. Garrett is capable of returning to work within twelve (12) weeks of the beginning of any leave of absence from work;
(ii) voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for other than Good Reason;
(iii) has his employment terminated by the Company for Cause;
(iv) accepts the transfer of his employment to Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or any employer that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of Southern;
(v) accepts the transfer of his employment to any employer (or its affiliate) that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of a Southern Subsidiary or the Company and becomes an employee of any such employer (or its affiliate) following such acquisition (provided, however, that if Mr. Garrett would otherwise have been entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement but for this Section 2.1(b)(v), Mr. Garrett shall be eligible for benefits under this Agreement except for those outplacement, severance and welfare benefits described in Sections 2.2(a), (b) and (c) hereof);
(vi) is involuntarily separated from service with the Company after refusing an offer of employment by Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, under circumstances where the terms of such offer would not have amounted to Good Reason for voluntary termination of employment from the Company by comparing each item of compensation and benefits of such offer of employment as set forth in Section 1.23(a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) and (d)(ii) above, with such items of compensation and benefits to which he is entitled at the Company as of the day immediately preceding the day of such offer of employment;
(vii) refuses an offer of employment by an acquiring employer in a Subsidiary Change in Control under circumstances where such offer does not provide Good Reason under the requirements of Section 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof.
(viii) elects to receive the benefits of any other voluntary or involuntary severance, separation or outplacement program, plan or agreement maintained by the Company in lieu of benefits under this
Agreement; provided however, that the receipt of benefits under any retention plan or agreement shall not be deemed to be the receipt of benefits under any severance, separation or outplacement program for purposes of this Agreement.
2.2 Severance Benefits. Upon the Company's receipt of an effective Waiver and Release, Mr. Garrett shall be entitled to receive the following severance benefits:
(a) Employee Outplacement Services. Mr. Garrett shall be eligible to participate in the Employee Outplacement Program, which program shall not be less than six (6) months duration measured from Mr. Garrett's Separation Date.
(b) Severance Amount. Mr. Garrett shall be paid in cash an amount equal to three times his Annual Compensation (the "Severance Amount"). If any portion of the Severance Amount constitutes an "excess parachute payment" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Excess Parachute Payment")), the Company shall pay to Mr. Garrett an additional amount calculated by determining the amount of tax under Code Section 4999 that he otherwise would have paid on any Excess Parachute Payment with respect to the Change in Control and dividing such amount by a decimal determined by adding the tax rate under Code Section 4999 ("Excise Tax"), the hospital insurance tax under Code Section 3101(b) ("HI Tax") and federal and state income tax measured at the highest marginal rates ("Income Tax") and subtracting such result from the number one (1) (the "280G Gross-up"); provided, however, that no 280G Gross-up shall be paid unless the Severance Amount plus all other "parachute payments" to Mr. Garrett under Code Section 280G exceeds three (3) times Mr. Garrett's "base
amount" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Base Amount")) by ten percent (10%) or more; provided further, that if no 280G Gross-up is paid, the Severance Amount shall be capped at three (3) times Mr. Garrett's Base Amount, less all other "parachute payments" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G) received by Mr. Garrett, less one dollar (the "Capped Amount"), if the Capped Amount, reduced by HI Tax and Income Tax, exceeds what otherwise would have been the Severance Amount, reduced by HI Tax, Income Tax and Excise Tax.
For purposes of this Section 2.2(b), whether any amount would
constitute an Excess Parachute Payment and any other calculations of tax,
e.g., Excise Tax, HI Tax, Income Tax, etc., or other amounts, e.g., Base
Amount, Capped Amount, etc., shall be determined by a nationally recognized
firm specializing in federal income taxes as selected by the Compensation
Committee, and such calculations or determinations shall be binding upon
Mr. Garrett, Southern and the Company.
(c) Welfare Benefit.
(i) Except as provided in Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. Garrett shall be eligible to participate in the Company's Group Health Plan for a period of six (6) months for each of Mr. Garrett's Years of Service, not to exceed a period of five (5) years, beginning on the first day of the first month following Mr. Garrett's Separation Date unless otherwise specifically provided under such plan, upon Mr. Garrett's payment of both the Company's and Mr. Garrett's premium under such plan. Mr. Garrett shall also be entitled to elect coverage under the Group Health Plan for his dependents who are participating in the Group Health Plan on Mr. Garrett's Separation Date (and for such other dependents as may be entitled to coverage under the provisions of the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) for the duration of Mr. Garrett's extended medical coverage under this Section 2.2(c) to the extent such dependents remain eligible for dependent coverage under the terms of the Group Health Plan.
(ii) The extended medical coverage afforded to Mr. Garrett pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) as well as the premiums to be paid by Mr. Garrett in connection with such coverage shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Group Health Plan and shall be subject to any changes in the terms and conditions of the Group Health Plan as well as any future increases in premiums under the Group Health Plan. The premiums to be paid by Mr. Garrett in connection with this extended coverage shall be due on the first day of each month; provided, however, that if Mr. Garrett fails to pay his premium within thirty (30) days of its due date, his extended coverage shall be terminated.
(iii) Any Group Health Plan coverage provided under this Section 2.2(c) shall be a part of and not in addition to any COBRA Coverage which Mr. Garrett or his dependent may elect. In the event that Mr. Garrett or his dependent becomes eligible to be covered, by virtue of re-employment or otherwise, by any employer-sponsored group health plan or is eligible for coverage under any government-sponsored health plan during the above period, coverage under the Company's Group Health Plan available to Mr. Garrett or his dependent by virtue of the provisions of this Article II shall terminate, except as may otherwise be required by law, and shall not be renewed. It shall be the duty of Mr. Garrett to inform the Company of his eligibility to participate in any such health plan.
(iv) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.3 hereof, regardless of whether Mr. Garrett elects the extended coverage described in Section 2.2(c) hereof, the Company shall pay to Mr. Garrett a cash amount equal to the Company's and Mr. Garrett's cost of premiums for three (3) years of coverage under the Group Health Plan and Group Life Insurance Plan, as such Plans were in effect as of the date of the Change in Control.
(d) Stock Option Vesting. The provisions of this Section 2.2(d) shall apply to any equity based awards under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(d) by reference.
(i) Any of Mr. Garrett's Options and Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding as of the Separation Date which are not then exercisable and vested, shall become fully exercisable and vested; provided, that in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right, if Mr. Garrett is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Stock Appreciation Right shall not become fully vested and exercisable at such time if such actions would result in liability to Mr. Garrett under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, provided further that any such actions not taken as a result of the rules under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act shall be effected as of the first date that such activity would no longer result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any of Mr. Garrett's Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units as of the Separation Date shall lapse, and such Restricted Stock and Restricted
Stock Units shall become free of all restrictions and limitations and become fully vested and transferable.
(e) Performance Pay Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(e) shall apply to the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(e) by reference. Provided Mr. Garrett is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PPP, if the PPP is in place as of Mr. Garrett's Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Garrett is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Garrett shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of his Cash-Based Award under the PPP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance under the PPP and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(f) Performance Dividend Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(f) shall apply to the Performance Dividend Program, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(f) by reference. Provided Mr. Garrett is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PDP, if the PDP is in place through Mr. Garrett's Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Garrett is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Garrett shall be entitled to receive cash for each such Cash-Based Award under the PDP held as of such date based on a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance under the PDP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, and the sum of the quarterly dividends declared on the Common Stock in the performance year of and prior to the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(f), payout of each Cash-Based Award under the PDP shall be based upon the performance measurement period that would otherwise have ended on December 31st of the
year in which Mr. Garrett's Separation Date occurs, all other remaining PPP performance measurement periods shall terminate with respect to Mr. Garrett and no payment to Mr. Garrett shall be made with respect thereto.
(g) Other Short Term Incentives Under the Omnibus Plan. The provisions of this Section 2.2(g) shall apply to Performance Unit or Performance Share awards under the Omnibus Plan. Provided Mr. Garrett is not otherwise entitled to a Performance Unit/Share award under the Omnibus Plan, Mr. Garrett shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of the value of his Performance Units and/or Performance Shares for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(h) Other Short-Term Incentive Plans. The provisions of this Section
2.2(h) shall apply to Mr. Garrett to the extent that he, as of the date of
the Change in Control, is a participant in any other "short term incentive
compensation plan" not otherwise previously referred to in this Section
2.2. Provided Mr. Garrett is not otherwise entitled to a plan payout under
any change in control provisions of such plans, if the "short term
incentive compensation plan" is in place through Mr. Garrett's Separation
Date and to the extent Mr. Garrett is entitled to participate therein, Mr.
Garrett shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to his award
under the Company's "short term incentive compensation plan" for the annual
performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at Mr.
Garrett's target performance level and prorated by the number of months
which have passed since the beginning of the annual performance period
until the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(h), the term "short term incentive compensation plan" shall mean any incentive compensation plan or arrangement adopted in writing by the Company which provides for annual, recurring compensatory bonuses to participants based upon articulated performance criteria, and which have been identified by the Compensation Committee and listed on Exhibit B hereto, which may be amended from time to time to reflect plan additions, terminations and amendments.
(i) Pro rata Calculation. For purposes of calculating any pro rata Cash-Based Awards under Section 2.2(e), (f), (g) and (h) hereof, a month shall not be considered if the determining event occurs on or before the 14th day of the month, and a month shall be considered if the determining event occurs on or after the 15th day of the month.
(j) No Duplicate Benefits. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.2 to the contrary, in the event that Mr. Garrett has received or is entitled to receive a Cash-Based Award under the PPP or the PDP as determined under the provisions of the Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan (the "BPP") for the Performance Period which includes Mr. Garrett's Separation Date, then the amount of any such Cash-Based Award under this Plan shall be reduced dollar-for-dollar by any such amount received or to be received under the BPP.
2.3 Coordination with Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, if Mr. Garrett is otherwise eligible to retire pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, he shall be deemed to have retired for purposes of all employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company of which Mr. Garrett is a participant. If Mr. Garrett is deemed to have retired in accordance with the preceding sentence, he shall not be eligible to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2(c) hereof if, upon his Separation
Date, Mr. Garrett becomes eligible to receive the retiree medical and life insurance coverage provided to certain retirees pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, the Group Health Plan and the Group Life Insurance Plan.
2.4 Payment of Benefits.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4(b) hereof, the total
amount payable under this Article II shall be paid to Mr. Garrett in one
(1) lump sum payment within two (2) payroll periods of the later of the
following to occur: (a) Mr. Garrett's Separation Date, or (b) the tender to
the Company by Mr. Garrett of an effective Waiver and Release in the form
of Exhibit A attached hereto and the expiration of any applicable
revocation period for such waiver. In the event of a dispute with respect
to liability or amount of any benefit due hereunder, an effective Waiver
and Release shall be tendered at the time of final resolution of any such
dispute when payment is tendered by the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.4(a) above, if the Compensation Committee determines that it is necessary to delay any payment under this Article II in order to avoid any tax liability pursuant to Code Section 409A(a)(1), such payment shall be delayed for the period set forth in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and such delayed payment shall bear a reasonable rate of interest as determined by the Compensation Committee.
2.5 Benefits in the Event of Death. In the event of Mr. Garrett's death prior to the payment of all benefits due under this Article II, Mr. Garrett's estate shall be entitled to receive as due any amounts not yet paid under this Article II upon the tender by the executor or administrator of the estate of an effective Waiver and Release.
2.6 Legal Fees. In the event of a dispute between Mr. Garrett and the Company with regard to any amounts due hereunder, if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Garrett's favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. Garrett's legal fees incurred with respect to all issues in such dispute in an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
2.7 No Mitigation. Mr. Garrett shall have no duty or obligation to seek other employment following his Separation Date and, except as otherwise provided in Subsection 2.1(b) hereof, the amounts due Mr. Garrett hereunder shall not be reduced or suspended if he accepts such subsequent employment.
2.8 Non-qualified Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans. Subsequent to a Change in Control, any claims by Mr. Garrett for benefits under any of the Company's non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation plans shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the procedures and provisions set forth in Article III hereof and if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Garrett's favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. Garrett's legal fees in the manner provided in Section 2.6 hereof.
ARTICLE III - ARBITRATION
3.1 General. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Company's obligations to pay severance benefits under this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled and resolved solely by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") except as otherwise provided herein. The arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolution of any such claim for severance benefits and the arbitrators' award shall be final and binding. The provisions
of this Article III are not intended to apply to any other disputes, claims or controversies arising out of or relating to Mr. Garrett's employment by the Company or the termination thereof.
3.2 Demand for Arbitration. Arbitration shall be initiated by serving a written notice of demand for arbitration to Mr. Garrett, in the case of the Company, or to the Compensation Committee, in the case of Mr. Garrett.
3.3 Law and Venue. The arbitrators shall apply the laws of the State of Georgia, except to the extent pre-empted by federal law, excluding any law which would require the use of the law of another state. The arbitration shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia.
3.4 Appointment of Arbitrators. Arbitrators shall be appointed within fifteen (15) business days following service of the demand for arbitration. The number of arbitrators shall be three. One arbitrator shall be appointed by Mr. Garrett, one arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company, and the two arbitrators shall appoint a third. If the arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator within thirty (30) business days after the service of demand for arbitration, the third arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA.
3.5 Costs. The arbitration filing fee shall be paid by Mr. Garrett. All other costs of arbitration shall be borne equally by Mr. Garrett and the Company, provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse such fees and costs in the event any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Garrett's favor and Mr. Garrett is reimbursed legal fees under Section 2.6 hereof.
3.6 Interim and Injunctive Relief. Nothing in this Article III is intended to preclude, upon application of either party, any court having jurisdiction from issuing and enforcing in any lawful manner such temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and other interim measures of relief as may be
necessary to prevent harm to either party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate pending the conclusion of arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Article III and nothing herein is intended to prevent any court from entering and enforcing in any lawful manner such judgments for permanent equitable relief as may be necessary to prevent harm to a party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate following the issuance of arbitral awards pursuant to this Article III.
ARTICLE IV - TRANSFER OF EMPLOYMENT
4.1 Transfer of Employment. In the event that Mr. Garrett's employment by the Company is terminated during the two year period following a Change in Control and Mr. Garrett accepts employment by Southern or a another Southern Subsidiary, the Company shall assign this Agreement to Southern or such Southern Subsidiary, Southern shall accept such assignment or cause such Southern Subsidiary to accept such assignment, and such assignee shall become the "Company" for all purposes hereunder.
ARTICLE V - MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Funding of Benefits. Unless the Board of Directors in its discretion determines otherwise, the amounts payable to Mr. Garrett under the this Agreement shall not be funded in any manner and shall be paid by the Company out of its general assets, which assets are subject to the claims of the Company's creditors.
5.2 Withholding. There shall be deducted from the payment of any amount due under this Agreement the amount of any tax required by any governmental authority to be withheld and paid over by the Company to such governmental authority for the account of Mr. Garrett.
5.3 Assignment. Neither Mr. Garrett nor his beneficiaries shall have any rights to sell, assign, transfer, encumber, or otherwise convey the right to receive the payment of any amount due hereunder, which payment and the rights thereto are expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void and of no effect.
5.4 Interpretation. This Agreement is intended to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder in order to avoid any additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1). In the event it is necessary to interpret the provisions of this Agreement for purposes of its operation, such interpretation shall, to the extent possible, be consistent with such intent.
5.5 Amendment and Termination. The Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a writing executed by the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement this 1st day of May, 2007.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
By: /s/David M. Ratcliffe GEORGIA POWER COMPANY By: /s/Robert A. Bell MR. GARRETT /s/Michael D. Garrett Michael D. Garrett |
Exhibit A
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
The attached Waiver and Release is to be given to Mr. Michael D. Garrett upon the occurrence of an event that triggers eligibility for severance benefits under the Change in Control Agreement, as described in Section 2.2 of such Agreement.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
I, Michael D. Garrett, understand that I am entitled to receive the severance benefits described in Article II of the Change in Control Agreement (the "Agreement") if I execute this Waiver and Release ("Waiver"). I understand that the benefits I will receive under the Agreement are in excess of those I would have received from The Southern Company and Georgia Power Company (collectively, the "Company") if I had not elected to sign this Waiver.
I recognize that I may have a claim against the Company under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act or other federal, state and local laws.
In exchange for receiving the severance and welfare benefits under Article II of the Agreement, I hereby voluntarily and irrevocably waive, release, dismiss with prejudice, and withdraw all claims, complaints, suits or demands of any kind whatsoever (whether known or unknown) which I ever had, may have, or now have against The Southern Company, Southern Company Services, Inc., Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Communications Services, Inc. d/b/a Southern LINC, Southern Company Energy Solutions, L.L.C., Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., Southern Telecom, Inc., Southern Company Management Development, Inc., and other current or former subsidiaries or affiliates of The Southern Company and their past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, insurers and attorneys (collectively, the "Releasees"), arising from or relating to (directly or indirectly) my employment or the termination of my employment or other events occurred as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including but not limited to:
(a) claims for violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 1981, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 11141, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act;
(b) claims for violations of any other federal or state statute or regulation or local ordinance;
(c) claims for lost or unpaid wages, compensation, or benefits, defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, assault, battery, wrongful or constructive discharge, negligent hiring, retention or supervision, fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, tortious interference, breach of contract, or breach of fiduciary duty;
(d) claims to benefits under any bonus, severance, workforce reduction, early retirement, outplacement, or any other similar type plan sponsored by the Company (except for those plans listed below); or
(e) any other claims under state law arising in tort or contract.
In signing this Agreement, I am not releasing any claims that may arise under the terms of this Agreement or which may arise out of events occurring after the date I execute this Agreement.
I am also not releasing claims to benefits that I am already entitled to receive under The Southern Company Pension Plan, The Southern Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan, The Southern Company Employee Savings Plan, The Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, The Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan or under any workers' compensation laws. However, I understand and acknowledge that nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to require the Company to institute or continue in effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Company and the Company hereby reserves the right to amend or terminate any of its benefit programs at any time in accordance with the procedures set forth in such plans.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit me from engaging in protected
activities under applicable law (including protected activities described in
Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act) or from communicating, either
voluntarily or otherwise, with any governmental agency concerning any potential
violation of the law.
I understand and agree for a period of two (2) years after the date I execute this Agreement, I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all valuable, non-public, competitively sensitive data and information relating to the Releasees' business that is not generally known by or readily available to Releasees' competitors and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such information to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further understand and agree that I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all trade secrets of Releasees for as long as such items remain trade secrets under applicable law and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such trade secrets to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further agree to keep confidential and not disclose the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the benefits under the Agreement, except to my spouse, attorneys or financial advisors (who must be informed of and agree to be bound by the confidentiality provisions contained in this Agreement before I disclose any information to them about this Agreement), or where such disclosure is required by law.
I agree to return to the Company prior to my last day of employment all property of the Company, including but not limited to data, lists, information, memoranda, documents, identification cards, credit cards, parking cards, keys, computers, fax machines, beepers, phones, and files (including copies thereof).
I understand and agree that I will not seek re-employment as an employee, leased employee or independent contractor with the Company or any Southern Company subsidiary or affiliate during the twenty-four (24) month period beginning immediately following my execution of this Agreement.
I have carefully read this agreement and I fully understand all of the provisions of this Waiver.
I have been encouraged and advised in writing to seek advice from anyone of my choosing regarding this Waiver (including my attorney, accountant or tax advisor). Prior to signing this Waiver, I have been given the opportunity and sufficient time to seek such advice.
I have had the opportunity to review and consider this Waiver for a period of at least twenty-one (21) days before signing it.
I understand that I may revoke this Waiver at any time during the seven
(7) calendar day period after I sign this Waiver. In order to revoke this
Waiver, I must deliver written notification of such revocation to the
Compensation Committee. I understand that this Waiver is not effective until the
expiration of this seven (7) calendar day revocation period. I understand that
upon the expiration of such seven (7) calendar day revocation period this entire
Waiver will be binding upon me and will be irrevocable. Revocation of this
Waiver will not alter or change the termination of my employment by the Company.
In signing this Waiver, I am not relying on any representation or statement (written or oral) not specifically set forth in this Waiver, the Agreement or by the company or any of its representatives with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Waiver or otherwise.
I was not coerced, threatened, or otherwise forced to sign this Waiver. I am voluntarily signing and delivering this Waiver of my own free will.
I understand that by signing this Waiver I am giving up rights I may have. I understand I do not have to sign this Waiver.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby executes this Waiver this ____ day of ________________, in the year _____.
Sworn to and subscribed to me this
___day of _________, ____
My Commission Expires:
Acknowledged and Accepted by the Company.
Exhibit 10(a)4
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT ("Agreement") made and entered into by and between The Southern Company ("Southern"), Southern Company Services, Inc. (the "Company") and Mr. William Paul Bowers ("Mr. Bowers") (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties") is effective November 16, 2006. This Agreement amends and restates the Change in Control Agreement entered into by Mr. Bowers, Southern and Southern Company Services, effective June 1, 2004.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Mr. Bowers is Executive Vice President of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to provide to Mr. Bowers certain severance benefits under certain circumstances following a change in control (as defined herein) of Southern or the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and the agreements of the Parties set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Annual Compensation" shall mean Mr. Bowers' Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan.
1.2 "Base Salary" shall mean Mr. Bowers' highest annual base salary rate during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.3 "Beneficial Ownership" shall mean beneficial ownership within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
1.4 "Benefit Index" shall mean the Hewitt Associates' Benefit Index(r), or if such index is no longer available, cannot be used, or if pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof another Benefits Consultant has been chosen by the Compensation Committee, such other comparable index utilized by the Benefits Consultant.
1.5 "Benefits Consultant" shall mean Hewitt Associates or such other nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm as shall be designated in writing by the Compensation Committee upon the occurrence of a Preliminary Change in Control that would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control.
1.6 "Board of Directors" shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
1.7 "Business Combination" shall mean a reorganization, merger or consolidation of Southern or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Southern.
1.8 "Change in Control" shall mean,
(a) with respect to Southern, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of Southern's Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(a)(i) the following acquisitions of Southern's Voting Securities shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(A) any acquisition directly from Southern;
(B) any acquisition by Southern;
(C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary;
(D) any acquisition by a qualified pension plan or publicly held mutual fund;
(E) any acquisition by an employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed exclusively of such employees; or
(F) any Business Combination which would not otherwise constitute a Change in Control because of the application of clauses (A), (B) or (C) of Section 1.8(a)(iii);
(ii) A change in the composition of the Southern Board whereby individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Southern Board; or
(iii) The Consummation of a Business Combination, unless, following such Business Combination, all of the following three conditions are met:
(A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who held Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of Southern's Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination hold Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 65% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the corporation surviving or resulting from such Business Combination, (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such Business Combination holds Beneficial Ownership of all or substantially all of Southern's Voting Securities or all or substantially all of Southern's assets) (such surviving or resulting corporation to be referred to as "Surviving Company"), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of Southern's Voting Securities;
(B) no Person (excluding any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund, Group composed exclusively of Employees or employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or Surviving Company) holds Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of Surviving Company except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and
(C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of Surviving Company were members of the Incumbent Board on the date of the Preliminary Change in Control.
(b) with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(b)(i), any acquisition by Mr. Bowers, any other employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed entirely of such employees, any qualified pension plan, any publicly held mutual fund or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary shall not constitute a Change in Control;
(ii) The Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company ("Company Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Company Business Combination, Southern or a Southern Subsidiary Controls the corporation surviving or resulting from such Company Business Combination; or
(iii) The Consummation of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity which Southern or a Southern Subsidiary does not Control ("Subsidiary Change in Control").
