POWERGRAMS

22 1 It was a year unlike any other in almost every respect. Seemingly out of nowhere, a deadly virus raced around the world, leading to illness and death across America. And most Americans had hardly begun hunkering down in their homes when the violent deaths of Americans propelled the Black Lives Matter movement worldwide. Amid the sadness of coronavirus and civil unrest came perhaps the worst hurricane season ever, as naming the storms was forced into the Greek alphabet while the Alabama Gulf Coast was repeatedly battered. Yet, throughout the historic days of 2020, Alabama Power employees got the job done, led by linemen who braved the aftermath of storms to restore power where many customers were following stay-at-home orders. The company chose to keep the power on for people who couldn't pay their bills, then customer representatives worked out plans to help their customers eventually pay back what was owed. Business offices closed for six months for the safety of everyone, then reopened in October by following strict health guidelines. Historians will write about 2020 for many years ahead but here are some Alabama Power highlights. JANUARY On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, many Alabama Power employees helped strengthen their communities by volunteering for projects statewide. Volunteers from the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) worked in Birmingham, Calhoun County, Hoover, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Wilsonville and other cities picking up trash, planting trees, sprucing up facilities and joining with others to improve their state. ………… On Jan. 24, 160 athletes and their family members and friends competed in the Special Olympics Alabama Birmingham Swim sectional. There were 13 teams from across the state with athletes ages 8 to 67 competing in 27 events. The competitors swam in 39 races in various divisions, based on age, gender and ability. APSO and the Energizers teamed up for the day, with 20 employees and retirees lending a hand. ………….. An artificial reef created in the Gulf of Mexico four years ago by Alabama Power and multiple partners appears to be teeming with life. Two retired boilers were sunk off the coast of Mobile County to improve the marine ecosystem. The giant steel structures previously used to turn steam into power have proved to be a boon for offshore anglers. The 200,000-pound boilers were sunk from a barge donated by Cooper/T. Smith Corp., headquartered in Mobile. FEBRUARY Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the planting of Education Farm in Birmingham in hopes that it will grow students and adults ready for the workforce of tomorrow. Apple is partnering with the Alabama Power Foundation, TechAlabama and Birmingham City Schools on the groundbreaking education initiative. Cook, an Alabama native and Auburn University graduate, said Birmingham was the right place for the launch. Cook said Ed Farm will collaborate with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. ………….. The 2010s resulted in business growth and transformation of the greater Birmingham area. The Birmingham Business Journal featured companies and organizations that helped define the Magic City's business community during the decade of 2010-19. Alabama Power was recognized as a "Company of the Decade," noted as an active corporate citizen, major employer and catalyst for economic and community development. CEO Mark Crosswhite was recognized as an "Executive of the Decade," as the BBJ cited the company's commitment to innovation under his leadership through initiatives like Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator and the 2022 World Games. ………… For 25 years, Alabama Power engineers have led an Explorers program in which they provide learning opportunities for high school students interested in engineering. The program is a collaboration with the Boy Scouts of America. Students discuss potential career paths and compete in a hands-on project. An event in Southern Division involved different trusses for bridge building. After learning about designs, students competed to build the sturdiest bridge with Popsicle sticks. MARCH A steady stream of students climbed beneath the winged doors of a BMW i8, smiling widely as they imagined taking the sleek black vehicle on the road. The electric sports car was the eye candy but what mattered was what 100 young people heard at Career Day booths at the 12th Street Crew Headquarters in Birmingham. Students from Carver, Jackson-Olin and Ramsay high schools listened intently to more than 40 members of LEAP (Linemen, Engineers and Apprentice Programs). …………… The Alabama Power Foundation and ABC Trust pledged $1 million to support communities affected by the coronavirus. The foundation and trust are partnering with agencies, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way and others. The foundation is working with nonprofit community agencies to identify needs and where gaps exist. The trust is collaborating to address food insecurity, medicine and hygiene needs, and energy assistance. ……………. In a move to proactively protect the health of customers, employees and the communities it serves, Alabama Power on March 20 temporarily adjusted business office operations throughout the state. The offices maintained YEAR IN REVIEW e Year of C VID Crosswhite

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