Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1265564
1 Springtime is a season of hope, as the days become longer and warmer, and nature displays new growth. At Alabama Power, spring also signals the beginning of storm season, requiring a renewed focus on the company's industry-leading reliability and commitment to customer service. This spring, the major tempest facing the company and the communities it serves was a viral pandemic. On March 13, the U.S. declared a national emergency as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation. Alabama Power began implementing its crisis management and incident response plans, while protecting the safety and well-being of its employees and the public. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure the company is poised to maintain reliable electric service. The following week, Alabama Power shi ed to adjusted business operations as nearly a third of all employees began working remotely at home. Local business offi ces limited walk-in services, while continuing to meet customer needs through 24/7 payment kiosks, drop box or drive-thru options, in addition to phone and online services. More than 2,500 authorized payment locations at local retailers were also available. The company implemented aggressive cleaning practices at its facilities, limited access to employees and installed signs reminding employees of practices to stay safe from COVID-19. In partnership with local union leadership, company leaders determined that staggered work schedules and focusing only on critical operations were eff ective ways to protect the safety and health of fi eld employees while maintaining business continuity. "Safety First is a core value of Alabama Power," said CEO Mark Crosswhite. "Throughout the pandemic, we have been focused on the safety and well-being of our employees and customers, while ensuring there is no impact to reliable service." Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from leaders in infectious disease control, the company has adapted its processes and procedures throughout the pandemic. As guidance evolved from medical and government leaders, so did the company's response plan, including work schedules and use of personal protective equipment. "Throughout the pandemic, Alabama Power has been a leader in the state's response to COVID-19," said Dr. Edward Hook III, UAB infectious disease specialist. "I commend company leadership on their commitment to keeping Alabama Power employees and customers safe. I have every confi dence that all at Alabama Power will continue to set an example for our entire community, both through their actions at work and at home." As an essential business, Alabama Power never closed, continuing to provide Alabama communities the vital energy needed to power homes and businesses, sustain hospital operations and help the wheels of production to keep turning. "The hard work and dedication of our Alabama Power team is remarkable," said Crosswhite. "The commitment to our customers has been unwavering throughout this challenging situation." DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF THE STATE Less than a week a er the national emergency was declared, the company's charitable giving eff orts were underway as the Alabama Power Foundation and ABC Trust pledged $1 million to support communities statewide. To respond to community relief initiatives, the foundation partnered with the United Way, Red Cross, Salvation Army and other nonprofi t agencies. Throughout the state, the foundation funded organizations addressing immediate needs, including food distribution, emergency child care support, technology needs for distance learning and care for older citizens. The foundation also partnered with organizations to expand COVID-19 testing in the Black Belt region of Alabama. The ABC Trust is supporting communities and individuals aff ected by the pandemic by working directly with community action agencies, nonprofi ts and faith-based organizations to address health and human service needs and provide energy assistance. The trust established the ABC Trust Community Grant to assist agencies with emergency funding for COVID-19 relief and to address health and human service needs for low-income individuals. In addition to fi nancial support, the foundation off ered nonprofi ts, businesses and communities the tools and resources needed for sustainability by providing technical assistance and hosting a series of webinars for nonprofi ts. The webinars, specifi cally tailored to nonprofi t needs, covered topics such as how to navigate available resources at the federal, state and local levels; evaluating organizational fi nancial health; and the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on nonprofi ts. By July, more than 200 nonprofi ts had taken part in the webinars. The foundation partnered with Alabama Power's Customer Service Organization to launch an expanded technical assistance program for businesses, nonprofi ts and municipalities hurt by COVID-19 seeking to secure federal and nonprofi t grant opportunities. This program includes direct outreach, how-to tutorials through altogetheralabama.org and direct technical assistance in applying for local, state and federal funding. The Elevate conference, the foundation's annual event that brings together nonprofi ts from across the state for networking and training, was hosted online in June as a weeklong webinar series. The conference concluded with the announcement of POWERING ALABAMA COMMUNITIES THROUGH CRISIS PANDEMIC Danita Taylor, Customer Support, Corporate Headquarters Electrical and Instrumentation Journeyman John Lewis at Green County Steam Plant Alabama Power maintains operations, serves customers during COVID-19 pandemic