1.9 "COBRA Coverage" shall mean any continuation coverage to which Mr. Bowers or his dependents may be entitled pursuant to Code Section 4980B.
1.10 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.11 "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of Southern.
1.12 "Company" shall mean Southern Company Services, Inc., its successors and assigns.
1.13 "Compensation Committee" shall mean the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Southern Board.
1.14 "Consummation" shall mean the completion of the final act necessary to complete a transaction as a matter of law, including, but not limited to, any required approvals by the corporation's shareholders and board of directors, the transfer of legal and beneficial title to securities or assets and the final approval of the transaction by any applicable domestic or foreign governments or governmental agencies.
1.15 "Control" shall mean, in the case of a corporation, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the corporation's Voting Securities, or in the case of any other entity, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of such entity's voting equity interests.
1.16 "Economic Equivalent" or "Economic Equivalence" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.23(f) hereof.
1.17 "Employee Outplacement Program" shall mean the program established by the Company from time to time for the purpose of assisting employees in finding employment outside of the Company which provides for the following services:
(a) self assessment, career decision and goal setting;
(b) job market research and job sources;
(c) networking and interviewing skills;
(d) planning and implementation strategy;
(e) resume writing, job hunting methods and salary negotiation; and
(f) office support and job search resources.
1.18 "Company" shall mean Southern Company Services, Inc., its successors and assigns.
1.19 "Company Business Combination" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(ii) hereof.
1.20 "Equity Based Bonus Plan" shall mean a plan or arrangement that provides for the grant to participants of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, phantom stock appreciation rights or any other similar rights the terms of which provide a participant with the potential to receive the benefit of any increase in value of the underlying equity or notional amount (e.g., number of phantom shares) from the date of grant through a subsequent date.
1.21 "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.22 "Executive Employee" shall mean those employees of the Company of Grade Level 10 or above.
1.23 "Good Reason" shall mean, without Mr. Bowers' express written consent,
after written notice to the Company, and after a thirty (30) day opportunity for
the Company to cure, the continuing occurrence of any of the events described in
Subsections (a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) or (d)(ii) of this Section 1.23. In
the case of Mr. Bowers claiming benefits under this Agreement upon a Subsidiary
Change in Control, the foregoing notice and opportunity to cure will be
satisfied if Mr. Bowers provides to the Compensation Committee a copy of his
written offer of employment by the acquiring company within thirty (30) days of
such offer along with a written explanation describing how the terms of such
offer satisfy the requirements of Subsections (a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii),
(d)(iii) or (e) of this Section 1.23. The Compensation Committee shall make a
determination of whether such written offer of employment satisfies the
requirements of Sections 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof
upon consultation with the Benefits Consultant and shall notify Mr. Bowers of
its decision within thirty (30) days of receipt of Mr. Bowers' written offer of
employment. Any dispute regarding the Compensation Committee's decision shall be
resolved in accordance with Article III hereof.
(a) Inconsistent Duties.
(i) Change in Control. A meaningful and detrimental alteration in Mr. Bowers' position or in the nature or status of his responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Bowers is offered employment with the acquiring employer with a job title, duties and status which are materially and detrimentally lower than Mr. Bowers'
job title, duties and status in effect at the Company as of the date the offer of employment is received.
(b) Reduced Compensation.
(i) Change in Control. A reduction of five percent (5%) or more by the Company in any of the following amounts of compensation expressed in subparagraphs (A), (B) or (C) hereof, except for a less than ten percent (10%), across-the-board reduction in such compensation amounts similarly affecting ninety-five percent (95%) or more of the Executive Employees eligible for such compensation:
(A) Mr. Bowers' Base Salary;
(B) the sum of Mr. Bowers' Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan, as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated; or
(C) the sum of Mr. Bowers' Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan plus the Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Bowers is offered Base Salary, Target Bonus under the acquiring company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan and Target Bonus under the acquiring company's Equity Based Bonus Plan that, in the aggregate, is less than ninety percent (95%) of Mr. Bowers' Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan, plus Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan,
each of which as in effect on the day the offer of employment is received;
(c) Relocation.
(i) Company. A change in Mr. Bowers' work location to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the facility where Mr. Bowers was located on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, unless such new work location is within fifty (50) miles of Mr. Bowers' principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated. The acceptance, if any, by Mr. Bowers of employment by the Company at a work location which is outside the fifty mile radius set forth in this Section 1.23(c) shall not be a waiver of Mr. Bowers' right to refuse subsequent transfer by the Company to a location which is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. Bowers' principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, and such subsequent nonconsensual transfer shall be "Good Reason" under this Agreement;
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the case of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Bowers' work location under the terms of the offer of employment from the acquiring employer is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. Bowers' work location at the Company as of the date the offer of employment by the acquiring employer is received.
(d) Benefits and Perquisites.
(i) Change in Control - Retirement and Welfare Benefits. The taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly cause a Material Reduction in the Retirement and Welfare Benefits to which Mr. Bowers is entitled under the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefit plans in which Mr. Bowers was participating on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Vacation and Paid Time Off. The failure by the Company to provide Mr. Bowers with the number of paid vacation days or, if applicable, paid time off days to which Mr. Bowers is entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy or the paid time off program (whichever applicable) in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated (except for across-the-board vacation policy or paid time off program changes or policy or program terminations similarly affecting at least ninety-five percent (95%) of all Executive Employees of the Company).
(iii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. Bowers is offered a package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits by the acquiring employer that is not Economically Equivalent, as determined under Sections 1.23(f) and (g) hereof.
(e) Adoption of Severance Agreement. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if the offer of employment by the acquiring employer does not include an agreement to enter into a
severance agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.
(f) Economic Equivalence. For purposes of Section 1.23(d)(iii) above, an acquiring employer's package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits shall be considered Economically Equivalent if, in the written opinion of the Benefits Consultant, the anticipated, employer-provided value of what Mr. Bowers is expected to derive from the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits is equal to or greater than ninety percent (90%) of such value Mr. Bowers would have derived from the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefits using the Benefit Index.
(g) Benefit Index Guidelines. For purposes of Section 1.23(f) above, the following guidelines shall be followed by the Company, the acquiring employer and the Benefits Consultant in the performance of the Benefit Index calculations:
(i) Upon a Preliminary Change in Control that if Consummated would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control, the Company and the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits Consultant the applicable benefit plan provisions for the plan year in which the Subsidiary Change in Control is anticipated to occur. Plan provisions for the immediately preceding plan year may be provided if the Benefits Consultant determines that there have been no changes to such plans that would materially affect the determination of Economic Equivalence. If the acquiring employer's relevant plan provisions have not previously been included in the Benefits Consultant's Benefit Index database, the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits Consultant such plan information as the Benefits Consultant shall
request in writing as soon as practicable following such request. The Compensation Committees shall take such action as is reasonably required to facilitate the transfer of such information from the acquiring employer to the Benefits Consultant.
(ii) The standard Benefit Index assumptions for the plan year from which the plan provisions are taken shall be used.
(iii) The Company shall provide to the Benefit Consultant actual data for its Employees.
(iv) The determination of whether or not the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits are Economically Equivalent to the Retirement and Welfare Benefits provided to Mr. Bowers by the Company shall be determined on an aggregate basis. All assessments shall consider all benefits in total and no individual-by-individual, plan-by-plan determination of Economic Equivalence shall be made.
1.24 "Group" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
1.25 "Group Health Plan" shall mean the group health plan covering Mr. Bowers, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.26 "Group Life Insurance Plan" shall mean the group life insurance plan covering Mr. Bowers, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.27 "Incumbent Board" shall mean those individuals who constitute the Southern Board as of February 23, 2006, plus any individual who shall become a director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for election by Southern's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
individual who shall become a director of the Southern Board subsequent to February 23, 2006 whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of the Regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Southern Board shall be a member of the Incumbent Board.
1.28 "Long Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of more than twelve months.
1.29 "Month of Service" shall mean any calendar month during which Mr. Bowers has worked at least one (1) hour or was on approved leave of absence while in the employ of the Company or any other Southern Subsidiary.
1.30 "Material Reduction" shall mean (i) any change in a retirement plan or
arrangement that has the effect of reducing the present value of the projected
benefits to be provided to Mr. Bowers by five percent (5%) or more, (ii) any
five percent (5%) or more reduction in medical, health and accident and
disability benefits as a percentage of premiums or premium equivalents in
accordance with the Company's prior practice as measured over a period of the
three previous plan years from the date the Change in Control is Consummated, or
(iii) any five percent (5%) or more reduction in employer matching funds as a
percentage of employee contributions in accordance with the Company's prior
practice measured over a period of the previous three plan years from the date
the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.31 "Omnibus Plan" shall mean the Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, and the Design and Administrative Specifications duly adopted thereunder, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.32 "Pension Plan" shall mean The Southern Company Pension Plan or any successor thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.33 "Performance Dividend Program" or "PDP" shall mean the Performance Dividend Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.34 "Performance Pay Program" or "PPP" shall mean the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.35 "Person" shall mean any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of Exchange Act.
1.36 "Preliminary Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following as administratively determined by the Southern Committee.
(a) Southern or the Company has entered into a written agreement, such as, but not limited to, a letter of intent, which, if Consummated, would result in a Change in Control;
(b) Southern, the Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if Consummated, would result in a Change of Control under circumstances where the Consummation of the announced action or intended action is legally and financially possible;
(c) Any Person achieves the Beneficial Ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Common Stock; or
(d) The Southern Board or the Board of Directors has declared that a Preliminary Change of Control has occurred.
1.37 "Retirement and Welfare Benefits" shall mean benefits provided by the following types of plans and arrangements: pension plans, defined contribution plans (matched savings, profit sharing, money purchase, ESOP, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for death benefits while employed or retired (life insurance, survivor income, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for short-term disability benefits (including accident and sick time), plans providing for long-term disability benefits, plans providing health-care benefits (including reimbursements during active employment or retirement related to expenses for medical, vision, hearing, dental, and similar plans and arrangements).
1.38 "Separation Date" shall mean the date on which Mr. Bowers' employment
with the Company is terminated; provided, however, that solely for purposes of
Section 2.2(c) hereof, if, upon termination of employment with the Company, Mr.
Bowers is deemed to have retired pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.3
hereof, Mr. Bowers' Separation Date shall be the effective date of his
retirement pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.39 "Short Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of twelve months or less.
1.40 "Southern" shall mean The Southern Company, its successors and assigns.
1.41 "Southern Board" shall mean the board of directors of Southern.
1.42 "Southern Committee" shall mean the committee comprised of the Chairman of the Southern Board, the Chief Financial Officer of Southern and the General Counsel of Southern.
1.43 "Southern Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation or other entity Controlled by Southern or another Southern Subsidiary.
1.44 "Subsidiary Change in Control" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(iii) hereof.
1.45 "Target Bonus" shall mean the amount of incentive compensation expressed as either a percent of salary or pay, an expected dollar amount, the number of awards granted or such other quantifiable measure to determine the amount to be paid or awards granted under the terms of the respective Short Term Bonus Plan, Long Term Bonus Plan or Equity Based Bonus Plan, as used by the Company or respective acquiring employer to measure the market competitiveness of its employee compensation programs.
1.46 "Termination for Cause" or "Cause" shall mean Mr. Bowers' termination of employment with the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) The willful and continued failure by Mr. Bowers to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Mr. Bowers' Total Disability or from Mr. Bowers' retirement or any such actual or anticipated failure resulting from termination by Mr. Bowers for Good Reason) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to him by the Southern Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Southern Board believes Mr. Bowers has not substantially performed his duties; or
(b) The willful engaging by Mr. Bowers in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, including but not limited to any of the following:
(i) any willful act involving fraud or dishonesty in the course of Mr. Bowers' employment by the Company;
(ii) the willful carrying out of any activity or the making of any statement by Mr. Bowers which would materially prejudice or impair the good name and standing of the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary or would bring the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary into contempt, ridicule or would reasonably shock or offend any community in which the Company, Southern or such other Southern Subsidiary is located;
(iii) attendance by Mr. Bowers at work in a state of intoxication or otherwise being found in possession at his workplace of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal offense;
(iv) violation of the Company's policies on drug and alcohol usage, fitness for duty requirements or similar policies as may exist from time to time as adopted by the Company's safety officer;
(v) assault or other act of violence by Mr. Bowers against any person during the course of employment; or
(vi) Mr. Bowers' indictment for any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
No act or failure to act by Mr. Bowers shall be deemed "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by Mr. Bowers not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Bowers shall not be deemed to
have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been
delivered to him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the
affirmative vote of the majority of the Southern Board at a meeting
called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Mr.
Bowers and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard
before the Southern Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of
the Southern Board, Mr. Bowers was guilty of conduct set forth in
Section 1.46(a) or (b) hereof and specifying the particulars thereof
in detail.
1.47 "Total Disability" shall mean total disability under the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.48 "Voting Securities" shall mean the outstanding voting securities of a corporation entitling the holder thereof to vote generally in the election of such corporation's directors.
1.49 "Waiver and Release" shall mean the Waiver and Release substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
1.50 "Year of Service" shall mean an Employee's Months of Service divided by twelve (12) rounded to the nearest whole year, rounding up if the remaining number of months is seven (7) or greater and rounding down if the remaining number of months is less than seven (7). If an Employee has a break in his service with his Employing Company, he will receive credit under this Plan for the service prior to the break in service only if the break in service was less than five years and his service prior to the break exceeds the length of the break in service.
ARTICLE II - SEVERANCE BENEFITS
2.1 Eligibility.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, if Mr. Bowers' employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company for reasons other than Cause or if Mr. Bowers voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2 hereof, subject to the terms and conditions described in this Article II.
(b) Limits on Eligibility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Mr. Bowers shall not be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan if Mr. Bowers :
(i) is not actively at work on his Separation Date, unless Mr. Bowers is capable of returning to work within twelve (12) weeks of the beginning of any leave of absence from work;
(ii) voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for other than Good Reason;
(iii) has his employment terminated by the Company for Cause;
(iv) accepts the transfer of his employment to Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or any employer that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of Southern;
(v) accepts the transfer of his employment to any employer (or its affiliate) that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of a Southern Subsidiary or the Company and becomes an employee of any such employer (or its affiliate) following such acquisition (provided, however, that if Mr. Bowers would otherwise have been entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement but for this Section 2.1(b)(v), Mr. Bowers shall be eligible for benefits under this Agreement except for those outplacement, severance and welfare benefits described in Sections 2.2(a), (b) and (c) hereof);
(vi) is involuntarily separated from service with the Company after refusing an offer of employment by Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, under circumstances where the terms of such offer would not have amounted to Good Reason for voluntary termination of employment from the Company by comparing each item of compensation and benefits of such offer of employment as set forth in Section 1.23(a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) and (d)(ii) above, with such items of compensation and benefits to which he is entitled at the Company as of the day immediately preceding the day of such offer of employment;
(vii) refuses an offer of employment by an acquiring employer in a Subsidiary Change in Control under circumstances where such offer does not provide Good Reason under the requirements of Section 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof.
(viii) elects to receive the benefits of any other voluntary or involuntary severance, separation or outplacement program, plan or agreement maintained by the Company in lieu of benefits under this
Agreement; provided however, that the receipt of benefits under any retention plan or agreement shall not be deemed to be the receipt of benefits under any severance, separation or outplacement program for purposes of this Agreement.
2.2 Severance Benefits. Upon the Company's receipt of an effective Waiver and Release, Mr. Bowers shall be entitled to receive the following severance benefits:
(a) Employee Outplacement Services. Mr. Bowers shall be eligible to participate in the Employee Outplacement Program, which program shall not be less than six (6) months duration measured from Mr. Bowers' Separation Date.
(b) Severance Amount. Mr. Bowers shall be paid in cash an amount equal to three times his Annual Compensation (the "Severance Amount"). If any portion of the Severance Amount constitutes an "excess parachute payment" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Excess Parachute Payment")), the Company shall pay to Mr. Bowers an additional amount calculated by determining the amount of tax under Code Section 4999 that he otherwise would have paid on any Excess Parachute Payment with respect to the Change in Control and dividing such amount by a decimal determined by adding the tax rate under Code Section 4999 ("Excise Tax"), the hospital insurance tax under Code Section 3101(b) ("HI Tax") and federal and state income tax measured at the highest marginal rates ("Income Tax") and subtracting such result from the number one (1) (the "280G Gross-up"); provided, however, that no 280G Gross-up shall be paid unless the Severance Amount plus all other "parachute payments" to Mr. Bowers under Code Section 280G exceeds three (3) times Mr. Bowers' "base amount" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Base Amount")) by ten percent (10%) or more; provided further, that if no 280G Gross-up is paid, the Severance Amount shall be capped at three (3) times Mr. Bowers' Base Amount, less all
other "parachute payments" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G) received by Mr. Bowers, less one dollar (the "Capped Amount"), if the Capped Amount, reduced by HI Tax and Income Tax, exceeds what otherwise would have been the Severance Amount, reduced by HI Tax, Income Tax and Excise Tax.
For purposes of this Section 2.2(b), whether any amount would
constitute an Excess Parachute Payment and any other calculations of tax,
e.g., Excise Tax, HI Tax, Income Tax, etc., or other amounts, e.g., Base
Amount, Capped Amount, etc., shall be determined by a nationally recognized
firm specializing in federal income taxes as selected by the Compensation
Committee, and such calculations or determinations shall be binding upon
Mr. Bowers, Southern and the Company.
(c) Welfare Benefit.
(i) Except as provided in Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. Bowers shall be eligible to participate in the Company's Group Health Plan for a period of six (6) months for each of Mr. Bowers' Years of Service, not to exceed a period of five (5) years, beginning on the first day of the first month following Mr. Bowers' Separation Date unless otherwise specifically provided under such plan, upon Mr. Bowers' payment of both the Company's and Mr. Bowers' premium under such plan. Mr. Bowers shall also be entitled to elect coverage under the Group Health Plan for his dependents who are participating in the Group Health Plan on Mr. Bowers' Separation Date (and for such other dependents as may be
entitled to coverage under the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) for the duration of Mr. Bowers' extended medical coverage under this Section 2.2(c) to the extent such dependents remain eligible for dependent coverage under the terms of the Group Health Plan.
(ii) The extended medical coverage afforded to Mr. Bowers pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) as well as the premiums to be paid by Mr. Bowers in connection with such coverage shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Group Health Plan and shall be subject to any changes in the terms and conditions of the Group Health Plan as well as any future increases in premiums under the Group Health Plan. The premiums to be paid by Mr. Bowers in connection with this extended coverage shall be due on the first day of each month; provided, however, that if Mr. Bowers fails to pay his premium within thirty (30) days of its due date, his extended coverage shall be terminated.
(iii) Any Group Health Plan coverage provided under this Section 2.2(c) shall be a part of and not in addition to any COBRA Coverage which Mr. Bowers or his dependent may elect. In the event that Mr. Bowers or his dependent becomes eligible to be covered, by virtue of re-employment or otherwise, by any employer-sponsored group health plan or is eligible for coverage under any government-sponsored health plan during the above period, coverage under the Company's Group Health Plan available to Mr. Bowers or his dependent by virtue of the provisions of this Article II shall terminate, except as may otherwise be required by law, and shall not be renewed. It shall be the duty of Mr. Bowers to inform the Company of his eligibility to participate in any such health plan.
(iv) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.3 hereof, regardless of whether Mr. Bowers elects the extended coverage described in Section 2.2(c) hereof, the Company shall pay to Mr. Bowers a cash amount equal to the Company's and Mr. Bowers' cost of premiums for three (3) years of coverage under the Group Health Plan and Group Life Insurance Plan, as such Plans were in effect as of the date of the Change in Control.
(d) Stock Option Vesting. The provisions of this Section 2.2(d) shall apply to any equity based awards under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(d) by reference.
(i) Any of Mr. Bowers' Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
outstanding as of the Separation Date which are not then exercisable
and vested, shall become fully exercisable and vested; provided, that
in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right, if Mr. Bowers is subject to
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Stock Appreciation Right shall
not become fully vested and exercisable at such time if such actions
would result in liability to Mr. Bowers under Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act, provided further that any such actions not taken as a
result of the rules under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act shall be
effected as of the first date that such activity would no longer
result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any of Mr. Bowers' Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units as of the
Separation Date shall lapse, and such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall become free of all restrictions and limitations and become fully vested and transferable.
(e) Performance Pay Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(e) shall apply to the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(e) by reference. Provided Mr. Bowers is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PPP, if the PPP is in place as of Mr. Bowers' Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Bowers is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Bowers shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of his Cash-Based Award under the PPP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance under the PPP and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(f) Performance Dividend Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(f) shall apply to the Performance Dividend Program, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(f) by reference. Provided Mr. Bowers is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PDP, if the PDP is in place through Mr. Bowers' Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Bowers is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Bowers shall be entitled to receive cash for each such Cash-Based Award under the PDP held as of such date based on a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance under the PDP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, and the sum of the quarterly dividends declared on the Common Stock in the performance year of and prior to the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(f), payout of each Cash-Based Award under the PDP shall be based upon the performance measurement period that would
otherwise have ended on December 31st of the year in which Mr. Bowers' Separation Date occurs, all other remaining PPP performance measurement periods shall terminate with respect to Mr. Bowers and no payment to Mr. Bowers shall be made with respect thereto.
(g) Other Short Term Incentives Under the Omnibus Plan. The provisions of this Section 2.2(g) shall apply to Performance Unit or Performance Share awards under the Omnibus Plan. Provided Mr. Bowers is not otherwise entitled to a Performance Unit/Share award under the Omnibus Plan, Mr. Bowers shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of the value of his Performance Units and/or Performance Shares for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(h) Other Short-Term Incentive Plans. The provisions of this
Section 2.2(h) shall apply to Mr. Bowers to the extent that he, as of
the date of the Change in Control, is a participant in any other
"short term incentive compensation plan" not otherwise previously
referred to in this Section 2.2. Provided Mr. Bowers is not otherwise
entitled to a plan payout under any change in control provisions of
such plans, if the "short term incentive compensation plan" is in
place through Mr. Bowers' Separation Date and to the extent Mr. Bowers
is entitled to participate therein, Mr. Bowers shall be entitled to
receive cash in an amount equal to his award under the Company's
"short term incentive compensation plan" for the annual performance
period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at Mr.
Bowers' target performance level and prorated by the number of months
which have passed since the beginning of the annual performance period
until the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(h), the term "short term incentive compensation plan" shall mean any incentive compensation plan or arrangement adopted in writing by the Company which provides for annual, recurring compensatory bonuses to participants based upon articulated performance criteria, and which have been identified by the Compensation Committee and listed on Exhibit B hereto, which may be amended from time to time to reflect plan additions, terminations and amendments.
(i) Pro rata Calculation. For purposes of calculating any pro rata Cash-Based Awards under Section 2.2(e), (f), (g) and (h) hereof, a month shall not be considered if the determining event occurs on or before the 14th day of the month, and a month shall be considered if the determining event occurs on or after the 15th day of the month.
(j) No Duplicate Benefits. Notwithstanding anything in this
Section 2.2 to the contrary, in the event that Mr. Bowers has received
or is entitled to receive a Cash-Based Award under the PPP or the PDP
as determined under the provisions of the Southern Company Change in
Control Benefits Protection Plan (the "BPP") for the Performance
Period which includes Mr. Bowers' Separation Date, then the amount of
any such Cash-Based Award under this Plan shall be reduced
dollar-for-dollar by any such amount received or to be received under
the BPP.
