POWERGRAMS

2 meet an extraordinary surge in energy demand when an Arctic blast resulted in some of the coldest temperatures recorded in Alabama in decades. But much more is in store as the company builds its "energy fleet of the future," Dillard said. With more customers – residential, commercial and industrial – expressing interest in clean energy, the state Public Service Commission, which regulates Alabama Power, has opened a pathway – providing its approval for the company to develop up to 2,400 megawatts (MW) of solar generating capacity through new solar facilities of up to 200 MW each. The importance of clean energy in Alabama Power's future is clear, underscored by its inclusion in the company's list of Top 10 priorities. Employees are also learning more about clean energy through an ongoing awareness and education campaign, while customers can take part in Alabama Power's clean energy future by purchasing renewable energy credits through the company's revised Clean Energy Select program. A new Clean Energy page on Alabama Power's website provides helpful information about clean energy and the company's clean energy programs. Clean energy also is important in supporting the state's growing innovation economy, a focus area of the company. "Fuel-source options play a role in large customers' growth and location decisions," Dillard said. "Increased access to clean energy options, like solar, mean more jobs and economic opportunities for Alabamians." Meanwhile, the company's robust mix of nuclear, hydro, gas and coal provide the reserve capacity and flexibility that is essential to meeting customers' energy needs – today, and in the future. "Optionality is key," Dillard added. "We cannot and will not rely on one generation technology or fuel source. It has to be a mix." Alabama Power has built a legacy of always meeting customers where they are – back to its earliest days when hydro was the foundation of the company's generating system. Indeed, Alabama Power is upgrading several hydro facilities so they can produce more energy, more efficiently – and continue to serve customers for yet another century. "Clean energy has been the bedrock of Alabama Power's DNA since our founding with hydro on the Coosa River," Dillard said. "It's great to think that now, more than 120 years later, we're continuing to perfect those investments from our founders to power a better Alabama." By Michael Sznajderman With all its units, Barry's total generating capacity is 3,246 MW, making it the largest generating facility in the Alabama Power electric system. Barry 8 can produce up to 727 MW, enough to power more than 200,000 homes. Dillard

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