ATLANTA, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/

Continuing uncertainty surrounding potential state regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions has resulted in the cancellation of a 285-megawatt integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) facility at the Stanton Energy Center near Orlando, Fla. Formal action to terminate construction was taken by an executive committee, composed of representatives from the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) and Southern Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company.

Construction of a gas-fired combined cycle generating facility will proceed as originally planned.

Southern Company remains confident in its coal gasification technology and believes it has the potential to be among the cleanest, most efficient coal-based generation options available for the foreseeable future.

The IGCC process turns coal into gas for generating electricity, while significantly reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury. IGCC plants use state-of-the-art emission controls, showcasing the most efficient coal-fired power technology in the world.

With 4.3 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast, one of America's fastest-growing regions. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for eight consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Visit our Web site at http://www.southerncompany.com/ .


Southern Company

CONTACT: Mike Tyndall of Southern Company, +1-404-506-5333, or1-866-506-5333, media@southerncompany.com

Web site: http://www.southerncompany.com/