2.3 Coordination with Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, if Mr. Bowers is otherwise eligible to retire pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, he shall be deemed to have retired for purposes of all employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company of which Mr. Bowers is a participant. If Mr. Bowers is deemed to have retired in accordance with the preceding sentence, he shall not be eligible to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2(c) hereof if, upon his Separation
Date, Mr. Bowers becomes eligible to receive the retiree medical and life insurance coverage provided to certain retirees pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, the Group Health Plan and the Group Life Insurance Plan.
2.4 Payment of Benefits.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4(b) hereof, the total amount payable under this Article II shall be paid to Mr. Bowers in one (1) lump sum payment within two (2) payroll periods of the later of the following to occur: (a) Mr. Bowers' Separation Date, or (b) the tender to the Company by Mr. Bowers of an effective Waiver and Release in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto and the expiration of any applicable revocation period for such waiver. In the event of a dispute with respect to liability or amount of any benefit due hereunder, an effective Waiver and Release shall be tendered at the time of final resolution of any such dispute when payment is tendered by the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.4(a) above, if the Compensation Committee determines that it is necessary to delay any payment under this Article II in order to avoid any tax liability pursuant to Code Section 409A(a)(1), such payment shall be delayed for the period set forth in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and such delayed payment shall bear a reasonable rate of interest as determined by the Compensation Committee.
2.5 Benefits in the Event of Death. In the event of Mr. Bowers' death prior to the payment of all benefits due under this Article II, Mr. Bowers' estate shall be entitled to receive as due any amounts not yet paid under this Article II upon the tender by the executor or administrator of the estate of an effective Waiver and Release.
2.6 Legal Fees. In the event of a dispute between Mr. Bowers and the Company with regard to any amounts due hereunder, if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Bowers' favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. Bowers' legal fees incurred with respect to all issues in such dispute in an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
2.7 No Mitigation. Mr. Bowers shall have no duty or obligation to seek other employment following his Separation Date and, except as otherwise provided in Subsection 2.1(b) hereof, the amounts due Mr. Bowers hereunder shall not be reduced or suspended if he accepts such subsequent employment.
2.8 Non-qualified Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans. Subsequent to a Change in Control, any claims by Mr. Bowers for benefits under any of the Company's non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation plans shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the procedures and provisions set forth in Article III hereof and if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Bowers' favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. Bowers' legal fees in the manner provided in Section 2.6 hereof.
ARTICLE III - ARBITRATION
3.1 General. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Company's obligations to pay severance benefits under this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled and resolved solely by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") except as otherwise provided herein. The arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolution of any such claim for severance benefits and the arbitrators' award shall be final and binding. The provisions of this Article III are not intended to apply to any other disputes, claims or
controversies arising out of or relating to Mr. Bowers' employment by the Company or the termination thereof.
3.2 Demand for Arbitration. Arbitration shall be initiated by serving a written notice of demand for arbitration to Mr. Bowers, in the case of the Company, or to the Compensation Committee, in the case of Mr. Bowers.
3.3 Law and Venue. The arbitrators shall apply the laws of the State of Georgia, except to the extent pre-empted by federal law, excluding any law which would require the use of the law of another state. The arbitration shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia.
3.4 Appointment of Arbitrators. Arbitrators shall be appointed within fifteen (15) business days following service of the demand for arbitration. The number of arbitrators shall be three. One arbitrator shall be appointed by Mr. Bowers, one arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company, and the two arbitrators shall appoint a third. If the arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator within thirty (30) business days after the service of demand for arbitration, the third arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA.
3.5 Costs. The arbitration filing fee shall be paid by Mr. Bowers. All other costs of arbitration shall be borne equally by Mr. Bowers and the Company, provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse such fees and costs in the event any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. Bowers' favor and Mr. Bowers is reimbursed legal fees under Section 2.6 hereof.
3.6 Interim and Injunctive Relief. Nothing in this Article III is intended to preclude, upon application of either party, any court having jurisdiction from issuing and enforcing in any lawful manner such temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and other interim measures of relief as may be
necessary to prevent harm to either party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate pending the conclusion of arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Article III and nothing herein is intended to prevent any court from entering and enforcing in any lawful manner such judgments for permanent equitable relief as may be necessary to prevent harm to a party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate following the issuance of arbitral awards pursuant to this Article III.
ARTICLE IV - TRANSFER OF EMPLOYMENT
4.1 Transfer of Employment. In the event that Mr. Bowers' employment by the Company is terminated during the two year period following a Change in Control and Mr. Bowers accepts employment by Southern or a another Southern Subsidiary, the Company shall assign this Agreement to Southern or such Southern Subsidiary, Southern shall accept such assignment or cause such Southern Subsidiary to accept such assignment, and such assignee shall become the "Company" for all purposes hereunder.
ARTICLE V - MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Funding of Benefits. Unless the Board of Directors in its discretion determines otherwise, the amounts payable to Mr. Bowers under the this Agreement shall not be funded in any manner and shall be paid by the Company out of its general assets, which assets are subject to the claims of the Company's creditors.
5.2 Withholding. There shall be deducted from the payment of any amount due under this Agreement the amount of any tax required by any governmental authority to be withheld and paid over by the Company to such governmental authority for the account of Mr. Bowers.
5.3 Assignment. Neither Mr. Bowers nor his beneficiaries shall have any rights to sell, assign, transfer, encumber, or otherwise convey the right to receive the payment of any amount due hereunder, which payment and the rights thereto are expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void and of no effect.
5.4 Interpretation. This Agreement is intended to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder in order to avoid any additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1). In the event it is necessary to interpret the provisions of this Agreement for purposes of its operation, such interpretation shall, to the extent possible, be consistent with such intent.
5.5 Amendment and Termination. The Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a writing executed by the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement this 1st day of May, 2007.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
By: /s/David M. Ratcliffe SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC. By: /s/Robert A.Bell MR. BOWERS /s/William Paul Bowers William Paul Bowers |
Exhibit A
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
The attached Waiver and Release is to be given to Mr. William Paul Bowers upon the occurrence of an event that triggers eligibility for severance benefits under the Change in Control Agreement, as described in Section 2.2 of such Agreement.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
I, William Paul Bowers, understand that I am entitled to receive the severance benefits described in Article II of the Change in Control Agreement (the "Agreement") if I execute this Waiver and Release ("Waiver"). I understand that the benefits I will receive under the Agreement are in excess of those I would have received from The Southern Company and Southern Company Services, Inc. (collectively, the "Company") if I had not elected to sign this Waiver.
I recognize that I may have a claim against the Company under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act or other federal, state and local laws.
In exchange for receiving the severance and welfare benefits under Article II of the Agreement, I hereby voluntarily and irrevocably waive, release, dismiss with prejudice, and withdraw all claims, complaints, suits or demands of any kind whatsoever (whether known or unknown) which I ever had, may have, or now have against The Southern Company, Southern Company Services, Inc., Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Communications Services, Inc. d/b/a Southern LINC, Southern Company Energy Solutions, L.L.C., Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., Southern Telecom, Inc., Southern Company Management Development, Inc., and other current or former subsidiaries or affiliates of The Southern Company and their past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, insurers and attorneys (collectively, the "Releasees"), arising from or relating to (directly or indirectly) my employment or the termination of my employment or other events occurred as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including but not limited to:
(a) claims for violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 1981, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 11141, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act;
(b) claims for violations of any other federal or state statute or regulation or local ordinance;
(c) claims for lost or unpaid wages, compensation, or benefits, defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, assault, battery, wrongful or constructive discharge, negligent hiring, retention or supervision, fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, tortious interference, breach of contract, or breach of fiduciary duty;
(d) claims to benefits under any bonus, severance, workforce reduction, early retirement, outplacement, or any other similar type plan sponsored by the Company (except for those plans listed below); or
(e) any other claims under state law arising in tort or contract.
In signing this Agreement, I am not releasing any claims that may arise under the terms of this Agreement or which may arise out of events occurring after the date I execute this Agreement.
I am also not releasing claims to benefits that I am already entitled to receive under The Southern Company Pension Plan, The Southern Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan, The Southern Company Employee Savings Plan, The Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, The Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan or under any workers' compensation laws. However, I understand and acknowledge that nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to require the Company to institute or continue in effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Company and the Company hereby reserves the right to amend or terminate any of its benefit programs at any time in accordance with the procedures set forth in such plans.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit me from engaging in protected
activities under applicable law (including protected activities described in
Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act) or from communicating, either
voluntarily or otherwise, with any governmental agency concerning any potential
violation of the law.
I understand and agree for a period of two (2) years after the date I execute this Agreement, I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all valuable, non-public, competitively sensitive data and information relating to the Releasees' business that is not generally known by or readily available to Releasees' competitors and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such information to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further understand and agree that I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all trade secrets of Releasees for as long as such items remain trade secrets under applicable law and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such trade secrets to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further agree to keep confidential and not disclose the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the benefits under the Agreement, except to my spouse, attorneys or financial advisors (who must be informed of and agree to be bound by the confidentiality provisions contained in this Agreement before I disclose any information to them about this Agreement), or where such disclosure is required by law.
I agree to return to the Company prior to my last day of employment all property of the Company, including but not limited to data, lists, information, memoranda, documents, identification cards, credit cards, parking cards, keys, computers, fax machines, beepers, phones, and files (including copies thereof).
I understand and agree that I will not seek re-employment as an employee, leased employee or independent contractor with the Company or any Southern Company subsidiary or affiliate during the twenty-four (24) month period beginning immediately following my execution of this Agreement.
I have carefully read this agreement and I fully understand all of the provisions of this Waiver.
I have been encouraged and advised in writing to seek advice from anyone of my choosing regarding this Waiver (including my attorney, accountant or tax advisor). Prior to signing this Waiver, I have been given the opportunity and sufficient time to seek such advice.
I have had the opportunity to review and consider this Waiver for a period of at least twenty-one (21) days before signing it.
I understand that I may revoke this Waiver at any time during the seven
(7) calendar day period after I sign this Waiver. In order to revoke this
Waiver, I must deliver written notification of such revocation to the
Compensation Committee. I understand that this Waiver is not effective until the
expiration of this seven (7) calendar day revocation period. I understand that
upon the expiration of such seven (7) calendar day revocation period this entire
Waiver will be binding upon me and will be irrevocable. Revocation of this
Waiver will not alter or change the termination of my employment by the Company.
In signing this Waiver, I am not relying on any representation or statement (written or oral) not specifically set forth in this Waiver, the Agreement or by the company or any of its representatives with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Waiver or otherwise.
I was not coerced, threatened, or otherwise forced to sign this Waiver. I am voluntarily signing and delivering this Waiver of my own free will.
I understand that by signing this Waiver I am giving up rights I may have. I understand I do not have to sign this Waiver.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby executes this Waiver this ____ day of ________________, in the year _____.
Sworn to and subscribed to me this
___day of _________, ____
My Commission Expires:
Acknowledged and Accepted by the Company.
Exhibit 10(a)5
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT ("Agreement") made and entered into by and between The Southern Company ("Southern"), Alabama Power Company (the "Company") and Mr. Charles Douglas McCrary ("Mr. McCrary") (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties") is effective November 16, 2006. This Agreement amends and restates the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement entered into by Mr. McCrary, Southern and the Company, effective June 1, 2004.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Mr. McCrary is the President and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to provide to Mr. McCrary certain severance
benefits under certain circumstances following a change in control (as defined
herein) of Southern or the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and the agreements of
the Parties set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Annual Compensation" shall mean Mr. McCrary's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan.
1.2 "Base Salary" shall mean Mr. McCrary's highest annual base salary rate during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the date the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.3 "Beneficial Ownership" shall mean beneficial ownership within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
1.4 "Benefit Index" shall mean the Hewitt Associates' Benefit Index(r), or if such index is no longer available, cannot be used, or if pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof another Benefits Consultant has been chosen by the Compensation Committee, such other comparable index utilized by the Benefits Consultant.
1.5 "Benefits Consultant" shall mean Hewitt Associates or such other nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm as shall be designated in writing by the Compensation Committee upon the occurrence of a Preliminary Change in Control that would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control.
1.6 "Board of Directors" shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
1.7 "Business Combination" shall mean a reorganization, merger or consolidation of Southern or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Southern.
1.8 "Change in Control" shall mean, (a) with respect to Southern, the occurrence of any of the following: (i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of Southern's Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(a)(i) the following acquisitions of Southern's Voting Securities shall not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition directly from Southern; (B) any acquisition by Southern; (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary; (D) any acquisition by a qualified pension plan or publicly held mutual fund; (E) any acquisition by an employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed exclusively of such employees; or (F) any Business Combination which would not otherwise constitute a Change in Control because of the application of clauses (A), (B) or (C) of Section 1.8(a)(iii); (ii) A change in the composition of the Southern Board whereby individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Southern Board; or 3 |
(iii) The Consummation of a Business Combination, unless, following such Business Combination, all of the following three conditions are met: (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who held Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of Southern's Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination hold Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 65% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the corporation surviving or resulting from such Business Combination, (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such Business Combination holds Beneficial Ownership of all or substantially all of Southern's Voting Securities or all or substantially all of Southern's assets) (such surviving or resulting corporation to be referred to as "Surviving Company"), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of Southern's Voting Securities; (B) no Person (excluding any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund, Group composed exclusively of Employees or employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or Surviving Company) holds Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of Surviving Company except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and 4 |
(C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of Surviving Company were members of the Incumbent Board on the date of the Preliminary Change in Control. (b) with respect to the Company, the occurrence of any of the following: (i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 1.8(b)(i), any acquisition by Mr. McCrary, any other employee of Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, or Group composed entirely of such employees, any qualified pension plan, any publicly held mutual fund or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary shall not constitute a Change in Control; (ii) The Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company ("Company Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Company Business Combination, Southern or a Southern Subsidiary Controls the corporation surviving or resulting from such Company Business Combination; or (iii) The Consummation of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity which Southern or a Southern Subsidiary does not Control ("Subsidiary Change in Control"). 1.9 "COBRA Coverage" shall mean any continuation coverage to which Mr. |
McCrary or his dependents may be entitled pursuant to Code Section 4980B.
1.10 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
1.11 "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of Southern.
1.12 "Company" shall mean Alabama Power Company, its successors and assigns.
1.13 "Compensation Committee" shall mean the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Southern Board.
1.14 "Consummation" shall mean the completion of the final act necessary to complete a transaction as a matter of law, including, but not limited to, any required approvals by the corporation's shareholders and board of directors, the transfer of legal and beneficial title to securities or assets and the final approval of the transaction by any applicable domestic or foreign governments or governmental agencies.
1.15 "Control" shall mean, in the case of a corporation, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the corporation's Voting Securities, or in the case of any other entity, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of such entity's voting equity interests.
1.16 "Economic Equivalent" or "Economic Equivalence" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.23(f) hereof.
1.17 "Employee Outplacement Program" shall mean the program established by the Company from time to time for the purpose of assisting employees in finding employment outside of the Company which provides for the following services:
(a) self assessment, career decision and goal setting;
(b) job market research and job sources;
(c) networking and interviewing skills;
(d) planning and implementation strategy;
(e) resume writing, job hunting methods and salary negotiation; and
(f) office support and job search resources.
1.18 "Company" shall mean Alabama Power Company, its successors and assigns.
1.19 "Company Business Combination" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(ii) hereof.
1.20 "Equity Based Bonus Plan" shall mean a plan or arrangement that provides for the grant to participants of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, phantom stock appreciation rights or any other similar rights the terms of which provide a participant with the potential to receive the benefit of any increase in value of the underlying equity or notional amount (e.g., number of phantom shares) from the date of grant through a subsequent date.
1.21 "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.22 "Executive Employee" shall mean those employees of the Company of Grade Level 10 or above.
1.23 "Good Reason" shall mean, without Mr. McCrary's express written
consent, after written notice to the Company, and after a thirty (30) day
opportunity for the Company to cure, the continuing occurrence of any of the
events described in Subsections (a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) or (d)(ii) of
this Section 1.23. In the case of Mr. McCrary claiming benefits under this
Agreement upon a Subsidiary Change in Control, the foregoing notice and
opportunity to cure will be satisfied if Mr. McCrary provides to the
Compensation Committee a copy of his written offer of employment by the
acquiring company within thirty (30) days of such offer along with a written
explanation describing how the terms of such offer satisfy the requirements of
Subsections (a)(ii), (b)(ii), (c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) of this Section 1.23. The
Compensation Committee shall make a determination of whether such written offer
of employment satisfies the requirements of Sections 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii),
(c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof upon consultation with the Benefits Consultant
and shall notify Mr. McCrary of its decision within thirty (30) days of receipt
of Mr. McCrary's written offer of employment. Any dispute regarding the
Compensation Committee's decision shall be resolved in accordance with Article
III hereof.
(a) Inconsistent Duties.
(i) Change in Control. A meaningful and detrimental alteration in Mr. McCrary's position or in the nature or status of his responsibilities from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. McCrary is offered employment with the acquiring employer with a job title, duties and status which are materially and detrimentally lower than Mr. McCrary's
job title, duties and status in effect at the Company as of the date the offer of employment is received.
(b) Reduced Compensation.
(i) Change in Control. A reduction of five percent (5%) or more by the Company in any of the following amounts of compensation expressed in subparagraphs (A), (B) or (C) hereof, except for a less than ten percent (10%), across-the-board reduction in such compensation amounts similarly affecting ninety-five percent (95%) or more of the Executive Employees eligible for such compensation:
(A) Mr. McCrary's Base Salary;
(B) the sum of Mr. McCrary's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan, as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated; or
(C) the sum of Mr. McCrary's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan plus the Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. McCrary is offered Base Salary, Target Bonus under the acquiring company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan and Target Bonus under the
acquiring company's Equity Based Bonus Plan that, in the aggregate, is less than ninety percent (95%) of Mr. McCrary's Base Salary plus Target Bonus under the Company's Short Term Bonus Plan and Long Term Bonus Plan, plus Target Bonus under the Company's Equity Based Bonus Plan, each of which as in effect on the day the offer of employment is received;
(c) Relocation.
(i) Company. A change in Mr. McCrary's work location to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the facility where Mr. McCrary was located on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, unless such new work location is within fifty (50) miles of Mr. McCrary's principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated. The acceptance, if any, by Mr. McCrary of employment by the Company at a work location which is outside the fifty mile radius set forth in this Section 1.23(c) shall not be a waiver of Mr. McCrary's right to refuse subsequent transfer by the Company to a location which is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. McCrary's principal place of residence on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated, and such subsequent nonconsensual transfer shall be "Good Reason" under this Agreement;
(ii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the case of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. McCrary's work location under the terms of the offer of employment from the acquiring employer is more than fifty (50) miles from Mr. McCrary's work location at the Company as of the date the offer of employment by the acquiring employer is received.
(D) Benefits and Perquisites.
(i) Change in Control - Retirement and Welfare Benefits. The taking of any action by the Company that would directly or indirectly cause a Material Reduction in the Retirement and Welfare Benefits to which Mr. McCrary is entitled under the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefit plans in which Mr. McCrary was participating on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated.
(ii) Vacation and Paid Time Off. The failure by the Company to provide Mr. McCrary with the number of paid vacation days or, if applicable, paid time off days to which Mr. McCrary is entitled on the basis of years of service with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy or the paid time off program (whichever applicable) in effect on the day immediately preceding the day the Change in Control is Consummated (except for across-the-board vacation policy or paid time off program changes or policy or program terminations similarly affecting at least ninety-five percent (95%) of all Executive Employees of the Company).
(iii) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if Mr. McCrary is offered a package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits by the acquiring employer that is not Economically Equivalent, as determined under Sections 1.23(f) and (g) hereof.
(e) Adoption of Severance Agreement. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, Good Reason shall exist if the offer of employment by
the acquiring employer does not include an agreement to enter into a severance agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.
(f) Economic Equivalence. For purposes of Section 1.23(d)(iii) above, an acquiring employer's package of Retirement and Welfare Benefits shall be considered Economically Equivalent if, in the written opinion of the Benefits Consultant, the anticipated, employer-provided value of what Mr. McCrary is expected to derive from the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits is equal to or greater than ninety percent (90%) of such value Mr. McCrary would have derived from the Company's Retirement and Welfare Benefits using the Benefit Index.
(g) Benefit Index Guidelines. For purposes of Section 1.23(f) above, the following guidelines shall be followed by the Company, the acquiring employer and the Benefits Consultant in the performance of the Benefit Index calculations:
(i) Upon a Preliminary Change in Control that if Consummated would result in a Subsidiary Change in Control, the Company and the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits Consultant the applicable benefit plan provisions for the plan year in which the Subsidiary Change in Control is anticipated to occur. Plan provisions for the immediately preceding plan year may be provided if the Benefits Consultant determines that there have been no changes to such plans that would materially affect the determination of Economic Equivalence. If the acquiring employer's relevant plan provisions have not previously been included in the Benefits Consultant's Benefit Index database, the acquiring employer shall provide to the Benefits
Consultant such plan information as the Benefits Consultant shall request in writing as soon as practicable following such request. The Compensation Committees shall take such action as is reasonably required to facilitate the transfer of such information from the acquiring employer to the Benefits Consultant.
(ii) The standard Benefit Index assumptions for the plan year from which the plan provisions are taken shall be used.
(iii) The Company shall provide to the Benefit Consultant actual data for its Employees.
(iv) The determination of whether or not the acquiring employer's Retirement and Welfare Benefits are Economically Equivalent to the Retirement and Welfare Benefits provided to Mr. McCrary by the Company shall be determined on an aggregate basis. All assessments shall consider all benefits in total and no individual-by-individual, plan-by-plan determination of Economic Equivalence shall be made.
1.24 "Group" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
1.25 "Group Health Plan" shall mean the group health plan covering Mr. McCrary, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.26 "Group Life Insurance Plan" shall mean the group life insurance plan covering Mr. McCrary, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
1.27 "Incumbent Board" shall mean those individuals who constitute the Southern Board as of February 23, 2006, plus any individual who shall become a director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for election by Southern's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the directors
then comprising the Incumbent Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no individual who shall become a director of the Southern Board subsequent to February 23, 2006 whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of the Regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Southern Board shall be a member of the Incumbent Board.
1.28 "Long Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of more than twelve months.
1.29 "Month of Service" shall mean any calendar month during which Mr. McCrary has worked at least one (1) hour or was on approved leave of absence while in the employ of the Company or any other Southern Subsidiary.
1.30 "Material Reduction" shall mean (i) any change in a retirement plan or
arrangement that has the effect of reducing the present value of the projected
benefits to be provided to Mr. McCrary by five percent (5%) or more, (ii) any
five percent (5%) or more reduction in medical, health and accident and
disability benefits as a percentage of premiums or premium equivalents in
accordance with the Company's prior practice as measured over a period of the
three previous plan years from the date the Change in Control is Consummated, or
(iii) any five percent (5%) or more reduction in employer matching funds as a
percentage of employee contributions in accordance with the Company's prior
practice measured over a period of the previous three plan years from the date
the Change in Control is Consummated.
1.31 "Omnibus Plan" shall mean the Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, and the Design and Administrative Specifications duly adopted thereunder, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.32 "Pension Plan" shall mean The Southern Company Pension Plan or any successor thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.33 "Performance Dividend Program" or "PDP" shall mean the Performance Dividend Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.34 "Performance Pay Program" or "PPP" shall mean the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan or any replacement thereto, as in effect on the date a Change in Control is Consummated.
1.35 "Person" shall mean any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of Exchange Act.
1.36 "Preliminary Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following as administratively determined by the Southern Committee.
