POWERGRAMS

Small Business Solutions Alabama Power is committed to working with small businesses and helping them succeed. As part of that commitment, the company has launched "Small Business Solutions," with support from the Alabama Public Service Commission, the National Federation of Independent Business/Alabama and the Alabama Small Business Commission. "Small businesses are the heart and soul of Alabama's economy," said Tony Smoke, vice president of Marketing. "We are always looking for ways to help small businesses grow, save money and create jobs." Small Business Solutions offers several options to help small commercial customers strengthen and expand their businesses and become more energy efficient: • Small Business Deposit Refund – Beginning in November, small commercial customers in good standing with the company may be eligible for a one-time refund of the deposit they paid when establishing their business account. As many as 13,000 small businesses may qualify for the refund. Average refunds are expected to be about $500, although some could be more than $1,000. Business owners may call Alabama Power at 1-888-430- 5787 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to determine eligibility, or visit alabamapower.com/smallbizrefund for more information. • Community Redevelopment Incentive (rate rider CRI) – Small commercial or industrial customers who open or expand their business in a vacant building can receive a 15 percent reduction in the monthly base rate for 12 months. To qualify, the vacant space must have been unoccupied for at least six months. • Energy Audits – Small businesses may qualify for a free energy audit from the company. Alabama Power representatives are available to visit businesses and help them identify ways to use energy more efficiently. To determine eligibility, business owners can call 1-888-430-5787 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. "We appreciate Alabama Power's support in helping us identify ways to help small business in the state," said Rosemary Elebash, chairman of the small business commission and state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. Small Business Solutions is the latest effort by Alabama Power to assist customers. The company worked with the Alabama Small Business Commission to create a special page on the company's website, alabamapower.com/smallbusiness. The page offers a variety of resources, including marketing data for counties within Alabama Power's service territory, details about incentives, and information about how businesses can become more energy efficient. The company has worked with the small business commission to create a website devoted to small business in the state: Atlas Alabama, atlasalabama.gov. The website has information about insurance, licenses and taxes; county-by-county listings of local agencies and organizations that support small businesses and small business development; and other resources designed with small business in mind. "The Alabama Small Business Commission encourages innovation and discussion of issues critical to the economic growth of small and independent businesses," Elebash said. "Partnerships with Alabama Power and others are some of the best ways that the commission can promote policies to assist start-ups and the expansion of existing businesses in the state." Small businesses can call Alabama Power's Business Service Center to speak with a specialist about Small Business Solutions, as well as other company offerings and incentives. The Business Service Center can be reached weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling 1-888-430-5787. By Michael Sznajderman 100% CONNECTED 5 NEW PROGR A M OFFERS OPTIONS TO STRENGTHEN COMPANIES STATEWIDE

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