66904--2/25/2010--ALABAMA_POWER

related topics

{capital, credit, financial}

{competitive, industry, competition}

{financial, litigation, operation}

{gas, price, oil}

{operation, natural, condition}

{debt, indebtedness, cash}

{personnel, key, retain}

{cost, contract, operation}

{condition, economic, financial}

General Risks Related to Operation of Southern Company s Utility Subsidiaries The regional power market in which Southern Company and its utility subsidiaries compete may have changing transmission regulatory structures, which could affect the ownership of these assets and related revenues and expenses. The net income of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power could be negatively impacted by competitive activity in the wholesale electricity markets. Risks Related to Southern Company and its Business Southern Company may be unable to meet its ongoing and future financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock if its subsidiaries are unable to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to Southern Company. The financial performance of Southern Company and its subsidiaries may be adversely affected if they are unable to successfully operate their facilities or perform certain corporate functions. The traditional operating companies could be subject to higher costs and penalties as a result of mandatory reliability standards. The revenues of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power depend in part on sales under PPAs. The failure of a counterparty to one of these PPAs to perform its obligations, or the failure to renew the PPAs, could have a negative impact on the net income and cash flows of the affected traditional operating company or Southern Power and of Southern Company. Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power may incur additional costs or delays in the construction of new plants or other facilities and may not be able to recover their investments. The facilities of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power require ongoing capital expenditures. Changes in technology may make Southern Company s electric generating facilities owned by the traditional operating companies and Southern Power less competitive. Operation of nuclear facilities involves inherent risks, including environmental, health, regulatory, terrorism, and financial risks, that could result in fines or the closure of Southern Company s nuclear units owned by Alabama Power or Georgia Power and which may present potential exposures in excess of insurance coverage. The generation operations and energy marketing operations of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power are subject to risks, many of which are beyond their control, including changes in power prices and fuel costs, that may reduce Southern Company s, the traditional operating companies , and Southern Power s revenues and increase costs. A downgrade in the credit ratings of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, or Southern Power could negatively affect their ability to access capital at reasonable costs and/or could require Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, or Southern Power to post collateral or replace certain indebtedness. The use of derivative contracts by Southern Company and its subsidiaries in the normal course of business could result in financial losses that negatively impact the net income of Southern Company and its subsidiaries. The traditional operating companies and Southern Power may not be able to obtain adequate fuel supplies, which could limit their ability to operate their facilities. Demand for power could exceed supply capacity, resulting in increased costs for purchasing capacity in the open market or building additional generation capabilities. Demand for power could decrease or fail to grow at expected rates, resulting in stagnant or reduced revenues, limited growth opportunities, and potentially stranded generation assets. The operating results of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power are affected by weather conditions and may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis. In addition, significant weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts, or a terrorist attack could result in substantial damage to or limit the operation of the properties of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power and could negatively impact results of operation, financial condition, and liquidity. Failure to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce could negatively impact Southern Company s and its subsidiaries results of operations. Risks Related to Market and Economic Volatility The business of Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power is dependent on their ability to successfully access funds through capital markets and financial institutions. The inability of Southern Company, any traditional operating company, or Southern Power to access funds may limit its ability to execute its business plan by impacting its ability to fund capital investments or acquisitions that Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, or Southern Power may otherwise rely on to achieve future earnings and cash flows. Market performance and other changes may decrease the value of benefit plans and decommissioning trust assets or may increase medical costs, which then could require significant additional funding. Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power are subject to risks associated with a changing economic environment, which could impact their ability to obtain adequate insurance and the financial stability of the customers of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power.

Full 10-K form ▸

66904--2/25/2010--ALABAMA_POWER_CO