(a) Southern or the Company has entered into a written agreement, such as, but not limited to, a letter of intent, which, if Consummated, would result in a Change in Control;
(b) Southern, the Company or any Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if Consummated, would result in a Change of Control under circumstances where the Consummation of the announced action or intended action is legally and financially possible;
(c) Any Person achieves the Beneficial Ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Common Stock; or
(d) The Southern Board or the Board of Directors has declared that a Preliminary Change of Control has occurred.
1.37 "Retirement and Welfare Benefits" shall mean benefits provided by the following types of plans and arrangements: pension plans, defined contribution plans (matched savings, profit sharing, money purchase, ESOP, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for death benefits while employed or retired (life insurance, survivor income, and similar plans and arrangements), plans providing for short-term disability benefits (including accident and sick time), plans providing for long-term disability benefits, plans providing health-care benefits (including reimbursements during active employment or retirement related to expenses for medical, vision, hearing, dental, and similar plans and arrangements).
1.38 "Separation Date" shall mean the date on which Mr. McCrary's
employment with the Company is terminated; provided, however, that solely for
purposes of Section 2.2(c) hereof, if, upon termination of employment with the
Company, Mr. McCrary is deemed to have retired pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. McCrary's Separation Date shall be the effective date of
his retirement pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.39 "Short Term Bonus Plan" shall mean any bonus type plan or arrangement designed to provide incentive based compensation to participants upon the achievement of objective or subjective goals that measure performance over a period of twelve months or less.
1.40 "Southern" shall mean The Southern Company, its successors and assigns.
1.41 "Southern Board" shall mean the board of directors of Southern.
1.42 "Southern Committee" shall mean the committee comprised of the Chairman of the Southern Board, the Chief Financial Officer of Southern and the General Counsel of Southern.
1.43 "Southern Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation or other entity Controlled by Southern or another Southern Subsidiary.
1.44 "Subsidiary Change in Control" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 1.8(b)(iii) hereof.
1.45 "Target Bonus" shall mean the amount of incentive compensation expressed as either a percent of salary or pay, an expected dollar amount, the number of awards granted or such other quantifiable measure to determine the amount to be paid or awards granted under the terms of the respective Short Term Bonus Plan, Long Term Bonus Plan or Equity Based Bonus Plan, as used by the Company or respective acquiring employer to measure the market competitiveness of its employee compensation programs.
1.46 "Termination for Cause" or "Cause" shall mean Mr. McCrary's termination of employment with the Company upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) The willful and continued failure by Mr. McCrary to substantially perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Mr. McCrary's Total Disability or from Mr. McCrary's retirement or any such actual or anticipated failure resulting from termination by Mr. McCrary for Good Reason) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to him by the Southern Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Southern Board believes Mr. McCrary has not substantially performed his duties; or
(b) The willful engaging by Mr. McCrary in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise, including but not limited to any of the following:
(i) any willful act involving fraud or dishonesty in the course of Mr. McCrary's employment by the Company;
(ii) the willful carrying out of any activity or the making of any statement by Mr. McCrary which would materially prejudice or impair the good name and standing of the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary or would bring the Company, Southern or any other Southern Subsidiary into contempt, ridicule or would reasonably shock or offend any community in which the Company, Southern or such other Southern Subsidiary is located;
(iii) attendance by Mr. McCrary at work in a state of intoxication or otherwise being found in possession at his workplace of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal offense;
(iv) violation of the Company's policies on drug and alcohol usage, fitness for duty requirements or similar policies as may exist from time to time as adopted by the Company's safety officer;
(v) assault or other act of violence by Mr. McCrary against any person during the course of employment; or
(vi) Mr. McCrary's indictment for any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
No act or failure to act by Mr. McCrary shall be deemed "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by Mr. McCrary not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. McCrary shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of the majority of the Southern Board at a meeting called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Mr. McCrary and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be heard before the Southern Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Southern Board, Mr. McCrary was guilty of conduct set forth in Section 1.46(a) or (b) hereof and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
1.47 "Total Disability" shall mean total disability under the terms of the Pension Plan.
1.48 "Voting Securities" shall mean the outstanding voting securities of a corporation entitling the holder thereof to vote generally in the election of such corporation's directors.
1.49 "Waiver and Release" shall mean the Waiver and Release substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
1.50 "Year of Service" shall mean an Employee's Months of Service divided by twelve (12) rounded to the nearest whole year, rounding up if the remaining number of months is seven (7) or greater and rounding down if the remaining number of months is less than seven (7). If an Employee has a break in his service with his Employing Company, he will receive credit under this Plan for the service prior to the break in service only if the break in service was less than five years and his service prior to the break exceeds the length of the break in service.
ARTICLE II - SEVERANCE BENEFITS
2.1 Eligibility.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, if Mr. McCrary's employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company for reasons other than Cause or if Mr. McCrary voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason at any time during the two year period following a Change in Control of Southern or the Company, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2 hereof, subject to the terms and conditions described in this Article II.
(b) Limits on Eligibility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Mr. McCrary shall not be eligible to receive benefits under this Plan if Mr. McCrary :
(i) is not actively at work on his Separation Date, unless Mr. McCrary is capable of returning to work within twelve (12) weeks of the beginning of any leave of absence from work;
(ii) voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for other than Good Reason;
(iii) has his employment terminated by the Company for Cause;
(iv) accepts the transfer of his employment to Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or any employer that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of Southern;
(v) accepts the transfer of his employment to any employer (or its
affiliate) that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of a
Southern Subsidiary or the Company and becomes an employee of any such
employer (or its affiliate) following such acquisition (provided, however,
that if Mr. McCrary would otherwise have been entitled to severance
benefits under this Agreement but for this Section 2.1(b)(v), Mr. McCrary
shall be eligible for benefits under this Agreement except for those
outplacement, severance and welfare benefits described in Sections 2.2(a),
(b) and (c) hereof);
(vi) is involuntarily separated from service with the Company after
refusing an offer of employment by Southern or a Southern Subsidiary, under
circumstances where the terms of such offer would not have amounted to Good
Reason for voluntary termination of employment from the Company by
comparing each item of compensation and benefits of such offer of
employment as set forth in Section 1.23(a)(i), (b)(i), (c)(i), (d)(i) and
(d)(ii) above, with such items of compensation and benefits to which he is
entitled at the Company as of the day immediately preceding the day of such
offer of employment;
(vii) refuses an offer of employment by an acquiring employer in a
Subsidiary Change in Control under circumstances where such offer does not
provide Good Reason under the requirements of Section 1.23(a)(ii), (b)(ii),
(c)(ii), (d)(iii) or (e) hereof.
(viii) elects to receive the benefits of any other voluntary or involuntary severance, separation or outplacement program, plan or
agreement maintained by the Company in lieu of benefits under this Agreement; provided however, that the receipt of benefits under any retention plan or agreement shall not be deemed to be the receipt of benefits under any severance, separation or outplacement program for purposes of this Agreement.
2.2 Severance Benefits. Upon the Company's receipt of an effective Waiver and Release, Mr. McCrary shall be entitled to receive the following severance benefits:
(a) Employee Outplacement Services. Mr. McCrary shall be eligible to participate in the Employee Outplacement Program, which program shall not be less than six (6) months duration measured from Mr. McCrary's Separation Date.
(b) Severance Amount. Mr. McCrary shall be paid in cash an amount equal to three times his Annual Compensation (the "Severance Amount"). If any portion of the Severance Amount constitutes an "excess parachute payment" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Excess Parachute Payment")), the Company shall pay to Mr. McCrary an additional amount calculated by determining the amount of tax under Code Section 4999 that he otherwise would have paid on any Excess Parachute Payment with respect to the Change in Control and dividing such amount by a decimal determined by adding the tax rate under Code Section 4999 ("Excise Tax"), the hospital insurance tax under Code Section 3101(b) ("HI Tax") and federal and state income tax measured at the highest marginal rates ("Income Tax") and subtracting such result from the number one (1) (the "280G Gross-up"); provided, however, that no 280G Gross-up shall be paid unless the Severance Amount plus all other "parachute payments" to Mr. McCrary under Code Section 280G exceeds three (3) times Mr. McCrary's "base
amount" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G ("Base Amount")) by ten percent (10%) or more; provided further, that if no 280G Gross-up is paid, the Severance Amount shall be capped at three (3) times Mr. McCrary's Base Amount, less all other "parachute payments" (as such term is defined under Code Section 280G) received by Mr. McCrary, less one dollar (the "Capped Amount"), if the Capped Amount, reduced by HI Tax and Income Tax, exceeds what otherwise would have been the Severance Amount, reduced by HI Tax, Income Tax and Excise Tax.
For purposes of this Section 2.2(b), whether any amount would
constitute an Excess Parachute Payment and any other calculations of tax,
e.g., Excise Tax, HI Tax, Income Tax, etc., or other amounts, e.g., Base
Amount, Capped Amount, etc., shall be determined by a nationally recognized
firm specializing in federal income taxes as selected by the Compensation
Committee, and such calculations or determinations shall be binding upon
Mr. McCrary, Southern and the Company.
(c) Welfare Benefit.
(i) Except as provided in Section 2.3 hereof, Mr. McCrary shall be eligible to participate in the Company's Group Health Plan for a period of six (6) months for each of Mr. McCrary's Years of Service, not to exceed a period of five (5) years, beginning on the first day of the first month following Mr. McCrary's Separation Date unless otherwise specifically provided under such plan, upon Mr. McCrary's payment of both the Company's and Mr. McCrary's premium under such plan. Mr. McCrary shall also be entitled to elect coverage under the Group Health Plan for his dependents who are participating in the Group Health Plan on Mr. McCrary's Separation Date (and for such other dependents as may be entitled to coverage under the provisions of the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) for the duration of Mr. McCrary's extended medical coverage under this Section 2.2(c) to the extent such dependents remain eligible for dependent coverage under the terms of the Group Health Plan.
(ii) The extended medical coverage afforded to Mr. McCrary pursuant to this Section 2.2(c) as well as the premiums to be paid by Mr. McCrary in connection with such coverage shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Group Health Plan and shall be subject to any changes in the terms and conditions of the Group Health Plan as well as any future increases in premiums under the Group Health Plan. The premiums to be paid by Mr. McCrary in connection with this extended coverage shall be due on the first day of each month; provided, however, that if Mr. McCrary fails to pay his premium within thirty (30) days of its due date, his extended coverage shall be terminated.
(iii) Any Group Health Plan coverage provided under this Section 2.2(c) shall be a part of and not in addition to any COBRA Coverage which Mr. McCrary or his dependent may elect. In the event that Mr. McCrary or his dependent becomes eligible to be covered, by virtue of re-employment or otherwise, by any employer-sponsored group health plan or is eligible for coverage under any government-sponsored health plan during the above period, coverage under the Company's Group Health Plan available to Mr. McCrary or his dependent by virtue of the provisions of this Article II shall terminate, except as may otherwise be required by law, and shall not be renewed. It shall be the duty of Mr. McCrary to inform the Company of his eligibility to participate in any such health plan.
(iv) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.3 hereof, regardless of whether Mr. McCrary elects the extended coverage described in Section 2.2(c) hereof, the Company shall pay to Mr. McCrary a cash amount equal to the Company's and Mr. McCrary's cost of premiums for three (3) years of coverage under the Group Health Plan and Group Life Insurance Plan, as such Plans were in effect as of the date of the Change in Control.
(d) Stock Option Vesting. The provisions of this Section 2.2(d) shall apply to any equity based awards under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(d) by reference.
(i) Any of Mr. McCrary's Options and Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding as of the Separation Date which are not then exercisable and vested, shall become fully exercisable and vested; provided, that in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right, if Mr. McCrary is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Stock Appreciation Right shall not become fully vested and exercisable at such time if such actions would result in liability to Mr. McCrary under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, provided further that any such actions not taken as a result of the rules under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act shall be effected as of the first date that such activity would no longer result in liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any of Mr. McCrary's Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units as of the
Separation Date shall lapse, and such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall become free of all restrictions and limitations and become fully vested and transferable.
(e) Performance Pay Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(e) shall apply to the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(e) by reference. Provided Mr. McCrary is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PPP, if the PPP is in place as of Mr. McCrary's Separation Date and to the extent Mr. McCrary is entitled to participate therein, Mr. McCrary shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of his Cash-Based Award under the PPP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance under the PPP and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(f) Performance Dividend Program. The provisions of this Section 2.2(f) shall apply to the Performance Dividend Program, the defined terms of which are incorporated in this Section 2.2(f) by reference. Provided Mr. McCrary is not entitled to a Cash-Based Award under the PDP, if the PDP is in place through Mr. McCrary's Separation Date and to the extent Mr. McCrary is entitled to participate therein, Mr. McCrary shall be entitled to receive cash for each such Cash-Based Award under the PDP held as of such date based on a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance under the PDP for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, and the sum of the quarterly dividends declared on the Common Stock in the performance year of and prior to the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(f), payout of each Cash-Based Award under the PDP shall be based upon the performance
measurement period that would otherwise have ended on December 31st of the year in which Mr. McCrary's Separation Date occurs, all other remaining PPP performance measurement periods shall terminate with respect to Mr. McCrary and no payment to Mr. McCrary shall be made with respect thereto.
(g) Other Short Term Incentives Under the Omnibus Plan. The provisions of this Section 2.2(g) shall apply to Performance Unit or Performance Share awards under the Omnibus Plan. Provided Mr. McCrary is not otherwise entitled to a Performance Unit/Share award under the Omnibus Plan, Mr. McCrary shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of the value of his Performance Units and/or Performance Shares for the performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at target performance and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the Separation Date.
(h) Other Short-Term Incentive Plans. The provisions of this Section
2.2(h) shall apply to Mr. McCrary to the extent that he, as of the date of
the Change in Control, is a participant in any other "short term incentive
compensation plan" not otherwise previously referred to in this Section
2.2. Provided Mr. McCrary is not otherwise entitled to a plan payout under
any change in control provisions of such plans, if the "short term
incentive compensation plan" is in place through Mr. McCrary's Separation
Date and to the extent Mr. McCrary is entitled to participate therein, Mr.
McCrary shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to his award
under the Company's "short term incentive compensation plan" for the annual
performance period in which the Separation Date shall have occurred, at Mr.
McCrary's target performance level and prorated by the number of months
which have passed since the beginning of the annual performance period
until the Separation Date. For purposes of this Section 2.2(h), the term "short term incentive compensation plan" shall mean any incentive compensation plan or arrangement adopted in writing by the Company which provides for annual, recurring compensatory bonuses to participants based upon articulated performance criteria, and which have been identified by the Compensation Committee and listed on Exhibit B hereto, which may be amended from time to time to reflect plan additions, terminations and amendments.
(i) Pro rata Calculation. For purposes of calculating any pro rata Cash-Based Awards under Section 2.2(e), (f), (g) and (h) hereof, a month shall not be considered if the determining event occurs on or before the 14th day of the month, and a month shall be considered if the determining event occurs on or after the 15th day of the month.
(j) No Duplicate Benefits. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.2 to the contrary, in the event that Mr. McCrary has received or is entitled to receive a Cash-Based Award under the PPP or the PDP as determined under the provisions of the Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan (the "BPP") for the Performance Period which includes Mr. McCrary's Separation Date, then the amount of any such Cash-Based Award under this Plan shall be reduced dollar-for-dollar by any such amount received or to be received under the BPP.
2.3 Coordination with Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, if Mr. McCrary is otherwise eligible to retire pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, he shall be deemed to have retired for purposes of all employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company of which Mr. McCrary is a participant. If Mr. McCrary is deemed to have retired in accordance with the preceding sentence, he shall not be eligible to receive the benefits described in Section 2.2(c) hereof if, upon his Separation
Date, Mr. McCrary becomes eligible to receive the retiree medical and life insurance coverage provided to certain retirees pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, the Group Health Plan and the Group Life Insurance Plan.
2.4 Payment of Benefits.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4(b) hereof, the total
amount payable under this Article II shall be paid to Mr. McCrary in one
(1) lump sum payment within two (2) payroll periods of the later of the
following to occur: (a) Mr. McCrary's Separation Date, or (b) the tender to
the Company by Mr. McCrary of an effective Waiver and Release in the form
of Exhibit A attached hereto and the expiration of any applicable
revocation period for such waiver. In the event of a dispute with respect
to liability or amount of any benefit due hereunder, an effective Waiver
and Release shall be tendered at the time of final resolution of any such
dispute when payment is tendered by the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.4(a) above, if the Compensation Committee determines that it is necessary to delay any payment under this Article II in order to avoid any tax liability pursuant to Code Section 409A(a)(1), such payment shall be delayed for the period set forth in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and such delayed payment shall bear a reasonable rate of interest as determined by the Compensation Committee.
2.5 Benefits in the Event of Death. In the event of Mr. McCrary's death prior to the payment of all benefits due under this Article II, Mr. McCrary's estate shall be entitled to receive as due any amounts not yet paid under this Article II upon the tender by the executor or administrator of the estate of an effective Waiver and Release.
2.6 Legal Fees. In the event of a dispute between Mr. McCrary and the Company with regard to any amounts due hereunder, if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. McCrary's favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. McCrary's legal fees incurred with respect to all issues in such dispute in an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
2.7 No Mitigation. Mr. McCrary shall have no duty or obligation to seek other employment following his Separation Date and, except as otherwise provided in Subsection 2.1(b) hereof, the amounts due Mr. McCrary hereunder shall not be reduced or suspended if he accepts such subsequent employment.
2.8 Non-qualified Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans. Subsequent to a Change in Control, any claims by Mr. McCrary for benefits under any of the Company's non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation plans shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the procedures and provisions set forth in Article III hereof and if any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. McCrary's favor, the Company shall reimburse Mr. McCrary's legal fees in the manner provided in Section 2.6 hereof.
ARTICLE III - ARBITRATION
3.1 General. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Company's obligations to pay severance benefits under this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled and resolved solely by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") except as otherwise provided herein. The arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolution of any such claim for severance benefits and the arbitrators' award shall be final and binding. The provisions of this Article III are not intended to apply to any other disputes, claims or
controversies arising out of or relating to Mr. McCrary's employment by the Company or the termination thereof.
3.2 Demand for Arbitration. Arbitration shall be initiated by serving a written notice of demand for arbitration to Mr. McCrary, in the case of the Company, or to the Compensation Committee, in the case of Mr. McCrary.
3.3 Law and Venue. The arbitrators shall apply the laws of the State of Georgia, except to the extent pre-empted by federal law, excluding any law which would require the use of the law of another state. The arbitration shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia.
3.4 Appointment of Arbitrators. Arbitrators shall be appointed within fifteen (15) business days following service of the demand for arbitration. The number of arbitrators shall be three. One arbitrator shall be appointed by Mr. McCrary, one arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company, and the two arbitrators shall appoint a third. If the arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator within thirty (30) business days after the service of demand for arbitration, the third arbitrator shall be selected by the AAA.
3.5 Costs. The arbitration filing fee shall be paid by Mr. McCrary. All other costs of arbitration shall be borne equally by Mr. McCrary and the Company, provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse such fees and costs in the event any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in Mr. McCrary's favor and Mr. McCrary is reimbursed legal fees under Section 2.6 hereof.
3.6 Interim and Injunctive Relief. Nothing in this Article III is intended to preclude, upon application of either party, any court having jurisdiction from issuing and enforcing in any lawful manner such temporary restraining
orders, preliminary injunctions, and other interim measures of relief as may be necessary to prevent harm to either party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate pending the conclusion of arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Article III and nothing herein is intended to prevent any court from entering and enforcing in any lawful manner such judgments for permanent equitable relief as may be necessary to prevent harm to a party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate following the issuance of arbitral awards pursuant to this Article III.
ARTICLE IV - TRANSFER OF EMPLOYMENT
4.1 Transfer of Employment. In the event that Mr. McCrary's employment by the Company is terminated during the two year period following a Change in Control and Mr. McCrary accepts employment by Southern or a another Southern Subsidiary, the Company shall assign this Agreement to Southern or such Southern Subsidiary, Southern shall accept such assignment or cause such Southern Subsidiary to accept such assignment, and such assignee shall become the "Company" for all purposes hereunder.
ARTICLE V - MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Funding of Benefits. Unless the Board of Directors in its discretion determines otherwise, the amounts payable to Mr. McCrary under the this Agreement shall not be funded in any manner and shall be paid by the Company out of its general assets, which assets are subject to the claims of the Company's creditors.
5.2 Withholding. There shall be deducted from the payment of any amount due under this Agreement the amount of any tax required by any governmental authority to be withheld and paid over by the Company to such governmental authority for the account of Mr. McCrary.
5.3 Assignment. Neither Mr. McCrary nor his beneficiaries shall have any rights to sell, assign, transfer, encumber, or otherwise convey the right to receive the payment of any amount due hereunder, which payment and the rights thereto are expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable. Any attempt to do so shall be null and void and of no effect.
5.4 Interpretation. This Agreement is intended to comply with the provisions of Code Section 409A and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder in order to avoid any additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1). In the event it is necessary to interpret the provisions of this Agreement for purposes of its operation, such interpretation shall, to the extent possible, be consistent with such intent.
5.5 Amendment and Termination. The Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a writing executed by the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement this 1st day of May, 2007.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
By: /s/David M. Ratcliffe ALABAMA POWER COMPANY By: /s/Robert A. Bell MR. MCCRARY /s/C. McCrary Charles Douglas McCrary |
Exhibit A
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
The attached Waiver and Release is to be given to Mr. Charles Douglas McCrary upon the occurrence of an event that triggers eligibility for severance benefits under the Change in Control Agreement, as described in Section 2.2 of such Agreement.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
I, Charles Douglas McCrary, understand that I am entitled to receive the severance benefits described in Article II of the Change in Control Agreement (the "Agreement") if I execute this Waiver and Release ("Waiver"). I understand that the benefits I will receive under the Agreement are in excess of those I would have received from The Southern Company and Alabama Power Company (collectively, the "Company") if I had not elected to sign this Waiver.
I recognize that I may have a claim against the Company under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act or other federal, state and local laws.
In exchange for receiving the severance and welfare benefits under Article II of the Agreement, I hereby voluntarily and irrevocably waive, release, dismiss with prejudice, and withdraw all claims, complaints, suits or demands of any kind whatsoever (whether known or unknown) which I ever had, may have, or now have against The Southern Company, Southern Company Services, Inc., Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Communications Services, Inc. d/b/a Southern LINC, Southern Company Energy Solutions, L.L.C., Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc., Southern Telecom, Inc., Southern Company Management Development, Inc., and other current or former subsidiaries or affiliates of The Southern Company and their past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, insurers and attorneys (collectively, the "Releasees"), arising from or relating to (directly or indirectly) my employment or the termination of my employment or other events occurred as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including but not limited to:
(a) claims for violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 1981, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 11141, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act;
(b) claims for violations of any other federal or state statute or regulation or local ordinance;
(c) claims for lost or unpaid wages, compensation, or benefits, defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, assault, battery, wrongful or constructive discharge, negligent hiring, retention or supervision, fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, tortious interference, breach of contract, or breach of fiduciary duty;
(d) claims to benefits under any bonus, severance, workforce reduction, early retirement, outplacement, or any other similar type plan sponsored by the Company (except for those plans listed below); or
(e) any other claims under state law arising in tort or contract.
In signing this Agreement, I am not releasing any claims that may arise under the terms of this Agreement or which may arise out of events occurring after the date I execute this Agreement.
I am also not releasing claims to benefits that I am already entitled to receive under The Southern Company Pension Plan, The Southern Company Employee Stock Ownership Plan, The Southern Company Employee Savings Plan, The Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, The Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan or under any workers' compensation laws. However, I understand and acknowledge that nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to require the Company to institute or continue in effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Company and the Company hereby reserves the right to amend or terminate any of its benefit programs at any time in accordance with the procedures set forth in such plans.
Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit me from engaging in protected
activities under applicable law (including protected activities described in
Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act) or from communicating, either
voluntarily or otherwise, with any governmental agency concerning any potential
violation of the law.
I understand and agree for a period of two (2) years after the date I execute this Agreement, I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all valuable, non-public, competitively sensitive data and information relating to the Releasees' business that is not generally known by or readily available to Releasees' competitors and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such information to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further understand and agree that I will regard and treat as strictly confidential all trade secrets of Releasees for as long as such items remain trade secrets under applicable law and I will not for any reason, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, or otherwise communicate any such trade secrets to any third party for my own benefit or for any purpose, other than in accordance with the express, written instructions of the Company or Releasees.
I further agree to keep confidential and not disclose the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the benefits under the Agreement, except to my spouse, attorneys or financial advisors (who must be informed of and agree to be bound by the confidentiality provisions contained in this Agreement before I disclose any information to them about this Agreement), or where such disclosure is required by law.
I agree to return to the Company prior to my last day of employment all property of the Company, including but not limited to data, lists, information, memoranda, documents, identification cards, credit cards, parking cards, keys, computers, fax machines, beepers, phones, and files (including copies thereof).
I understand and agree that I will not seek re-employment as an employee, leased employee or independent contractor with the Company or any Southern Company subsidiary or affiliate during the twenty-four (24) month period beginning immediately following my execution of this Agreement.
I have carefully read this agreement and I fully understand all of the provisions of this Waiver.
I have been encouraged and advised in writing to seek advice from anyone of my choosing regarding this Waiver (including my attorney, accountant or tax advisor). Prior to signing this Waiver, I have been given the opportunity and sufficient time to seek such advice.
I have had the opportunity to review and consider this Waiver for a period of at least twenty-one (21) days before signing it.
I understand that I may revoke this Waiver at any time during the seven
(7) calendar day period after I sign this Waiver. In order to revoke this
Waiver, I must deliver written notification of such revocation to the
Compensation Committee. I understand that this Waiver is not effective until the
expiration of this seven (7) calendar day revocation period. I understand that
upon the expiration of such seven (7) calendar day revocation period this entire
Waiver will be binding upon me and will be irrevocable. Revocation of this
Waiver will not alter or change the termination of my employment by the Company.
In signing this Waiver, I am not relying on any representation or statement (written or oral) not specifically set forth in this Waiver, the Agreement or by the company or any of its representatives with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Waiver or otherwise.
I was not coerced, threatened, or otherwise forced to sign this Waiver. I am voluntarily signing and delivering this Waiver of my own free will.
I understand that by signing this Waiver I am giving up rights I may have. I understand I do not have to sign this Waiver.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby executes this Waiver this ____ day of ________________, in the year _____.
Sworn to and subscribed to me this
___day of _________, ____
My Commission Expires:
Acknowledged and Accepted by the Company.
Exhibit 10(a)8
SOUTHERN COMPANY
CHANGE IN CONTROL
BENEFITS PROTECTION PLAN
AN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT
Troutman Sanders LLP
Bank of America Plaza, Suite 5200
600 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
SOUTHERN COMPANY
CHANGE IN CONTROL
BENEFITS PROTECTION PLAN
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLE I - PURPOSE AND ADOPTION OF PLAN
1.1 Adoption of Plan. Southern Company Services, Inc. hereby adopts this Amended and Restated Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan effective this 28 day of February, 2007. The Plan is an amendment and restatement of the Plan which was originally effective November 16, 2006.
1.2 Purpose. The Plan defines the events that constitute a Southern Change in Control and a Subsidiary Change in Control, protects the benefits to be provided to employees of the Employing Companies under certain incentive-based compensation plans and arrangements upon such a Change in Control and creates a protocol for transferring funds from the Employing Companies to the Southern Company Deferred Compensation Trust as a reserve for the payment of deferred compensation and non-qualified retirement benefits following certain change in control events involving Southern Company and certain of its subsidiaries.
ARTICLE II - DEFINITIONS
2.1 "Administrative Committee" shall mean the Board of Directors.
2.2 "Beneficial Ownership" shall mean beneficial ownership within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
2.3 "Board of Directors" shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
2.4 "Business Combination" shall mean a reorganization, merger or consolidation of Southern Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Southern Company.
2.5 "Change in Control" shall mean a Southern Change in Control or a Subsidiary Change in Control, as applicable.
2.6 "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of Southern Company.
2.7 "Company" shall mean Southern Company Services, Inc., its successors and assigns.
2.8 "Consummation" shall mean the completion of the final act necessary to complete a transaction as a matter of law, including, but not limited to, any required approvals by the corporation's shareholders and board of directors, the transfer of legal and beneficial title to securities or assets and the final approval of the transaction by any applicable domestic or foreign governments or agencies.
2.9 "Control" shall mean, in the case of a corporation, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the corporation's Voting Securities, or in the case of any other entity, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of such entity's voting equity interests.
2.10 "DCP" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1 hereof.
2.11 "Employee" shall mean an employee of an Employing Company as of the date of a Southern Change in Control.
2.12 "Employing Company" shall mean Southern Company, the Company, or any other corporation or other entity Controlled by Southern Company, directly or indirectly, which the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Southern Company Board of Directors has authorized to participate in the Plan and which has thereafter adopted the Plan, and any successor of any of them.
2.13 "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
2.14 "Funding Change in Control" shall mean any of the following:
(a) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 35% or more of Southern Company's Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions of Southern Company's Voting Securities shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(i) any acquisition directly from Southern Company;
(ii) any acquisition by Southern Company;
(iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern Company or any corporation controlled by Southern Company;
(iv) any acquisition by a qualified pension plan or publicly held mutual fund;
(v) any acquisition by an employee of Southern Company or its subsidiary or affiliate, or Group composed exclusively of such employees; or
(vi) any Business Combination which would not otherwise constitute a Funding Change in Control because of the application of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Section 2.14(a);
(b) A change in the composition of the Southern Board whereby individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Southern Board;
(c) The Consummation of a Business Combination, unless, following such Business Combination, all of the following three conditions are met:
(i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who held Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of Southern Company's Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of the corporation surviving or resulting from such Business Combination, (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction holds Beneficial Ownership of all or substantially all of Southern Company's Voting Securities or all or substantially all of Southern Company's assets) (such surviving or resulting corporation to be referred to as "Surviving Company"), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of Southern Company's Voting Securities;
(ii) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination, any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund, Group composed exclusively of employees or employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Southern Company, its subsidiaries or Surviving Company) holds Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of Surviving Company except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and
(iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of Surviving Company were members of the Incumbent Board at the earlier of the date of execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Southern Board, providing for such Business Combination.
(d) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of a Funding Subsidiary; provided, however, that for purposes of this Subsection 2.14(d), any acquisition by an employee of Southern Company or its subsidiary or affiliate, or Group composed entirely of such employees, any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern Company or any corporation Controlled by Southern Company shall not constitute a Funding Change in Control;
(e) The Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of a Funding Subsidiary (a "Funding Subsidiary Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Funding Subsidiary Business Combination, Southern Company Controls the corporation surviving or resulting from such Funding Subsidiary Business Combination, or
(f) The Consummation of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of a Funding Subsidiary to an entity that Southern Company does not Control.
2.15 "Funding Event" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events as administratively determined by the Southern Committee:
(a) Southern Company or a Funding Subsidiary has entered into a written agreement, such as, but not limited to, a letter of intent, which, if Consummated, would result in a Funding Change in Control;
(b) Southern Company, a Funding Subsidiary or any other Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if Consummated, would result in a Funding Change in Control under circumstances where the Consummation of the announced action or intended action is legally and financially possible;
(c) Any Person acquires Beneficial Ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Common Stock; or
(d) The Southern Board or the board of directors of a Funding Subsidiary elects to otherwise fund the Trust in accordance with the provisions of ARTICLE IV, V, and VI hereof.
2.16 "Funding Subsidiary" shall mean Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company and Mississippi Power Company, and any successor of any of them, provided such companies are Employing Companies, and any other Employing Company that the Southern Committee in its sole discretion shall designate in writing as a Funding Subsidiary.
2.17 "Funding Subsidiary Business Combination" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(e) hereof.
2.18 "Group" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
2.19 "Incumbent Board" shall mean those individuals who constitute the Southern Board as of February 23, 2006, plus any individual who shall become a director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for election by Southern Company's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no individual who shall become a director of the Southern Board subsequent to February 23, 2006, whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of the Regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Southern Board shall be a member of the Incumbent Board.
2.20 "Omnibus Plan" shall mean the Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, including the Incentive Programs: Design and Administrative Specifications as approved by the Compensation and Management Succession Committee of the Southern Board, any Program thereunder, and any successor thereto.
2.21 "Operating Committee" shall mean the committee appointed by the Administrative Committee to conduct the day to day administration of the Plan.
2.22 "Participant" shall mean (i) in the case of a Funding Change in Control involving Southern Company under Section 2.14(a), (b) or (c) hereof, an employee of an Employing Company who, as of the date of the Funding Change in Control, has a non-forfeitable right to Retirement Income under the Pension Plan, or (ii) in the case of a Funding Change in Control involving a Funding Subsidiary under Section 2.14(d), (e) or (f) hereof, an employee of such Funding Subsidiary who, on the date of such Funding Change in Control, has a non-forfeitable right to Retirement Income under the Pension Plan.
2.23 "Person" shall mean any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.
2.24 "Plan" shall mean this Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan. The Plan amends and restates the Southern Company Change in Control Benefit Plan Determination Policy.
2.25 "Plan Termination" shall mean the termination of the Omnibus Plan (or any Program thereunder) by Southern Company or an Employing Company following a Southern Change in Control unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or replacement plan or program) has been made with respect to the Omnibus Plan or Program in connection with the Change in Control. For purposes of this Plan, an ongoing substitute or alternative plan or program shall be considered an "equitable arrangement" if a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm chosen by the Operating Committee opines in writing that the post-Change in Control plan or program is an equitable substitute or replacement of the Omnibus Plan or Program that was terminated.
2.26 "Preliminary Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following as administratively determined by the Southern Committee:
(a) Southern Company or an Employing Company has entered into a written agreement, such as, but not limited to, a letter of intent, which, if Consummated, would result in a Change in Control;
(b) Southern Company, an Employing Company or any other Person publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions which, if Consummated, would result in a Change in Control under circumstances where the Consummation of the announced action or intended action is legally and financially possible; or
(c) Any Person acquires Beneficial Ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the Common Stock.
2.27 "SBP" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1 hereof.
2.28 "SERP" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 hereof.
2.29 "Southern Board" shall mean the board of directors of Southern Company.
2.30 "Southern Change in Control" shall mean any of the following:
(a) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of Southern Company's Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions of Southern Company's Voting Securities shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(i) any acquisition directly from Southern Company;
(ii) any acquisition by Southern Company;
(iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern Company or any corporation controlled by Southern Company;
(iv) any acquisition by a qualified pension plan or publicly held mutual fund;
(v) any acquisition by an employee of Southern Company or its subsidiary or affiliate, or Group composed exclusively of such employees; or
(vi) any Business Combination which would not otherwise
constitute a Change in Control because of the application of clauses
(i), (ii) and (iii) of this Section 2.30(a);
(b) A change in the composition of the Southern Board whereby individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Southern Board; or
(c) Consummation of a Business Combination, unless, following such Business Combination, all of the following three conditions are met:
(i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who held Beneficial Ownership, respectively, of Southern Company's Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 65% or more of the combined voting power of the Voting Securities of Surviving Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of Southern Company's Voting Securities;
(ii) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination, any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund, Group composed exclusively of employees or employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Southern Company, its subsidiaries or Surviving Company) holds Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of Surviving Company except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and
(iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of Surviving Company were members of the Incumbent Board at the earlier of the date of execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Southern Board, providing for such Business Combination.
2.31 "Southern Committee" shall mean the committee comprised of the Chairman of the Southern Board, the Chief Financial Officer of Southern Company and the General Counsel of Southern Company.
2.32 "Southern Company" shall mean The Southern Company, its successors and assigns.
2.33 "Southern Termination" shall mean the following:
(a) The Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of Southern Company under circumstances where either (i) Southern Company is not the Surviving Company or (ii) Southern Company's Voting Securities are no longer publicly traded;
(b) The Consummation of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Southern Company's assets; or
(c) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of all of Southern Company's Voting Securities such that Southern Company's Voting Securities are no longer publicly traded.
2.34 "Subsidiary Change in Control" shall mean any of the following:
(a) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Securities of an Employing Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this Subsection 2.34, any acquisition by an employee of Southern Company or its subsidiary or affiliate, or Group composed entirely of such employees, any qualified pension plan, publicly held mutual fund or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Southern Company or any corporation Controlled by Southern Company shall not constitute a Change in Control;
(b) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of an Employing Company (an "Employing Company Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Employing Company Business Combination, Southern Company Controls the corporation surviving or resulting from such Employing Company Business Combination; or
(c) Consummation of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of an Employing Company to an entity which Southern Company does not Control.
2.35 "Subsidiary Employee" shall mean an employee of an Employing Company that has undergone a Subsidiary Change in Control who does not become an employee of another Employing Company immediately following such Subsidiary
Change in Control. The Operating Committee may in its sole discretion deem one or more employees of any corporation or entity Controlled by Southern Company, directly or indirectly, to be employed by an Employing Company for purposes of being covered as a Subsidiary Employee under this Plan. Such action shall be in writing and shall cause such an employee to be a Subsidiary Employee entitled to benefits under this Plan only in the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control of his deemed Employing Company, not his actual employer (which may or may not be an Employing Company).
2.36 "Surviving Company" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c)(i) hereof.
2.37 "Trust" shall mean the Southern Company Deferred Compensation Trust.
2.38 "Voting Securities" shall mean the outstanding voting securities of a corporation entitling the holder thereof to vote generally in the election of such corporation's directors.
ARTICLE III - OMNIBUS PLAN
CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS
3.1 Application. The provisions of this Article III apply to benefits payable under the Southern Company Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Omnibus Plan") notwithstanding any provision in the Omnibus Plan to the contrary. The meaning of capitalized terms not defined herein is determined under the Omnibus Plan.
3.2 Stock-Based Awards. The provisions of this Section 3.2 apply to stock-based awards granted under the Omnibus Plan.
(a) Southern Change in Control. In the event of a Southern Change in Control which is not also a Southern Termination:
(i) Any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held as of the date of the Southern Change in Control shall remain subject to such restrictions and vesting schedules in accordance with the terms of the grant.
(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall continue in accordance with the terms of the grant.
(iii) The restrictions, deferral limitations and other conditions applicable to any other Awards shall continue in accordance with the terms of the grant.
(b) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control:
(i) Any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by a Subsidiary Employee which are outstanding as of the date such Subsidiary Change in Control is determined to have occurred, and which are not then exercisable and vested, shall become fully exercisable and vested; provided, that in the case of a Subsidiary Employee holding a Stock Appreciation Right who is actually subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Stock Appreciation Right shall not become fully vested and exercisable unless it shall have been outstanding for at least six months as of the date such Subsidiary Change in Control is determined to have occurred.
(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units held by a Subsidiary Employee shall lapse, and such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall become free of all restrictions and limitations and become fully vested and transferable.
(c) Southern Termination. In the event of a Southern Termination:
(i) Any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights which are outstanding as of the date such Southern Termination is determined to have occurred, and which are not then exercisable and vested, shall become fully exercisable and vested; provided, that in the case of an Employee holding a Stock Appreciation Right who is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Stock Appreciation Right shall not become fully vested and exercisable at such time if such actions would result in liability to the Employee under Section 16(b), provided further, that any such actions not taken as a result of the rules under Section 16(b) shall be effected as of the first date that such activity would no longer result in liability under such section.
(ii) The restrictions and deferral limitations applicable to any Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units held by Employees shall lapse, and such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall become free of all restrictions and limitations and become fully vested and transferable.
(iii) The restrictions, deferral limitations and other conditions applicable to any other Awards held by Employees shall lapse, and such other Awards shall become free of all restrictions, limitations or conditions and become fully vested and transferable.
(iv) Any Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units which are outstanding as of the date such Southern Termination is determined to have occurred, shall be converted into or replaced by options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or restricted stock units, as the case may be, in the Surviving Company, or the corporation which has acquired all of Southern Company's Common Stock or assets. In the event of such conversion or replacement, the terms of the replacement options or stock appreciation rights shall preserve with respect to each Option and each SAR the spread between the Fair Market Value of the shares subject to the Options or SARs and the Option Price or Base Value, as the case may be, as determined immediately prior to the Southern Termination. Similarly, the terms of replacement restricted stock or restricted stock units shall preserve the Fair Market Value of each share of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit as determined
immediately prior to the Southern Termination. No replacement option, stock appreciation right, share of restricted stock or restricted stock unit received shall be subject to any terms which are less favorable than those which existed with respect to the original Option, SAR or share of Restricted Stock or Restricted Unit immediately prior to the Southern Termination.
(v) In the event that it is not possible to effect the conversion set forth in Section 3.2(c)(iv) hereof, any and all outstanding Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units as of the date of the Southern Termination which are not so converted shall be terminated and the affected Employees shall receive within thirty (30) days of the Southern Termination cash equal to the difference between the Option Price and Fair Market Value, in the case of Options, the Base Value and Fair Market Value, in the case of SARs and equal to the Fair Market Value, in the case of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. For purposes of this Section 3.2(c)(v), Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the day prior to the date of the Southern Termination.
3.3 Application. The provisions of this Sections 3.3 apply to benefits payable under the Performance Pay Program under the Omnibus Plan (the "PPP").
(a) Southern Change in Control. In the event of a Southern Change in Control, if there is no Plan Termination with respect to the PPP, payout of Cash-Based Awards under the PPP to Employees for the performance period in which the Southern Change in Control shall have occurred shall be the greater of actual or target performance under the PPP.
(b) Plan Termination. In the event of a Plan Termination with respect to the PPP within two (2) years following a Southern Change in Control, each Employee who is an employee on the date of such Plan Termination shall be entitled to receive within thirty (30) days of the Plan Termination, cash in an amount equal to a pro-rated payout of his Cash-Based Award under the PPP for the performance period in which the Plan Termination shall have occurred, at target performance under the PPP and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the date of the Plan Termination.
(c) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, each Subsidiary Employee on the date of such Change in Control shall be entitled to receive within thirty (30) days of the Subsidiary Change in Control, cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of his Cash-Based Award under the PPP for the performance period in which the Subsidiary Change in Control shall have occurred, at target performance under the PPP and prorated by the number of months which have passed since
the beginning of the performance period until the date of the Subsidiary Change in Control.
(d) Southern Termination. In the event of a Southern Termination, each Employee on the date of such Southern Termination shall be entitled to receive within thirty (30) days of the Southern Termination, cash in an amount equal to a prorated payout of his Cash-Based Award under the PPP for the performance period in which the Southern Termination shall have occurred, at target performance under the PPP and prorated by the number of months which have passed since the beginning of the performance period until the date of the Southern Termination. The PPP shall terminate immediately following the payments provided for in this Section 3.3(d).
(e) Pro rata Calculation. For purposes of calculating any pro rata Cash-Based Awards under this Section 3.3, a month shall not be considered if the determining event occurs on or before the 14th day of the month, and a month shall be considered if the determining event occurs on or after the 15th day of the month.
3.4 Application. The provisions of this Section 3.4 apply to benefits payable under the Performance Dividend Program under the Omnibus Plan (the "PDP").
(a) Southern Change in Control. In the event of a Southern Change in Control, if there is no Plan Termination with respect to the PDP, payout of Cash-Based Awards under the PDP to Employees for the performance period in which the Southern Change in Control shall have occurred shall be based on a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance under the PDP for such performance period.
(b) Plan Termination. In the event of a Plan Termination with respect
to the PDP within two (2) years following a Southern Change in Control,
each Employee who is an employee on the date of such Plan Termination shall
be entitled to receive within thirty (30) days of the Plan Termination,
cash for each Cash-Based Award under the PDP held as of such date, based on
a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance under the
PDP determined as of the date of the Plan Termination, and the sum of the
quarterly dividends on the Common Stock declared during the calendar year
of and prior to the date of the Plan Termination. For purposes of this
Section 3.4(b), payout of each Cash-Based Award under the PDP shall be
based upon the performance measurement period that would otherwise have
ended on December 31st of the year in which the Plan Termination occurs,
all other remaining PPP performance measurement periods shall terminate and
no payment shall be made with respect thereto.
(c) Subsidiary Change in Control. In the event of a Subsidiary Change in Control, each Subsidiary Employee on the date of such Change in Control shall be entitled to receive within thirty (30) days of the Subsidiary Change in Control, cash for each Cash-Based Award under the PDP held as of such date, based on a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance determined as of the date on which the Subsidiary Change in Control shall have occurred, and the sum of the quarterly dividends on the Common Stock declared during the calendar year of and prior to the date of the Subsidiary Change in Control. For purposes of this Section 3.4(c),
payout of each Cash-Based Award under the PDP shall be based upon the performance measurement period that would otherwise have ended on December 31st of the year in which the Subsidiary Change in Control occurs, all other remaining PPP performance measurement periods shall terminate and no payment to such Subsidiary Employee shall be made with respect thereto.
(d) Southern Termination. In the event of a Southern Termination, each Employee who is an employee on the date of such Southern Termination shall be entitled to receive within thirty (30) days of the Southern Termination, cash for each Cash-Based Award under the PDP held as of such date, based on a payout percentage of the greater of 50% or actual performance determined as of the date on which the Southern Termination shall have occurred, and the sum of the quarterly dividends on the Common Stock declared during the year of and prior to the date of the Southern Termination. For purposes of this Section 3.4(d), payout of each Cash-Based Award under the PDP shall be based upon the performance measurement period that would otherwise have ended on December 31st of the year in which the Southern Termination occurs, the PPP and all other remaining PPP performance measurement periods shall terminate and no further payment shall be made with respect thereto.
3.5 Other Incentives. The provisions of this Section 3.5 shall apply to any Employee or Subsidiary Employee who, as of the date of the respective Change in Control, is entitled to a Performance Unit or Performance Share award under the Omnibus Plan (other than those described in Section 3.2 hereof), or any cash or stock-based award under any other plan or program sponsored by an Employing Company. If and to the extent an Employee or Subsidiary Employee has received a stock-based award under the Omnibus Plan (other than those described in Section 3.2 hereof) or any other plan or program sponsored by his Employing Company, in the event of a Southern Change in Control, a Subsidiary Change in Control and/or a Southern Termination, such award shall be subject to the provisions of this Plan, and any restrictions, limitations and deferral limitations shall lapse if and to the extent provided under Section 3.2 hereof for similar Awards granted under the Omnibus Plan. If and to the extent an Employee or Subsidiary Employee is entitled to a cash-based award under the Omnibus Plan (other than PPP or PDP) or any other plan or program sponsored by his Employing Company, in the event of a Southern Change in Control, a Subsidiary Change in Control and/or a Southern Termination, such award shall be subject to the provisions of this Plan, and, provided such Employee or Subsidiary Employee is not otherwise entitled to a payout under any change in control provision of such plan or program, such award shall be payable in a similar manner as set forth in Sections 3.3 and 3.4 hereof with respect to PPP and PDP (e.g., if prorated, the award is paid at target, if the award is for a full performance period, the award is paid at the greater of actual or target if administratively practicable, if not, at target) as determined by the Operating Committee on a good faith basis.
