POWERGRAMS

Golden Greene This summer, Alabama Power celebrates the 50th anniversary of Plant Greene County. Since 1965, the plant and its employees have served west Alabama with a civic-minded spirit that has left an indelible mark on the community. During those 50 years, the plant has been a source of many things, perhaps none bigger than employment opportunities, spurring economic growth and providing cherished memories. Most of the employee memories shared through the years involve stories of camaraderie between co-workers. One employee recalls the office pranks. Another remembers friendships formed between summer co-op students. Others have fond memories of the many service projects employees have championed. For each one of these stories, there are countless more. As the backdrop of so many memorable stories, Plant Greene County certainly has a special one all its own. From the beginning, the communities of west Alabama have embraced and supported the plant. As Alabama Power experienced steady growth statewide in the first half of the 20th century, industrial and economic development expanded in west Alabama and the company had to accommodate this growth. On a September morning in 1962, county and city officials, businessmen, educators, community activists and others appeared before the Alabama Public Service Commission to urge approval of the Greene County Steam Plant. One month later, the commissioners granted Alabama Power permission to build the plant. "I started working there before there was a plant," said Oscar McLamb, a welder. "It was hard work but we enjoyed our job and our time there." After three years of construction, the first unit began commercial operation on June 11, 1965 with a generating capacity of 250 megawatts, enough to serve the needs of 150,000 to 200,000 homes. McLamb was hired on at the plant and would remain working for Alabama Power 23 years. Now 91 and retired, he enjoys telling how he ended up applying for the company job in 1965. "My wife saw there was a job opening at Alabama Power and told me it would be a mistake if I didn't apply," said McLamb. "I worked for contractors for years before that and if it wasn't for her, I would have never applied for that job. I knew I had to take it and I'm so glad I did." McLamb recalls the family atmosphere at the facility near Demopolis. "We were all very close. I remember having very good leaders at the plant and great foremen," said McLamb. "I still see a lot of the people I worked with back then." Among those longtime friends is Barbara Cannon, the first female to work at Greene County. "It was very scary starting out being the only woman," said Cannon of that day in 1977. "But it became easier every day. We were like family and a little over a year later, we hired another woman." Cannon recently retired after 38 years at the plant. "Certainly there have been many changes," said Cannon. "The technology was always something we had to get used to. It seemed like it was constantly changing." Like technology, Greene County continued evolving. A second unit was added in July 1966 and the number of employees continued to increase. Before long, the plant was a major source of employment. Now, Greene County has 11 generating units with a nameplate capacity of 1,200 megawatts. While there have been many changes in 50 years, one thing remains unchanged: the passion employees have for serving their community. "Plant Greene County has served our customers well over the last half- century. In addition to its outstanding performance, the plant has established a legacy of exceptional community service," said Plant Manager Riley Wells. "Our communities have benefited tremendously from our employees' leadership and support of countless civic and charitable organizations and events." Through APSO projects, Renew Our Rivers cleanups, Christmas on the River, and a seemingly endless list of civic events, employees continue to give back. "Greene County has provided affordable, reliable electricity to our customers for over 50 years," said Senior Vice President and Senior Production Officer Jim Heilbron. "In addition, the employees of Greene County have maintained a prominent role in the west Alabama community. Serving our customers and supporting the community clearly demonstrate that Greene County was 'developed for the service of Alabama.'" A formal anniversary celebration will be in August as the community rallies around the plant and celebrates its many achievements. By Anna Catherine Roberson MILESTONE 3 WEST AL ABA M A PL ANT M ARKS 50 YEARS SERVING COM MUNIT Y Commercial operation of first unit began June 11, 1965.

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