POWERGRAMS

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 12 BIRMINGHAM, AL 600 North 18th Street Birmingham, AL 35203 Attn: MN-0668 Powergrams Staff Editor: Donna Cope, 205-383-5546 Writers: Joey Blackwell, Anthony Cook, Mark Kelly and Greg Ward Photo editor: Phil Free Layout: Brooke Lane Louie the Lightning Bug illuminates safety message for kids, adults In 2023, Alabama Power's beloved Louie turned 40 years old. But Louie is just hitting his stride. He made a comeback this summer on TV commercials in Birmingham from June 30 to Aug. 15. Thanks to popular demand, customers this fall will see an increased presence with the company's longtime emissary, as Louie lights up screens big and small. Louie the Lightning Bug has touted his electrical safety message for more than four decades, most prominently in the 1980s and 1990s. But the faithful, friendly firefly shines again this school year with plans to be increasingly visible. Customers can find downloadable coloring and activity sheets, along with video lessons featuring Louie, on Alabama Power's Electric Academy website. Louie has made appearances at the company's division Safety Renewal meetings statewide. Fox 6 WBRC TV viewers were treated to an environmental segment about pollinators in August, with Louie serving as an emissary of Alabama Power. The evolution of Louie Louie the Lightning Bug was created for Alabama Power in 1983 and has since been used by utilities across the country and in Canada and the Caribbean to educate children and adults about the importance of staying safe around electricity. Birmingham-based Moore Syndication is Louie's exclusive marketer for Alabama Power and Southern Company. Alabama Power recently unveiled a new Louie costume that will be making appearances at schools and other events to promote electrical safety. While noting Louie's enduring appeal spans generations, External Communications Manager Erin Searson commented that her four-year-old niece, who is in kindergarten, "just loves Louie." "We received such positive feedback on the ads this summer, with their retro feel," Searson said. "There's a feeling of nostalgia for many people, and we're excited to introduce Louie to a new generation, sharing important electrical safety lessons in a fun and memorable way." By Anthony Cook For years, Louie the Lightning Bug has encouraged kids and adults to "play it safe around electricity." Powergrams finishes September with awards 'trifecta' Alabama Power's employee and retiree publication won first place at the National Federation of Press Women conference Sept. 13 in Golden, Colorado. In March, the newsletter won three Gold international Hermes awards and took first place in the Alabama Media Professionals contest in May.

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