ARTICLE IV - SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFIT PLAN
CHANGE IN CONTROL AND OTHER SPECIAL PROVISIONS
4.1 Application. Upon a Funding Change in Control, the provisions of this Article IV shall apply to the funding, calculation and payment of accrued
benefits under The Southern Company Supplemental Benefit Plan (the "SBP") notwithstanding any provision in the SBP to the contrary. The meaning of any capitalized terms not defined herein shall be as defined under the SBP.
4.2 Funding of the Trust. The Trust has been established to hold assets of the Employing Companies under certain circumstances as a reserve for the discharge of the Employing Companies' obligations under the SBP and certain other plans and arrangements. Upon a Funding Event involving a Funding Change in Control under Section 2.14(a), (b) or (c) hereof, all Employing Companies shall be obligated to immediately contribute such amounts to the Trust as may be necessary to fully fund each Employing Company's obligations to pay the aggregate Pension Benefits and Non-Pension Benefits to be accrued under the SBP as of the date of the Funding Change in Control, the aggregate accrued Pension Benefit to be determined under Section 4.4 hereof, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 4.3 hereof. Upon a Funding Event involving a Funding Subsidiary under Section 2.14(d), (e) and (f) hereof, such Funding Subsidiary shall be obligated to immediately contribute such amounts to the Trust as may be necessary to fully fund such Funding Subsidiary's obligations to pay the aggregate Pension Benefits and Non-Pension Benefits to be accrued under the SBP as of the date of the Funding Change in Control, the aggregate accrued Pension Benefit to be determined under Section 4.4 hereof, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 4.3 hereof. Under the terms of the Trust agreement, all assets held in the Trust remain subject only to the claims of the Employing Companies' general creditors whose claims against the Employing Companies are not satisfied because of the Employing Companies' bankruptcy or insolvency (as those terms are defined in the Trust). No Participant has any preferred claim on, or beneficial ownership interest in, any assets of the Trust before the assets are paid to the Participant and all rights created under the Trust, as under the SBP, are unsecured contractual claims of the Participant against his Employing Company.
4.3 Calculation of Trust Contribution. As soon as practicable following a Funding Event, the affected Employing Companies shall contribute funds to the Trust based upon the funding strategy adopted by the Operating Committee with the assistance of an appointed actuary in such amounts as shall be necessary to fulfill the Employing Companies' obligations pursuant to this Article IV and the terms of the Trust agreement. The dollar amount necessary to satisfy each Employing Company's obligations under this Article IV shall be estimated and paid to the Trust as soon as practicable following a Funding Event and shall be recalculated and trued- up immediately following the respective Funding Change in Control. In the event of a dispute after a Funding Event between a Participant and an Employing Company over such actuary's determination of the dollar amount necessary to appropriately fund the Trust under the terms of this Article IV, the respective Employing Company(ies) and any complaining Participant(s) shall refer such dispute to an independent, third-party actuarial consultant, chosen by mutual agreement of the Employing Company and such Participant. If the Employing Company and the Participant cannot agree on an independent, third-party actuarial consultant, the actuarial consultant shall be chosen by lot from an equal number of actuaries submitted by the affected Employing Companies and the Trustee (not to exceed four (4) each). Any such referral shall only occur once in total and the determination by the third-party actuarial consultant shall be final and binding upon both parties. The Employing Companies shall be responsible for all of the fees and expenses of the independent actuarial consultant.
4.4 Pension Benefit Upon a Funding Change in Control. As of the date of a Funding Change in Control, the accrued Pension Benefit of each Participant shall be calculated based on such Participant's Earnings and Accredited Service on such date, regardless of whether such Participant is retirement eligible on such date. Each Participant shall be entitled to receive the amount of his accrued Pension Benefit based on such Participant's Earnings and Accredited Service as of the date of a Funding Change in Control adjusted to take into account appropriate early reduction factors, if any, based on the Participant's commencement of benefits. Such accrued Pension Benefit shall be paid in lump sum as soon as practicable following such Participant's termination of employment or retirement. Any Participants' Pension Benefits accrued under the SBP subsequent to the date of a Funding Change in Control shall be calculated and distributed pursuant to the terms of the SBP, without regard to this Article IV.
4.5 Non-Pension Benefit Distribution Election upon a Funding Change in Control. In the event of a Funding Change in Control, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the SBP, the Non-Pension Benefit of a Participant shall be paid out in a lump sum as soon as practicable following such Participant's termination of employment or retirement if such Participant makes such an election pursuant to those procedures established by the Operating Committee in its sole and absolute discretion. If no such election is made, a Participant shall receive payment of his Non-Pension Benefit Account solely in accordance with Article V of the SBP.
ARTICLE V - SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
CHANGE IN CONTROL AND OTHER SPECIAL PROVISIONS
5.1 Application. Upon a Funding Change in Control, the provisions of this Article V shall apply to the funding, calculation and payment of accrued benefits under The Southern Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "SERP") notwithstanding any provision in the SERP to the contrary. The meaning of any capitalized terms not defined herein shall be as defined under the SERP.
5.2 Funding of the Trust. The Trust has been established to hold assets of the Employing Companies under certain circumstances as a reserve for the discharge of the Employing Companies' obligations under the SERP and certain other plans and arrangements. Upon a Funding Event involving a Funding Change in Control under Section 2.14(a), (b) or (c) hereof, all Employing Companies shall be obligated to immediately contribute such amounts to the Trust as may be necessary to fully fund each Employing Company's obligations to pay the aggregate benefits to be accrued under the SERP as of the date of the Funding Change in Control, as determined under Section 5.4 hereof, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 5.3 hereof. Upon a Funding Event involving a Funding Subsidiary under Section 2.14(d), (e) and (f) hereof, such Funding Subsidiary shall be obligated to immediately contribute such amounts to the Trust as may be necessary to fully fund such Funding Subsidiary's obligations to pay the aggregate benefits to be accrued under the SERP as of the date of such Funding Change in Control. Under the terms of the Trust agreement, all assets held in the Trust remain subject only to the claims of the Employing Companies' general creditors whose claims against the Employing Companies are not satisfied because of the Employing Companies' bankruptcy or insolvency (as those terms are defined in the Trust). No Participant has any preferred claim on, or beneficial
ownership interest in, any assets of the Trust before the assets are paid to the Participant and all rights created under the Trust, as under the SERP, are unsecured contractual claims of the Participant against his Employing Company.
5.3 Calculation of Trust Contribution. As soon as practicable following a Funding Event, the affected Employing Companies shall contribute funds to the Trust based upon the funding strategy adopted by the Operating Committee with the assistance of an appointed actuary in such amounts as shall be necessary to fulfill the Employing Companies' obligations pursuant to this Article V and the terms of the Trust agreement. The dollar amount necessary to satisfy each Employing Company's obligations under this Article V shall be estimated and paid to the Trust as soon as practicable following a Funding Event and shall be recalculated and trued- up immediately following the respective Funding Change in Control. In the event of a dispute after a Funding Event between a Participant and an Employing Company over such actuary's determination of the dollar amount necessary to appropriately fund the Trust under this Article V, the respective Employing Company(ies) and any complaining Participant(s) shall refer such dispute to an independent, third-party actuarial consultant, chosen by mutual agreement of the Employing Company and such Participant. If the Employing Company and the Participant cannot agree on an independent, third-party actuarial consultant, the actuarial consultant shall be chosen by lot from an equal number of actuaries submitted by the affected Employing Companies and the Trustee (not to exceed four (4) each). Any such referral shall only occur once in total and the determination by the third-party actuarial consultant shall be final and binding upon both parties. The Employing Companies shall be responsible for all of the fees and expenses of the independent actuarial consultant.
5.4 SERP Benefit Upon a Funding Change in Control. As of the date of a Funding Change in Control, the accrued SERP Benefit of each Participant shall be calculated based on such Participant's Earnings and Accredited Service on such date, regardless of whether such Participant is retirement eligible on such date. Each such Participant shall be entitled to receive the amount of his SERP Benefit based on such Participant's Earnings and Accredited Service as of the date of a Funding Change in Control adjusted to take into account appropriate early reduction factors, if any, based on the Participant's commencement of benefits. Such accrued SERP Benefit shall be paid in lump sum as soon as practicable following such Participant's termination of employment or retirement. Any Participants' SERP Benefits accrued under the SERP subsequent to the date of a Funding Change in Control shall be calculated and distributed pursuant to the terms of the SERP without regard to this Article V.
ARTICLE VI - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
CHANGE IN CONTROL AND OTHER SPECIAL PROVISIONS
6.1 Application. Upon a Funding Change in Control, the provisions of this Article VI shall apply to the funding, calculation and payment of benefits under the Southern Company Deferred Compensation Plan (the "DCP") notwithstanding any provision in the DCP to the contrary. The meaning of any capitalized terms not defined herein shall be as defined under the DCP. For purposes of this Article VI, the term "Participant" shall have the meaning set forth in Article II of the DCP without regard to Section 2.21 hereof.
6.2 Funding of the Trust. The Trust has been established to hold assets of the Employing Companies under certain circumstances as a reserve for the discharge of the Employing Companies' obligations under the DCP and certain other plans and arrangements. Upon a Funding Event involving a Funding Change in Control under Section 2.14(a), (b) or (c) hereof, all Employing Companies shall be obligated to immediately contribute such amounts to the Trust as may be necessary to fully fund each Employing Company's obligations to pay the aggregate benefits to be accrued under the DCP as of the date of the Funding Change in Control in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.3 hereof. Upon a Funding Event involving a Funding Subsidiary under Section 2.14(d), (e) and (f) hereof, such Funding Subsidiary shall be obligated to immediately contribute such amounts to the Trust as may be necessary to fully fund such Funding Subsidiary's obligations to pay the aggregate benefits to be accrued under the DCP as of the date of the Funding Change in Control in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.3 hereof. Under the terms of the Trust agreement, all assets held in the Trust remain subject only to the claims of the Employing Companies' general creditors whose claims against the Employing Companies are not satisfied because of the Employing Companies' bankruptcy or insolvency (as those terms are defined in the Trust). No Participant has any preferred claim on, or beneficial ownership interest in, any assets of the Trust before the assets are paid to the Participant and all rights created under the Trust, as under the DCP, are unsecured contractual claims of the Participant against his Employing Company.
6.3 Calculation of Trust Contribution. As soon as practicable following a Funding Event, the affected Employing Companies shall contribute funds to the Trust based upon the funding strategy adopted by the Operating Committee with the assistance of an appointed actuary in such amounts as shall be necessary to fulfill the Employing Companies' obligations pursuant to this Article VI and the terms of the Trust. The dollar amount necessary to satisfy each Employing Company's obligations under this Article VI shall be estimated and paid to the Trust as soon as practicable following a Funding Event and shall be recalculated and trued- up immediately following the respective Funding Change in Control. In the event of a dispute following a Funding Event between a Participant and an Employing Company over such actuary's determination of the dollar amount necessary to appropriately fund the Trust under this Article VI, the respective Employing Company(ies) and any complaining Participant(s) shall refer such dispute to an independent, third-party actuarial consultant, chosen by mutual agreement of the Employing Company and such Participant. If the Employing Company and the Participant cannot agree on an independent, third-party actuarial consultant, the actuarial consultant shall be chosen by lot from an equal number of actuaries submitted by the Employing Company and the Trustee (not to exceed four (4) each). Any such referral shall only occur once in total and the determination by the third-party actuarial consultant shall be final and binding upon both parties. The Employing Companies shall be responsible for all of the fees and expenses of the independent actuarial consultant.
6.4 Payment of DCP Account. In the event of a Funding Change in Control, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the DCP, a Participant's Account under the DCP shall be paid out in a lump sum as soon as practicable following such Participant's termination of employment or retirement if such Participant makes such an election pursuant to those procedures established by the Operating Committee in its sole and absolute discretion. If no such election is made, a Participant shall receive payment of his DCP Account solely in accordance with Article VII of the DCP.
ARTICLE VII - ADMINISTRATION
7.1 Administrative Committee. The Administrative Committee shall appoint the members of the Operating Committee and shall designate a Chairman thereof. The Operating Committee shall be responsible for the general administration of the Plan.
7.2 Duties of the Operating Committee.
(a) The Operating Committee shall be responsible for the daily administration of the Plan and may appoint other persons or entities to perform or assist in the performance of any of its fiduciary duties, subject to its review and approval. The Operating Committee shall have the right to remove any such appointee from his position without cause upon notice. Any person, group of persons, or entity may serve in more than one fiduciary capacity.
(b) The Operating Committee shall maintain permanent records and accounts of Participants and of their rights under the Plan and of all receipts, disbursements, transfers, and other transactions concerning the Plan. Such accounts, books, and records relating thereto shall be open at all reasonable times to inspection and audit by the Company and any persons designated thereby.
(c) The Operating Committee shall take all steps necessary to ensure that the Plan complies with the law at all times, including the preparation and filing of all documents and forms required by any governmental agency; maintenance of adequate Participant records; recording and transmission of all notices required to be given to Participants and their beneficiaries; receipt and dissemination, if required, of all reports and information received from the Employing Companies; securing of such fidelity bonds as may be required by law; and doing such other acts necessary for the proper administration of the Plan. The Operating Committee shall keep a record of all of its proceedings and acts, and shall keep all such books of accounts, records, and other data as may be necessary for proper administration of the Plan. The Operating Committee shall notify the Employing Companies upon their request of any action taken by it, and when required, shall notify any other interested person or persons.
7.3 Powers. The Operating Committee shall administer the Plan in accordance with its terms and shall have all powers necessary to carry out the provisions of the Plan as more particularly set forth herein. The Operating Committee shall have the discretionary authority to interpret the Plan (including any ambiguities herein) and to determine all questions arising in the administration, interpretation, and application of the Plan. The Operating Committee shall adopt such procedures and regulations necessary or desirable for the discharge of its duties hereunder and may appoint such accountants, counsel, actuaries, specialists, and other agents as it deems necessary or desirable in connection with the administration of this Plan. The Operating Committee shall be the legal appointed agent for the service of process.
7.4 Compensation of the Operating Committee. The Operating Committee shall not receive any compensation from the Plan for its services.
7.5 Payment of Expenses. The Operating Committee shall be reimbursed by the Employing Companies for its reasonable expenses incurred in the discharge of its duties. Such expenses shall include any expenses incident to its duties, including, but not limited to, fees of accountants, counsel, actuaries, and other specialists, and other costs of administering the Plan.
7.6 Indemnification. Each Employing Company shall indemnify the Operating Committee against any and all claims, losses, damages, expenses, and liability arising from its actions or omissions, except when the same is finally adjudicated to be the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Employing Companies may purchase at their own expense sufficient liability insurance for the Operating Committee to cover any and all claims, losses, damages, and expenses arising from any action or omission in connection with the execution of the duties as the Operating Committee.
ARTICLE VIII - MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Amendment and Termination The Plan may be amended or terminated at any time by the Board of Directors, provided, however, that no such amendment or termination of the Plan shall be effective if such amendment or termination is made or is effective within a period that is (a) six (6) months before, or at any time after, a Preliminary Change in Control and (b) prior to (x) the earlier of such time as the Southern Committee shall have determined that the event that gave rise to such Preliminary Change in Control shall not be Consummated or (y) two years following the respective Change in Control, unless such amendment or termination during such period has the effect of increasing benefits to Participants under the Plan, is determined by the Board of Directors to be immaterial, or applies solely to individuals who, in the case of a Subsidiary Change in Control, were not employees of the Employing Company undergoing the Subsidiary Change in Control on the date of the respective Preliminary Change in Control, or, in the case of a Southern Change in Control, are not Employees on the date of the respective Southern Change in Control. Following a Change in Control, nothing in this Section 8.1 shall prevent the Board of Directors from amending or terminating the Plan as to any subsequent Change in Control provided that no such amendment or termination shall impair any rights or reduce any benefits previously accrued under the Plan as a result of a previous Change in Control.
8.2 Additional Rights. Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Employing Companies to terminate any employee's employment at any time, or confer upon any employee any right to continue in the employ of the Employing Companies.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Southern Company Change in Control Benefits Protection Plan has been executed by duly authorized officers of Southern Company Services, Inc. pursuant to resolutions of the Board of Directors of Southern Company Services, Inc. as of the date first above written.
SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/Patricia L. Roberts Patricia L. Roberts Secretary |
Exhibit 10(b)5
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 1 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
SOUTHERN COMPANY SYSTEM
INTERCOMPANY INTERCHANGE CONTRACT
ARTICLE I - RECITALS
Section 1.1 : This contract is made and entered into this 1 st day of May, 2007, by and between Alabama Power Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Alabama with its principal office in Birmingham, Alabama; Georgia Power Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia with its principal office in Atlanta, Georgia; Gulf Power Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida with its principal office in Pensacola, Florida; Mississippi Power Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Mississippi with its principal office in Gulfport, Mississippi; and Southern Power Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal office in Birmingham, Alabama, all such companies being hereinafter collectively referred to as the OPERATING COMPANIES and Southern Company Services, Inc., a subsidiary service company (AGENT or SCS).
W I T N E S S E T H:
Section 1.2 : WHEREAS, the common stock of the OPERATING COMPANIES is owned by The Southern Company, a public utility holding company; and
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 2 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
Section 1.3 : WHEREAS, the OPERATING COMPANIES can be operated as an integrated electric utility system; and
Section 1.4 : WHEREAS, the OPERATING COMPANIES have so operated their respective electric generating facilities and conducted their system operations (generally referred to as the Pool) pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of an interchange contract among themselves, the most recent of which being The Southern Company System Intercompany Interchange Contract dated February 17, 2000, as modified effective July 1, 2006 to reflect an intra-corporate reorganization (the 2000 Contract); and
Section 1.5 : WHEREAS, the OPERATING COMPANIES desire to replace the 2000 Contract with an amended and restated contract; and
Section 1.6 : WHEREAS, all of the OPERATING COMPANIES will continue to share in all of the benefits and burdens of this IIC, including complying with operating, dispatch and reserve requirements, participating in opportunity sales transactions, and bearing responsibility for their portion of purchases.
Section 1.7 : NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter stated, the OPERATING COMPANIES agree and contract as follows:
ARTICLE II - TERM OF CONTRACT
Section 2.1 : This contract will be referred to as the Southern Company System Intercompany Interchange Contract (IIC). The IIC shall become effective as provided in Section 2.2 hereof, and
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 3 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter subject to termination as provided hereinafter. When this IIC has become effective, it shall supersede and replace the 2000 Contract, and references to a section of such superseded intercompany interchange contract in other agreements of the OPERATING COMPANIES shall be taken to mean reference to the section of substantially like import in this IIC.
Section 2.2 : This IIC is submitted as part of a filing in compliance with the orders of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) in Southern Company Services, Inc. , Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al. , 117 FERC ¶ 61,021 (2006) and Southern Company Services, Inc., Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007). It is therefore the intention of the OPERATING COMPANIES that this IIC shall become effective on the first day of the month following the issuance of a final order by the Commission accepting that compliance filing (including this IIC) in its entirety without change or modification. Absent such acceptance, this IIC shall be null and void and the 2000 Contract shall remain in effect as if this IIC had never been filed.
Section 2.3 : This IIC may be terminated at any time by mutual agreement of the OPERATING COMPANIES or may be terminated at any time by any OPERATING COMPANY by its giving to each of the other OPERATING COMPANIES and the AGENT written notice of its election to so terminate its participation in this IIC at least five (5) years prior to the date of termination. This IIC shall continue in full force and effect as to each OPERATING COMPANY until terminated as hereinabove provided.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 4 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
ARTICLE III - PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES OF
INTERCOMPANY INTERCHANGE CONTRACT
Section 3.1 : The purpose of this IIC is to provide the contractual basis for the continued operation of the electric facilities of the OPERATING COMPANIES in such a manner as to achieve the maximum possible economies consistent with the highest practicable reliability of service, with the reasonable utilization of natural resources and effect on the environment, and to provide a basis for equitably sharing among the OPERATING COMPANIES the costs associated with the operation of facilities that are used for the mutual benefit of all the OPERATING COMPANIES.
Section 3.2 : It is recognized that reliability of service and economy of operation require that the energy supply to the system be controlled by means of centralized economic dispatch and that this will require adequate communication facilities and the provision of economic dispatch computer facilities and automatic controls of generation.
Section 3.3 : It is recognized that the IIC provides for the retention of lowest cost energy resources by each OPERATING COMPANY for its own customers. Energy in excess of that necessary to meet each OPERATING COMPANYs requirements is delivered to the Pool as Interchange Energy and may include: (i) energy generated from plants other than conventional hydro or nuclear; and (ii) purchased energy.
Section 3.4 : It is recognized that, under this IIC, each OPERATING COMPANY will share in the benefits and pay its share of the costs of coordinated operations as agreed upon in accordance with
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 5 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
the terms hereof. All costs and revenues associated with wholesale transactions under this IIC will be shared among all OPERATING COMPANIES on a comparable basis through the application of the governing procedures and methodologies to all such OPERATING COMPANIES.
Section 3.5 : It is recognized by the OPERATING COMPANIES that coordinated electric operation contemplates minimum cost of power supply upon the interconnected system, consistent with service requirements and other operating limitations. Benefits of integrated operation accruing to the respective OPERATING COMPANIES are predicated upon cooperative efforts toward this objective and are so reflected in all IIC determinations.
Section 3.6 : This IIC is applicable only to the transactions described herein, as specifically set forth in ARTICLE VII INTERCHANGE CAPACITY TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE OPERATING COMPANIES, ARTICLE VIII INTERCHANGE ENERGY TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE OPERATING COMPANIES, and ARTICLE IX PROVISION FOR OTHER INTERCHANGE TRANSACTIONS. Otherwise, sales between the OPERATING COMPANIES (including, but not limited to, sales from Southern Power Company to the other OPERATING COMPANIES or sales from the other OPERATING COMPANIES to Southern Power Company) require an appropriate filing under Section 205 of the Federal Power Act and acceptance thereof by the Commission.
ARTICLE IV - ESTABLISHMENT OF OPERATING COMMITTEE
AND DESIGNATION OF AGENT
Section 4.1 Establishment of Operating Committee : A designated representative from each of the
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 6 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
OPERATING COMPANIES, together with a designated representative of the AGENT who shall act as chairman, shall form and constitute an Operating Committee to meet as needed to determine the methods of operation hereunder.
Section 4.2 Duties of Operating Committee : The Operating Committees areas of responsibility include such matters as developing the concepts, terms and conditions of this IIC; providing guidance and direction to the AGENT regarding economic power system operations and the costs associated therewith; reviewing and recommending generation expansion plans for approval by the respective OPERATING COMPANIES pursuant to Section 4.3; and addressing other power system matters that relate to the overall coordinated operation of the Southern electric system. Each OPERATING COMPANY representative has one vote and all decisions must be unanimous.
Section 4.3 Review and Recommendation of Generation Expansion Plans : The Southern Power Company representative on the Operating Committee will not participate in reviewing and recommending generation expansion plans of the other OPERATING COMPANIES or the system, nor will the Southern Power Company representative have access to materials developed in conjunction with the formulation of such generation expansion plans. Notwithstanding Section 4.2 above, the Southern Power Company representative shall not be eligible to vote with respect to these expansion plans. Moreover, Southern Power Company will not receive market information from the other OPERATING COMPANIES through its participation in the Operating Committee.
Section 4.4 Transmission Information : The Operating Committee does not have any duties or responsibilities with respect to transmission-related activities (including transmission reliability) and,
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 7 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
consistent with the Standards of Conduct, will not receive non-public transmission information. The IIC (including Operating Committee membership) is not to serve as a means whereby non-public transmission information is shared in a manner contrary to the Commissions Standards of Conduct. Further, Southern Power Company is to be treated as an Energy Affiliate under the Commissions Standards of Conduct and therefore cannot receive any non-public transmission information.
