POWERGRAMS

1 LEADERSHIP Crosswhite credits employees for APC success By Marc Rice It is no secret that technology, demographics and shis in national energy policy are transforming the electric utility industry. What could be a time of turbulence has been instead a period of consistency and success for Alabama Power. With February marking his fih anniversary as CEO, Mark Crosswhite took some time to reflect on what the company has accomplished so far during his tenure, the issues currently affecting the business and how Alabama Power is preparing for the future. Crediting the 6,600 employees of Alabama Power for all the company's success, Crosswhite said he is confident about what's ahead. "Alabama Power has faced changes and challenges throughout its history, and our people have always risen to the occasion and successfully moved the company forward," he said. "It's no different today; our company is fundamentally strong, and we are focused on the right things for the days ahead." Over the past half-decade, Alabama Power hasn't missed a beat, experiencing financial stability; constructive regulation; strong performance on fundamentals like customer service and operational excellence; continued leadership in the business community; and thoughtful, measured forays into innovative new products and services. Alabama Power's success at geing the fundamentals right is confirmed by the numerous awards and recognitions the company consistently earns from prestigious consumer and industry organizations, notably for outstanding customer service and effectiveness in restoring power aer big storms. "We continue to be one of the most respected companies anywhere. That's because of our people, and I'm proud of the work our people do, day in and day out," Crosswhite said. The focus on fundamentals boils down to puing customers at the center of everything. With the exception of safety, Crosswhite noted, that is Alabama Power's most important priority. "If we do the right things to take care of our customers, everything else tends to fall into place," he said. Serving customers in today's environment means more than keeping the lights on. Customers' habits and expectations are changing quickly, and the company must meet customers where they are. Innovation is an increasing part of the picture. Crosswhite notes that innovation has been central to Alabama Power since the time of Capt. William Patrick Lay, the company founder who originated the enduring mission statement: "Developed for the service of Alabama." "When the company got started, when we first developed hydro power in the early 20th century, it was a new thing," Crosswhite said. "We had to create the market for the electricity we produced." The balance of fundamentals and innovation, with the focus always on finding beer ways to serve customers, is behind many of the company's newer initiatives, including the internationally recognized Smart Neighborhood project. Smart Neighborhood, future-focused residential communities in Birmingham's suburbs and Auburn, features high- performance homes, energy- efficient systems and appliances, connected devices and a microgrid on a communitywide scale – the first of its kind in the Southeast. While innovation occurs across the company ALL TOGETHER NOW "What sets Alabama Power apart is our people and our shared commitment to help elevate our state." Company honored for safety, reliability. Smart Neighborhoods rising in Auburn, Birmingham.

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