Section 4.5 Operating Committee Discretion : Certain provisions of the Manual afford a degree of latitude to the Operating Committee with regard to decisions that it is authorized to make thereunder. When such discretion is exercised, the AGENT will summarize the decision in an informational filing to be submitted to the Commission within ten (10) business days.
Section 4.6 Designation of AGENT : SCS, as a party to this IIC, is designated as AGENT of the OPERATING COMPANIES for purposes of this IIC. In addition, SCS may serve as AGENT and represent the OPERATING COMPANIES, or any of them, in all things to be done in the execution of and operation under existing contracts with nonaffiliated utilities or entities (hereinafter referred to as OTHERS), or contracts supplemental thereto.
Section 4.7 Duties of AGENT : The AGENT is responsible for all administrative and coordination functions in order to effectuate the terms and conditions of this IIC. From time to time, the OPERATING COMPANIES, or any of them, may also have contracts with OTHERS that provide for the purchase and/or sale of capacity and/or energy by the OPERATING COMPANIES. The AGENT will make the payments associated with purchases under these contracts and under any other contracts or arrangements under which it acts as agent for the OPERATING COMPANIES. Each
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 8 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
OPERATING COMPANY will reimburse the AGENT for its portion of such total payments in accordance with the arrangement in effect with respect to the particular contract. Similarly, the AGENT will collect the payments due for sales under these contracts (and under any other contracts or arrangements under which it acts as agent) and will distribute such payments among the OPERATING COMPANIES in accordance with the arrangement in effect with respect to the particular contract.
Section 4.8 Term of Agency : The provisions of this IIC providing for authority for the AGENT to act on behalf of the OPERATING COMPANIES, or any of them, shall be deemed to refer, insofar as applicable, to all contracts under which the AGENT acts as agent for the OPERATING COMPANIES and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in ARTICLE II hereof, this IIC shall continue in effect insofar as it pertains to other contracts under which the AGENT acts as agent for the OPERATING COMPANIES during the life of any such contracts. The OPERATING COMPANIES may, however, designate a new agent to act hereunder by giving thirty (30) days written notice thereof to the AGENT, whereupon such new agent shall be the AGENT hereunder.
ARTICLE V - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITIES
Section 5.1 : The OPERATING COMPANIES agree to maintain their respective electric generating facilities in good operating condition and to operate such facilities in coordination with those of the other OPERATING COMPANIES as an integrated electric system in accordance with determinations made from time to time by the Operating Committee in order that an adequate power supply shall be available to meet the requirements of the customers of the respective parties hereto at
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 9 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
the lowest cost consistent with a high degree of service reliability.
Section 5.2 : With respect to its participation in this IIC, Southern Power Company may have access to information regarding the operation of its own plants or other generation resources (such as those acquired by contract) that it has committed to the Pool (Pool resources), but it may not otherwise have access to information regarding the operation of Pool resources of the other OPERATING COMPANIES.
ARTICLE VI - INCORPORATION OF THE ALLOCATION METHODOLOGY
AND PERIODIC RATE COMPUTATION MANUAL
Section 6.1 Incorporation of Manual : The mechanics and methods for determining the charges for reserve sharing capacity and for energy purchased and sold between the OPERATING COMPANIES, the monthly capability requirement determinations, and the monthly billings and payments between the OPERATING COMPANIES are described in detail in the Allocation Methodology and Periodic Rate Computation Manual (Manual) attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The Manual also supplies more detailed explanation of provisions of this IIC and is necessary to effectuate its intent.
Section 6.2 Purpose of Manual : The Manual contains a description of the methodology and procedure used to calculate the charges provided for in this IIC. The OPERATING COMPANIES recognize that the costs underlying these charges will change during the term of this IIC for reasons such as changes in loads, investment and expenses, as well as the addition of electric generating resources. Thus, in order for the OPERATING COMPANIES to share equitably in the costs
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 10 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
associated with this IIC, it will be necessary to revise or update, on a periodic basis, the cost, expense, load and investment figures utilized in the derivation of the charges hereunder. The Manual will serve as a formula rate allowing for periodic revision of the charges to reflect changes in the underlying cost components.
Section 6.3 Revision of Charges and Regulatory Filings : The Manual provides that charges derived by application of the formula rate will be shown on Informational Schedules. Since the charges under this IIC will be computed in accordance with the formula rate method and procedures established in the Manual, these submissions will not be initial rates or changes in rates that would require a filing and suspension under the Federal Power Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations of the Commission. On or before November 1 of each year, the Informational Schedules will be submitted to the Commission for informational purposes to show the application of the formula rate and the resulting charges. Work papers will also be included showing a detailed application of the formula rate contained in the Manual.
Section 6.4 Revision of Manual : If the Operating Committee determines that revisions to the formula rate are appropriate or necessary, it will direct the AGENT to file the revised Manual with the Commission in order to obtain timely approval or acceptance thereof.
ARTICLE VII - INTERCHANGE CAPACITY
TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE OPERATING COMPANIES
Section 7.1 Provision for Sharing of Temporary Surpluses or Deficits of Capacity Between Operating Companies : It is a fundamental premise of this IIC that each OPERATING COMPANY
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 11 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
is expected to have adequate resources to reliably serve its own obligations. Nevertheless, the OPERATING COMPANIES recognize that in any given year one or more of them may have a temporary surplus or deficit of capacity as a result of coordinated planning or by virtue of load uncertainty, unit availability, and other such circumstances. It is among the purposes of this IIC to share among the OPERATING COMPANIES the benefits and burdens of their coordinated system operations, including the cost associated with such capacity (Reserve Sharing). Reserve Sharing among the OPERATING COMPANIES is accomplished pursuant to transactions (referred to as purchases and sales) effectuated on a monthly basis in accordance with ARTICLES IV and V of the Manual.
Section 7.2 Charge for Monthly Reserve Sharing Among the OPERATING COMPANIES : The OPERATING COMPANIES recognize that capacity reserves in the Pool are predominantly made up of peaking plant or equivalent purchased resources. Accordingly, the monthly charge for Reserve Sharing among the OPERATING COMPANIES will be based on the most recently acquired peaking plant resource that is available for year-round operation and scheduling. Each OPERATING COMPANYs monthly charge for reserve capacity sold to the Pool is developed in accordance with the formula rate set out in ARTICLE V of the Manual. The monthly capacity charge for each OPERATING COMPANY, as developed in accordance with such formula rate, will be shown on Informational Schedules. Each selling OPERATING COMPANY will sell at its charge shown on such Informational Schedules and the buying OPERATING COMPANIES will purchase at the weighted average charge of the sellers.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 12 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
ARTICLE VIII - INTERCHANGE ENERGY TRANSACTIONS
BETWEEN THE OPERATING COMPANIES
Section 8.1 Provision for Interchange Energy : Coordinated system operation, utilizing principles of centralized integrated system economic dispatch, results in energy transfers among the OPERATING COMPANIES. Such energy transfers are accounted for on an hourly basis and are referred to as Interchange Energy. The methodology for determining the amount of Interchange Energy supplied to or purchased from the Pool is set out in ARTICLE II of the Manual. Interchange Energy is composed of the following two categories: (i) Associated Interchange Energy (energy purchased or sold to serve an OPERATING COMPANYs obligations other than those related to opportunity sales); and (ii) Opportunity Interchange Energy (energy purchased or sold to meet an OPERATING COMPANYs responsibility for opportunity sales).
Section 8.2 Charge for Interchange Energy : The charge for Interchange Energy sales by an OPERATING COMPANY during any hour will be based on the variable costs of the generating resources that are considered as having supplied the Interchange Energy. The methodology for determining the charges for Associated and Opportunity Interchange Energy sales to the Pool during any hour is set out in ARTICLE III of the Manual.
ARTICLE IX - PROVISION FOR OTHER INTERCHANGE TRANSACTIONS
Section 9.1 Assignable Energy : Assignable Energy is defined as energy derived from internal sources or from OTHERS at a cost that renders it unusable from an economic dispatch perspective.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 13 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
Assignable Energy is assigned to one or more of the OPERATING COMPANIES consistent with the purpose for which it is acquired. Such assignment will be accomplished by first identifying the beneficiary (or beneficiaries) of the Assignable Energy and then determining the appropriate share for each such OPERATING COMPANY. For example, these shares might be based on a Peak Period Load Ratio (PPLR) in proportion to the PPLRs of other beneficiaries or weighted participation in a bilateral sale. Once assigned, Assignable Energy will not be delivered to the Pool unless it becomes economically usable on the integrated system.
Section 9.2 Hydroelectric Operation During Periods of Minimum Steam Operations : During certain periods of the year when unusually good flow conditions prevail, certain steam generating units may be taken out of service to increase the utilization of hydro energy. The OPERATING COMPANY having such hydro generation may elect to take a fossil fired generating unit out of service. In the alternative, if another OPERATING COMPANY takes a fossil fired generating unit out of service for the purpose of utilizing such hydro energy, the energy rate between the two OPERATING COMPANIES for that transaction will be the average of the operation and maintenance cost of such hydro energy and the variable cost of the fossil fired generating unit.
Section 9.3 Tie-Line Frequency Regulation by Hydro Capacity : Tie-line load control and frequency regulation by hydro involves additional costs because of increased expenditures associated with such regulation. The charge for these transactions is computed in accordance with the formula rate contained in ARTICLE VI of the Manual.
Section 9.4 Pool Transactions with OTHERS : Capacity and energy transactions with OTHERS
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 14 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
that are entered into on behalf of the Pool will be governed by the following principles:
Section 9.4.1 Pool Purchases of Capacity and Energy : The AGENT may periodically purchase capacity and energy from OTHERS for the benefit of the integrated system. Such Pool purchases will initially be allocated at cost to all OPERATING COMPANIES in proportion to their PPLRs, as provided for in ARTICLE X of this IIC. Purchases so allocated may be sold as Interchange Energy when they are economically usable on the integrated system. Adjustments may thereafter be made in order to reconcile any inequitable effects of this process among the OPERATING COMPANIES, with the intent being that none of the individual OPERATING COMPANIES should be adversely impacted by a purchase that benefits the system as a whole. These impacts will be determined through a system simulation that calculates each OPERATING COMPANYs cost of generation that is avoided by the purchase. This avoided cost will be compared on an hourly basis to the cost of the purchase. To the extent the avoided cost exceeds the purchase cost, the effect is positive ( i.e. , cost savings) for that hour. These hourly results will be summed to determine the effect on each OPERATING COMPANY for the day. In situations where individual OPERATING COMPANIES are adversely impacted by a purchase that benefits the system as a whole, such adverse impacts will be offset through a proportional reduction in the positive net benefits realized by the other OPERATING COMPANIES. In the event the net result for the day is negative, that result is shared among the OPERATING COMPANIES on a PPLR basis.
Section 9.4.2 Pool Sales of Capacity and Energy : The AGENT may from time to time arrange for the sale to OTHERS of capacity and energy available to the Pool at rates provided for in contracts or at rates mutually agreed upon. The capacity and/or energy obligation for the sale, as
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 15 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
well as the associated cost, is allocated to each OPERATING COMPANY on a PPLR basis. Payments by OTHERS are also distributed to the respective OPERATING COMPANIES on the basis of PPLRs.
The Pool has the exclusive right to use generation resources committed to the Pool (Pool resources) to engage in opportunity transactions with OTHERS that would begin and end during the period from the current hour through Friday (midnight) of the following week. Neither Southern Power Company nor any of the other OPERATING COMPANIES can use Pool resources for its own benefit in those wholesale opportunity markets. To the extent Southern Power Company engages in other transactions solely for its own benefit, it must do so using personnel (staff) separate from the personnel (staff) that conducts similar activities on behalf of the other OPERATING COMPANIES.
ARTICLE X UTILIZATION OF PEAK-PERIOD LOAD RATIOS
Section 10.1 Certain Allocations and Payments to be Based on Peak-Period Load Ratios : The AGENT is responsible for the annual development of Peak-Period Load Ratios (PPLRs) for each of the OPERATING COMPANIES. These PPLRs will be utilized for allocation of certain costs, payments, receipts and other obligations, as provided for in this IIC or the Manual. The procedure and methodology for developing the PPLRs are set out in ARTICLE I of the Manual and the resulting PPLR values are shown on an Informational Schedule.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 16 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
ARTICLE XI - TRANSMISSION SERVICE
Section 11.1 Applicability of Network Integration Transmission Service : Network Integration Transmission Service (Network Service) provides for the integration, economic dispatch and regulation of current and planned Network Resources to serve Network Load. Since the OPERATING COMPANIES integrate, economically dispatch and regulate their generating resources to serve their bundled and grandfathered native load (Native Load) pursuant to this IIC, the associated use of the transmission system is in the nature of Network Service. Except for provisions related to rates and charges, the transmission service provided to these Native Load customers is comparable to Network Service under the Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT). Since the OPERATING COMPANIES Native Load is specifically included in the determination of the load used to derive the charge for Network Service under the OATT, the OPERATING COMPANIES are bearing a cost responsibility for transactions hereunder comparable to that assigned to other Network Customers.
Section 11.2 Transmission Service for Other Transactions : All transmission service provided to any or all of the OPERATING COMPANIES (other than service to their Native Load, as described in Section 11.1) is subject to the OATT in all respects, including adherence to the same rates, terms and conditions applicable to other market participants. Any such transmission service will be obtained pursuant to the OATT and/or from other transmission providers. Southern Power Company specifically commits to take all of its transmission service under the OATT of Southern Companies or from other transmission providers.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 17 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
ARTICLE XII - BILLING AND PAYMENT
Section 12.1 Recording and Billing of Energy Transactions : Each OPERATING COMPANY will transmit to the AGENT such data and other information for each hour of the year as is necessary to develop accounting and monthly billing for the various energy transactions specified under this IIC. The AGENT is responsible for assembling all of the data and information and for preparing intercompany energy billing for each month in accordance with the provisions of this IIC. The bills shall contain such details as required to permit review and verification by the OPERATING COMPANIES.
Section 12.2 Month-End Adjustment of Daily Energy Determinations : It is recognized that the sum of the daily totals of receipts and deliveries (which are based on instantaneous integrated meters) will not exactly equal corresponding amounts determined at month-end (which are based on accumulating meters). Such differences in energy receipts and deliveries are billed or credited to each OPERATING COMPANY at the average cost of Associated Interchange Energy to the Pool for the month.
Section 12.3 Billing for Reserve Sharing Transactions : The AGENT is responsible for preparing a monthly bill to the OPERATING COMPANIES for all capacity transactions related to Reserve Sharing, as contemplated by this IIC. The bill shall contain such details as required to permit review and verification by the OPERATING COMPANIES.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 18 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
Section 12.4 Billing and Payment Date : The AGENT renders all bills provided for in this IIC not later than the 10th day of the billing month. All payments by the OPERATING COMPANIES are made by the 20th day of the billing month.
Section 12.5 Billing Corrections : If the AGENT discovers missing or erroneous data of a material nature pertaining to prior billings, a correction adjustment applicable to those billings will be based on the period affected by such missing or erroneous data, but not to exceed forty-five (45) days from the date of such discovery (correction period). If the correction period is forty-five days, then the period actually used for the calculation will extend to the beginning of the billing month in which the forty-five day period falls. Interest does not accrue on any such adjustment. The resulting billing correction will be applied as soon as practicable to the regular monthly bill.
[REST OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 19 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be signed by their duly authorized representatives on the Operating Committee, which signatures may be set forth on separate counterpart pages.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
By: /s/Jerry L. Stewart Its Sr. V.P. |
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
By: /s/Kimberly Flowers Its VP Generation |
|
|
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
By: /s/Douglass E. Jones Its Sr. VP |
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY
By: /s/Robert G. Moore Its Sr. V.P. |
|
|
GULF POWER COMPANY
By: /s/Penny Manuel Its VP Generation |
SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/William Paul Bowers Its EVP |
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 20 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
ALLOCATION METHODOLOGY AND PERIODIC
RATE COMPUTATION PROCEDURE MANUAL
Section 0.0 Description and Purpose of Manual : This Manual is provided for in the Southern Company System Intercompany Interchange Contract (IIC) entered into the 1 st day of May, 2007, and contains a formula description of the methodology and procedure used to calculate the charges under the IIC. The Manual is divided into six (6) basic articles as follows:
ARTICLE I |
- |
Methodology for Determination of Peak-Period Load Ratios |
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|
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ARTICLE II |
- |
Methodology for Determination of Amount of Interchange Energy Sold To and Purchased From the Pool |
|
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ARTICLE III |
- |
Rates for Interchange Energy |
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ARTICLE IV |
- |
Methodology for Determination of Monthly Amount of Reserve Sharing Capacity To Be Sold To or Purchased From the Pool |
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ARTICLE V |
- |
Rate for Monthly Reserve Sharing Capacity for Each Operating Company |
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ARTICLE VI |
- |
Rate for Tie-Line Load Control and Frequency Regulation by Hydro Facilities |
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 21 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
ARTICLE I
METHODOLOGY FOR
DETERMINATION OF PEAK-PERIOD LOAD RATIOS
Section 1.1 Provision for Peak-Period Load Ratios : This article of the Manual establishes and provides for the annual derivation of Peak-Period Load Ratios (PPLRs) that are utilized in energy and capacity transactions and in other allocations as provided for in the IIC. These ratios are shown on Informational Schedule No. 1.
Section 1.2 Methodology for Determining Peak-Period Load Ratios : The Contract Year in the IIC is defined as January 1st through December 31st. The peak period is defined as the fourteen (14) hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (Prevailing Central Time) of each weekday, excluding holidays.
The Peak-Period Load Ratios for the Contract Year are based upon the prior years actual peak period energy in the months of June, July, and August for each OPERATING COMPANY. The system peak period energy is equal to the sum of all the OPERATING COMPANIES peak period energy, excluding: (i) opportunity transactions with OTHERS that would begin and end during the period from the current hour through Friday (midnight) of the following week; and (ii) any energy sales transactions that are settled on a financial basis.
The Peak-Period Load Ratios are determined by dividing each OPERATING COMPANY's summation of the June, July, and August actual weekday peak-period energy by the total system June, July, and August actual weekday peak-period energy.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 22 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
ARTICLE II
METHODOLOGY FOR
DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT OF INTERCHANGE
ENERGY SOLD TO AND PURCHASED FROM THE POOL
Section 2.1 Methodology for Determination of Amounts of Interchange Energy : Interchange Energy is composed of the following two categories: (i) Associated Interchange Energy (energy purchased or sold to serve an OPERATING COMPANYs obligations other than those related to opportunity sales); and (ii) Opportunity Interchange Energy (energy purchased or sold to meet an OPERATING COMPANYs responsibility for opportunity sales).
Section 2.1.1 Determination of Associated Interchange Energy : The amount of Associated Interchange Energy purchased or sold is computed hourly on the basis of the following:
1. |
Net receipts and deliveries, which is the total of energy delivered by each OPERATING COMPANY to all other OPERATING COMPANIES and to OTHERS, less the total of energy received by each OPERATING COMPANY from all other OPERATING COMPANIES and from OTHERS; |
2. |
Adjustments for schedules of the OPERATING COMPANIES and OTHERS, for energy movements received from or delivered to sources within or outside the territory of the OPERATING COMPANIES and settled for under arrangements made for such energy movements; |
3. |
Adjustments for Opportunity Interchange Energy, as determined pursuant to Section 2.1.2 below; and |
4. |
Adjustments to account for: (i) the effects of remote generation to which an OPERATING COMPANY is entitled and remote load for which an OPERATING COMPANY is responsible; and (ii) hydro energy losses due to tie-line frequency regulation. |
Section 2.1.2 Determination of Opportunity Interchange Energy : The amount of Opportunity Interchange Energy purchased or sold is computed hourly for each opportunity sale in
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 23 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
order to account for the difference between an OPERATING COMPANYs responsibility for an opportunity sale and the amount of energy actually generated by that OPERATING COMPANY in connection with such sale.
ARTICLE III
RATES FOR INTERCHANGE ENERGY
Section 3.1 Procedure for Economic Dispatch : Centralized economic dispatch is accomplished by dispatching system generating resources and purchases to meet the obligations of the OPERATING COMPANIES and to supply energy for sales to OTHERS. System generating resources are dispatched based on marginal replacement fuel cost, variable operation and maintenance expenses, in-plant fuel handling costs, emission allowance replacement costs, compensation for transmission losses, and other such energy related costs that would otherwise not have been incurred. A purchase is recognized in economic dispatch on the basis of its energy cost. The above-referenced cost components are collectively referred to as the variable dispatch cost.
Section 3.2 Associated Interchange Energy Rate : The Associated Interchange Energy Rate, as determined for each hour, is based on the variable dispatch cost of the incremental resource(s) that serve the collective obligations of the OPERATING COMPANIES. For each hour, an OPERATING COMPANY supplying Associated Interchange Energy to the Pool will receive a payment determined by multiplying the applicable Associated Interchange Energy Rate by the quantity of kilowatt-hours sold to the Pool. For each hour, an OPERATING COMPANY purchasing Associated Interchange
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 24 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
Energy from the Pool will be charged an amount determined by multiplying the Associated Interchange Energy Rate by the quantity of kilowatt-hours purchased from the Pool.
Section 3.3 Opportunity Interchange Energy Rate : The Opportunity Interchange Energy Rate, as determined for each hour, is based on the variable dispatch cost of the resources that supplied such energy in connection with a given opportunity sale. This rate will be applied to each OPERATING COMPANYs energy obligation for that transaction to derive the payment due from such OPERATING COMPANY. The resulting payments will then be used to reimburse the cost of the OPERATING COMPANIES that supplied the Opportunity Interchange Energy.
Section 3.3.1 Opportunity Interchange Energy Rates Related to Certain Contracts and Other Obligations of the Operating Companies : The OPERATING COMPANIES are currently obligated to supply various types of energy under certain contracts with Florida Power & Light Company, Jacksonville Electric Authority, Florida Power Corporation, and South Mississippi Electric Power Association. For purposes of these contracts, the variable dispatch cost of resources supplying the energy shall be the same as described in Section 3.1 of the Manual, except that blended replacement fuel cost will be used instead of marginal replacement fuel cost.
Section 3.4 Variable Operation and Maintenance Expenses For Fossil Fired Units : The variable Operation and Maintenance expenses for fossil fired units for the Contract Year are derived by summing the following budgeted/forecasted components for each unit: (i) all operating material, non-labor, and on-site contract labor charged to FERC Accounts 502 and 505 (Fossil Steam); and (ii) all maintenance material, non-labor, and contract labor charged to FERC Accounts 512 and 513
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 25 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
(Fossil Steam), and 553 (Combustion Turbine). These budgeted expense estimates may be levelized over the major maintenance cycle of a particular unit or set of units. The estimated expenses are divided by the estimated net energy output of each unit to convert the values to dollars per megawatt-hour. The variable Operation and Maintenance expense for each fossil fired unit is shown on Informational Schedule No. 2 for the Contract Year.
Section 3.4.1 In-Plant Fuel Handling Costs for Fossil Fired Units : In-Plant fuel handling costs for each fossil fired unit for the Contract Year are based on the budgeted/forecasted expenditures for in-plant fuel handling expenses charged to FERC Account 501. These budgeted expense estimates may be levelized over the major maintenance cycle of a particular unit or set of units. The estimated expenses are divided by the estimated net energy output of each unit to convert the values to dollars per megawatt-hour. The in-plant fuel handling cost for each fossil fired unit is shown on Informational Schedule No. 2 for the Contract Year.
Section 3.5 Blended Replacement Fuel Cost : Blended replacement fuel costs are determined monthly by the AGENT and are defined as the weighted average cost, escalated for the current dispatch period, of fuel receipts for the previous month (both long-term contract and spot market receipts) and the projected fuel receipts for the current month.
Section 3.6 Marginal Replacement Fuel Cost : Marginal replacement fuel costs for coal are determined at least monthly by the AGENT and reflect the current market price for additional coal needed at a generating facility at the time of such need. For natural gas or oil-fired units, the marginal replacement fuel costs are updated each business day based upon next day market prices.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 26 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
Section 3.7 Emission Allowance Replacement Costs : The replacement costs of emission allowances are determined at least monthly by the AGENT and reflect the current market value of such allowances.
Section 3.8 Revisions in Methodologies : The procedures described in Sections 3.6 and 3.7 will be periodically reviewed by the AGENT and may be revised upon the approval of the Operating Committee.
ARTICLE IV
METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINATION OF
MONTHLY AMOUNT OF RESERVE SHARING
CAPACITY TO BE SOLD TO OR PURCHASED FROM THE POOL
Section 4.1 Formula for Determination of Monthly Reserve Sharing Capacity Sales/Purchases : The monthly capacity sale to or purchase from the Pool for each OPERATING COMPANY for reserve sharing purposes is determined from the following formula:
CS or CP |
= |
RS - R |
Where: |
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|
CS or CP |
= |
Capacity sales to the Pool (CS) or capacity purchases from the Pool (CP) by an OPERATING COMPANY for reserve sharing purposes. A negative value indicates a sale to the Pool and a positive value indicates a purchase from the Pool. |
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RS |
= |
Reserve responsibility for each OPERATING COMPANY (See Section 4.1.1). |
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R |
= |
Reserve capacity for each OPERATING COMPANY (See Section 4.1.2). |
Section 4.1.1 Reserve Responsibility (RS) : The responsibility for the reserve capacity on
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 27 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
the integrated electric system is allocated among the OPERATING COMPANIES on the basis of peak hour load ratios for each month.
RS |
= |
L/L' x R |
Where: |
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RS |
= |
Reserve responsibility for each OPERATING COMPANY. |
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L |
= |
Monthly peak hour load responsibility of each OPERATING COMPANY (See Section 4.3). |
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L' |
= |
Monthly peak hour load of the integrated electric system (See Section 4.3). |
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R |
= |
Sum of the reserve capacity for all of the OPERATING COMPANIES. |
Section 4.1.2 Reserve Capacity (R) : The reserve capacity for each of the respective OPERATING COMPANIES is determined monthly by the following formula:
R |
= |
C - CR |
Where: |
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C |
= |
Total capacity available to the OPERATING COMPANY (See Section 4.2). |
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CR |
= |
Total capacity required to meet reliably the OPERATING COMPANYs load responsibility. |
The capacity required to meet the OPERATING COMPANYs load responsibility is determined by the following formula:
CR |
= |
LC + LCR |
Where: |
|
|
LC |
= |
Portion of the total capacity required to meet reliably the OPERATING COMPANYs load responsibility that is available for load service (available portion). |
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 28 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
LCR |
= |
Portion of the capacity required to meet reliably the OPERATING COMPANYs load responsibility that is unavailable for load service for any reason (including forced outage, partial outage or maintenance outage) during the ten (10) highest system peak hours during each month averaged over the most recent three-year period (unavailable portion). These unavailable portions of capacity are determined by identifying unavailability specific to each individual OPERATING COMPANY by each generation type. Individual OPERATING COMPANY unavailability factors for each type of generating capacity will be applied to their respective owned resources in determining their unavailable capacity associated with load service. |
The available portion of the total capacity is determined from the following formula:
LC |
= |
RPS + DSO + Cha + Cna + Coa |
Where: |
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RPS |
= |
Reserved contract purchases from and sales to OTHERS. |
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DSO |
= |
Demand side option equivalent capacity. |
Cha |
= |
Total conventional hydro capacity less the unavailable portion of conventional hydro capacity. |
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Cna |
= |
Total nuclear capacity less the unavailable portion of nuclear capacity. |
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Coa |
= |
Total available pumped storage hydro, coal, combustion turbine, combined cycle, oil and gas steam, and purchased resource capacity required to meet the remaining portion of the OPERATING COMPANYs load responsibility, calculated as: L - RPS - DSO - Cha - Cna. |
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 29 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
The unavailable portion of the total capacity is determined from the following formula: |
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LCR |
= |
Chu + Cnu + (Coa/(1 - (Cou/Cot)) - Coa) |
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|
Where: |
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Chu |
= |
Unavailable portion of conventional hydro capacity. |
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Cnu |
= |
Unavailable portion of nuclear capacity. |
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Cou |
= |
Total unavailable pumped storage hydro, coal, combustion turbine, combined cycle, oil and gas steam, and purchased resource capacity. |
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Cot |
= |
Total pumped storage hydro, coal, combustion turbine, combined cycle, oil and gas steam, and purchased resource capacity. |
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Section 4.2 Determination of Capacity Available to Each OPERATING COMPANY (C) : The capacity available to each OPERATING COMPANY is determined monthly as the sum of available owned, leased, purchased or otherwise available generating units, reserved contract purchases from and sales to OTHERS, and seasonal or other power exchanges, all as established by the Operating Committee as part of the coordinated planning process. The capacity available is determined from the following formula:
C |
= |
Cc + Cn + Cog + Ccc + Cp + Cct + Ch + Cpsh + DSO + RPS + PRC |
Where: |
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Cc |
= |
Coal capacity. |
Cn |
= |
Nuclear capacity. |
Cog |
= |
Oil and gas steam capacity. |
Ccc |
= |
Combined cycle capacity |
Cp |
= |
Peak Load capacity. |
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 30 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
The components of the above formula shall be computed as detailed below. The capability demonstrated in accordance with such procedures shall be used in establishing the following year's capacity values. Where seasonal references are made, the seasons shall be defined as follows: Summer (June through September); Fall (October through November); Winter (December through February); and Spring (March through May).
Section 4.2.1 Certified Rating : The production officer at each OPERATING COMPANY will certify the full load capability of each coal electric generating unit (excluding units from which Unit Power Sales and other similar bulk power sales are made), oil and gas steam electric generating unit, combined cycle unit, and combustion turbine unit. Southern Nuclear Operating Company will certify the capability of each nuclear steam electric generating unit. These certified ratings (Full Load ratings) shall represent the full load capability expected to be available continuously on a daily basis, under normal operating conditions, with all units at a given plant operating concurrently. Where appropriate, certified ratings shall be adjusted to reflect cogeneration and seasonal impacts. The production officer at each OPERATING COMPANY will also certify the peak load capability of
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 31 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
generating units demonstrating such capability (Peak Load capability). The Peak Load capability shall represent the additional amount of generation obtained for a limited period of time by operating all units at a given plant concurrently and under conditions such as, but not limited to, overpressure, valves wide open and top feedwater heaters out of service. These unit ratings will be included in the informational filing submitted in accordance with ARTICLE VI of the IIC.
Section 4.2.2 Coal (Cc)and Nuclear (Cn) Capacity : The Full Load rating of each coal and nuclear steam electric generating unit shall be based on the unit's capability during hours when such unit demonstrates full output during the months of June through August, adjusted for any temporary identifiable deratings.
Section 4.2.3 Oil and Gas Steam Capacity (Cog) : The Full Load rating of each oil and gas steam electric generating unit shall be based on the unit's demonstrated capability during hours when such unit demonstrates full output during the months of June through August, adjusted for any temporary identifiable deratings.
Section 4.2.4 Combined Cycle Capacity (Ccc) : The Full Load rating of combined cycle generating units shall be based on the unit's demonstrated capability during hours when such unit demonstrates full output during the months of June through August, adjusted for any temporary identifiable deratings. During the other months, an adjustment will be made to the Full Load rating to reflect the unit's capability at expected ambient temperatures for such non-summer period.
Section 4.2.5 Combustion Turbine Capacity (Cct) : The Full Load rating of combustion turbine units is based on the demonstrated output of such unit and the manufacturer's base design curve rating. Combustion turbine units shall demonstrate daily sustained capability during the
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 32 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
months of June through August, adjusted for any temporary identifiable deratings. During the fall, winter and spring, adjustments will be made to the Full Load rating to reflect the unit's capability at expected seasonal ambient temperatures.
Section 4.2.6 Peak Load Capacity (Cp) : The Peak Load capacity of demonstrating generating units shall be the additional amount of generation obtained by operating all units at a given plant concurrently and under conditions such as, but not limited to, overpressure, valves wide open and top feedwater heaters out of service. The Peak Load capacity shall be based on such unit's demonstrated capability during hours when the unit demonstrates peak load capability during the months of June through August, adjusted for temporary identifiable deratings.
Section 4.2.7 Conventional (Ch) and Pumped Storage (Cpsh) Hydro Capacity : For purposes of the IIC, hydro capability is the average simulated generation during eight (8) consecutive hours occurring on five (5) consecutive weekdays using the average water inflows from historical data. The simulation process utilizes maximum (full) gate setting and best (most efficient) gate setting to determine the capability of the hydro facilities. The capability for the months June-August is the summer maximum gate simulated rating. For the months December-May, the capability is the winter maximum gate simulated rating. The capability of the months September-November is the summer best gate simulated rating. To the extent that an OPERATING COMPANY can demonstrate that a hydro facility can actually achieve the maximum gate rating during the fall months, the capability of such hydro facility will be the maximum gate rating.
Section 4.2.8 Active Demand Side Options Equivalent Capacity (DSO) : The equivalent capacity of each active demand side option for each month of the calendar year is determined from
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 33 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
the following formula:
DSO |
= |
[(Cv x ICE) / (1 -(%TL/100))] x A |
Where: |
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|
DSO |
= |
Demand side option equivalent capacity. |
Cv |
= |
Contracted value. |
ICE |
= |
Incremental capacity equivalent factor. |
%TL |
= |
Six (6) percent incremental transmission losses. |
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|
|
A |
= |
Availability Factor. |
The Incremental Capacity Equivalent Factor is a measure of the effect of a demand side option on generating system reliability. The Availability Factor is a measure of the probability of an active demand side option being available at the time it is needed.
Section 4.2.9 Reserved Contract Purchases and Sales (RPS) : Reserved contract purchases and sales for any month include all contracted capacity purchases from and sales to OTHERS for which there are underlying reserves.
Section 4.2.10 Purchased Resource Capacity (PRC) : Purchased resource capacity includes all purchased capacity for which an underlying generating resource is identified and may represent any type of capacity ( e.g. , combined cycle).
Section 4.3 Determination of Peak Hour Load Responsibility of Each OPERATING COMPANY (L) : The monthly peak hour load responsibility of each OPERATING COMPANY is determined by the following formula:
L |
= |
L' x La/100 |
Where: |
|
|
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 34 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
L' |
= |
Monthly ten (10) highest hour average load of the integrated electric system. |
|
|
|
La |
= |
Monthly average percent contribution of each OPERATING COMPANYs ten (10) highest hour average loads to the sum of those loads for all OPERATING COMPANIES for the most recent three-year period. |
Section 4.4 Recognition of Resource Additions or Deletions : For additions or deletions of capacity resources for the coming year, an adjustment will be made in the capability resources of the appropriate OPERATING COMPANY based upon the actual date of the addition or deletion ( e.g. , commercial operation, retirement, purchase, or sale); provided, however, that the adjustment will not be made in a month earlier than that originally established by the Operating Committee pursuant to the coordinated planning process. If the actual date is on or before the 15th day of the month, the capacity adjustment begins in that month. If the actual date is beyond the 15th day of the month, the capacity adjustment begins in the following month.
Section 4.5 Capacity Outside of the Coordinated Planning Process : If an OPERATING COMPANY has capacity that was not established by the Operating Committee as part of the coordinated planning process, such capacity will not be included as capacity available to the OPERATING COMPANY (pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Manual) for reserve sharing purposes (unrecognized capacity). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an OPERATING COMPANYs monthly capacity/load ratio, as determined by comparing its available capacity (pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Manual) with its load responsibility (pursuant to Section 4.3 of this Manual), is less than
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 35 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
the comparable ratio for the aggregate system (excluding the load responsibility and available capacity of the subject OPERATING COMPANY), then unrecognized capacity (up to an amount that will make these ratios comparable) will be designated as capacity available to that OPERATING COMPANY for that month.
ARTICLE V
RATE FOR MONTHLY RESERVE SHARING
CAPACITY FOR EACH OPERATING COMPANY
Section 5.1 Provision for Monthly Capacity Rate for Reserve Sharing : This article of the Manual establishes the formula rate for deriving the monthly reserve sharing capacity charge for each OPERATING COMPANY based on its most recently installed peaking facilities (or equivalent purchased resources) available for year-round operation or scheduling. OPERATING COMPANIES that have not installed or purchased such facilities or resources within the last five (5) years will utilize the weighted average rate of all the OPERATING COMPANIES that have installed or purchased such facilities or resources. In the event none of the OPERATING COMPANIES have installed or purchased such facilities or resources within the last five (5) years, the rate of the last facility or resource installed or purchased by any of them will be utilized for all OPERATING COMPANIES. The monthly reserve sharing capacity charges are utilized in the determination of payments to the Pool by the OPERATING COMPANIES purchasing capacity during the month and receipts from the Pool by the OPERATING COMPANIES selling capacity during the month. Each OPERATING COMPANY that sells reserve sharing capacity to the Pool will receive a payment based on the product of the amount of net capacity sales (CS) times that OPERATING
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 36 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
COMPANYs monthly capacity rate. Each deficit OPERATING COMPANY will make payments to the Pool based on the product of the amount of net reserve sharing capacity purchased (CP) times the weighted average cost of such capacity sold to the Pool during the month. The monthly reserve sharing capacity rate of each OPERATING COMPANY for each month of the Contract Year is shown on Informational Schedule No. 3. Such rates will be revised in accordance with this Manual and the IIC in subsequent contract years.
Section 5.2 Derivation of Monthly Capacity Costs of Each OPERATING COMPANY : The derivation of the monthly capacity costs of each OPERATING COMPANY, as used for purposes of the reserve sharing capacity rate, is based on one of the following: (i) the capacity cost of the most recently added peaking facility; (ii) the capacity cost of the most recent equivalent purchased resource; or (iii) the weighted system average of the capacity costs of the most recently added peaking facilities or equivalent purchased resources.
The monthly reserve sharing capacity rate of each OPERATING COMPANY for an installed peaking facility under subpart (i) will be determined by the following formula:
R1 |
= |
(I x LFCC/100/C1) x MCWF |
Where: |
|
|
R1 |
= |
Monthly charges for peaking |
|
|
facility ($/kW-Month). |
|
|
|
I |
= |
Gross investment in peaking facility ($). |
|
|
|
LFCC |
= |
16.3%, levelized fixed capacity charge. |
|
|
|
C1 |
= |
Peaking facilitys rated production capability (kW), as determined by Section 4.2 of this Manual. |
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 37 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
|
|
|
MCWF |
= |
Monthly Capacity Worth Factor for the applicable month. |
The AGENT may periodically re-evaluate the monthly capacity worth factors based upon evaluations of system reliability. The governing MCWFs will be included in the Informational Schedules submitted in accordance with ARTICLE VI of the IIC.
For purposes of subpart (ii), the monthly reserve sharing capacity rate of each OPERATING COMPANY for an equivalent purchased resource will be the annual capacity rate ($/kW-Year) paid for such resource, multiplied by the applicable MCWF.
For purposes of subpart (iii), the monthly reserve sharing capacity rate will be the weighted system average of the costs of the most recently added peaking facilities (as determined for purposes of subpart (i)) or equivalent purchased resources (as determined for purposes of subpart (ii)), multiplied by the applicable MCWF.
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 38 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
Section 5.3 Monthly Reserve Sharing Capacity Rate To Be Adjusted For Production Resource Change : If a peaking facility or an equivalent purchased resource of an OPERATING COMPANY is placed in commercial operation or available for scheduling by the 15th day of the month established by the Operating Committee as part of the coordinated planning process, the budgeted investment cost or annual capacity rate will be used in the determination of the monthly reserve sharing capacity rate for such OPERATING COMPANY for that and subsequent months of the calendar year. If the facility or resource is not placed in commercial operation or available for scheduling by the 15th day of such month, the cost basis established under Section 5.2, as used to derive the monthly reserve sharing capacity rate for the previous month, will remain in effect until the month in which the facility or resource is in commercial operation or available for scheduling on or before the 15th day.
ARTICLE VI
RATE FOR TIE-LINE LOAD CONTROL AND
FREQUENCY REGULATION BY HYDRO FACILITIES
Section 6.1 Provision for Hydro Regulation Energy Losses : Because of energy losses from hydro regulation, the OPERATING COMPANIES supplying this service are deprived of hydro energy. To distribute equitably this loss of energy among the OPERATING COMPANIES in accordance with size of loads regulated and to compensate the OPERATING COMPANIES for regulating services rendered, adjustments in billing determinations are necessary. Hydro energy losses actually incurred by regulating OPERATING COMPANIES during each day are replaced by the Pool at zero cost, and the AGENT allocates such energy losses to all OPERATING COMPANIES in accordance with Peak-Period Load Ratios. Energy lost during high-flow periods is replaced during the period in
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 39 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
which such losses occur, and energy lost from poorer efficiencies during normal and low-flow periods is replaced during the 14-hour peak period since hydro energy so lost could have been retained in storage and generated during this period.
Section 6.2 Provision for Increases in Cost Due to Hydro Regulation : Payments are made to hydro regulating OPERATING COMPANIES for each hour of such regulation for the increase in operating and maintenance expenditures for governor mechanisms and water turbine parts, and these expenses are allocated to all OPERATING COMPANIES in accordance with Peak-Period Load Ratios. Such payments are calculated using actual expenses incurred through the last calendar year available, adjusted to current-year dollars, for the cost of labor, engineering and supervision, and materials and supplies in the following FERC Accounts: 544-10, Generator and Exciters; 544-20, Hydraulic Turbines and Settings; 544-40, Governors and Control Apparatus; and 544-50, Powerhouse Remote Control Equipment. The basis for hourly payments is the difference in the average hourly costs for regulating plants and non-regulating plants, expressed in the following formula:
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Southern Company Services, Inc. |
Original Sheet No. 40 |
Second Revised Rate Schedule FERC Number 138
The regulating OPERATING COMPANIES shall supply the AGENT an hourly statement of energy losses incurred in providing hydro regulating services. Such statement should include sufficient detail to permit review and verification by the AGENT.
Section 6.3 Regulation by Pumped Storage Hydro Projects : It is understood that pumped storage hydro projects owned by the OPERATING COMPANIES may also be used for regulation of the integrated electric system. In such event, the hourly charge for such regulation will be the same charge derived under the formula contained in Section 6.2 hereof.
Section 6.4 Provision for Increases in Cost Due to Hydro Scheduling : Because the use of hydro resources for tie-line load control and frequency regulation does not allow the hydro energy to be scheduled in the most cost effective manner, less economic gains are achieved than would have been if the hydro energy had been used to displace only the highest cost other energy sources. The difference in actual displacement costs represents the value of the lost economic opportunity by the owning OPERATING COMPANY by such use of hydro energy, or the costs of providing higher cost energy. The AGENT shall allocate such costs to all the OPERATING COMPANIES in accordance with Peak-Period Load Ratios.
[END OF MANUAL]
Issued by: Charles D. Long, IV, V.P., Fleet Operations & Trading |
Effective: May 1, 2007 |
Issued on: May 18, 2007
Filed pursuant to order dated April 19, 2007 accepting compliance filing in Docket Nos. EL05-102, et al ., Southern Company Services, Inc. , 119 FERC ¶ 61,065 (2007).
Exhibit 31(a)1
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, David M. Ratcliffe, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Southern Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
|
(c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/David M. Ratcliffe
David M. Ratcliffe
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31(a)2
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Thomas A. Fanning, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Southern Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
|
(c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Thomas A. Fanning
Thomas A. Fanning
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Exhibit 31(b)1
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Charles D. McCrary, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Alabama Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Charles D. McCrary
Charles D. McCrary
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31(b)2
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Art P. Beattie, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Alabama Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Art P. Beattie
Art P. Beattie
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Exhibit 31(c)1
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Michael D. Garrett, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Georgia Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Michael D. Garrett
Michael D. Garrett
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31(c)2
GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Cliff S. Thrasher, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Georgia Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Cliff S. Thrasher
Cliff S. Thrasher
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Exhibit 31(d)1
GULF POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Susan N. Story, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Gulf Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Susan N. Story
Susan N. Story
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31(d)2
GULF POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Ronnie R. Labrato, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Gulf Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Ronnie R. Labrato
Ronnie R. Labrato
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 31(e)1
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Anthony J. Topazi, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mississippi Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Anthony J. Topazi
Anthony J. Topazi
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31(e)2
MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Frances V. Turnage, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mississippi Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
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(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Frances Turnage
Frances V. Turnage
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 31(f)1
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Ronnie L. Bates, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Southern Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
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(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Ronnie L. Bates
Ronnie L. Bates
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31(f)2
SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Michael W. Southern, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Southern Power Company; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
|
(b) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
|
(c) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 7, 2007
/s/Michael W. Southern
Michael W. Southern
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32(a)
CERTIFICATION
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Southern Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, we, the undersigned, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of our individual knowledge and belief, that:
(1) |
such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Southern Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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(2) |
the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Southern Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of The Southern Company. |
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/s/David M. Ratcliffe David M. Ratcliffe Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
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/s/Thomas A. Fanning Thomas A. Fanning Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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Date: May 7, 2007
Exhibit 32(b)
CERTIFICATION
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Alabama Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, we, the undersigned, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of our individual knowledge and belief, that:
(1) |
such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Alabama Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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|
(2) |
the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Alabama Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Alabama Power Company. |
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/s/Charles D. McCrary Charles D. McCrary President and Chief Executive Officer
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/s/Art P. Beattie Art P. Beattie Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Date: May 7, 2007
Exhibit 32(c)
CERTIFICATION
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Georgia Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, we, the undersigned, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of our individual knowledge and belief, that:
(1) |
such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Georgia Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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|
(2) |
the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Georgia Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Georgia Power Company. |
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/s/Michael D. Garrett Michael D. Garrett President and Chief Executive Officer
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/s/Cliff S. Thrasher Cliff S. Thrasher Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
|
Date: May 7, 2007
Exhibit 32(d)
CERTIFICATION
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Gulf Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, we, the undersigned, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of our individual knowledge and belief, that:
(1) |
such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Gulf Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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|
(2) |
the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Gulf Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Gulf Power Company. |
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/s/Susan N. Story Susan N. Story President and Chief Executive Officer
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/s/Ronnie R. Labrato Ronnie R. Labrato Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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Date: May 7, 2007
Exhibit 32(e)
CERTIFICATION
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mississippi Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, we, the undersigned, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of our individual knowledge and belief, that:
(1) |
such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mississippi Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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(2) |
the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mississippi Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Mississippi Power Company. |
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/s/Anthony J.Topazi Anthony J. Topazi President and Chief Executive Officer
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/s/Frances Turnage Frances V. Turnage Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
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Date: May 7 , 2007
Exhibit 32(f)
CERTIFICATION
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Southern Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, we, the undersigned, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of our individual knowledge and belief, that:
(1) |
such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Southern Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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(2) |
the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Southern Power Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Southern Power Company. |
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/s/Ronnie L Bates Ronnie L. Bates President and Chief Executive Officer
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/s/Michael W. Southern Michael W. Southern Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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Date: May 7, 2007