POWERGRAMS

5 improvement on cost (from 9.4 to 9.62)." APSO's 10 chapters across the state prepared for the school year by raising money, collecting supplies and gathering food for children who need help. Many volunteers helped deliver backpacks filled with crayons, notebook paper, pencils and other items. Gorgas Steam Plant volunteers distributed 250 backpacks in 2015 but doubled that number this year in hopes of helping more children and families in need. Eastern Division Chapter members discreetly distribute the backpacks to children whose names are submitted at the end of each school year by teachers and counselors in the St. Clair and Pell City school systems. Backpacks were dropped off to the teachers and students on the first day of class. Miller Steam Plant employees collected school supplies and food for their annual giveaway and to assist nonprofit Backyard Blessings with its community outreach. Backyard Blessings discreetly supplies nonperishable items such as microwavable macaroni and cheese, pudding and juice every Friday so children will have food over the weekends. ……….. The Alabama Power Foundation awarded more than $42,000 in Gateway grants. The 22 grants support the construction or upgrading of signs to welcome visitors into cities, towns and communities across Alabama. Gateway's goal is to help revitalize communities by funding well-designed signage to greet visitors. The signs can also help attract new business and industry to cities and towns. Recipients of Gateway grants for 2016 were Bay Minette, Bayou La Batre, Centreville, Fayette, Gadsden, Harpersville, Hayneville, Helena, Jasper, Lisman, Livingston, Montgomery, Morris, Oak Grove, Prichard, Rainbow City, Vernon, the HandsOn River Region, Marengo County Economic Development Authority, Pickens County Commission, and Sylacauga Beautification Council. Gateway is one of several community programs funded by the Alabama Power Foundation. In its fifth year, the Gateway program has awarded more than $230,000 through 118 grants. SEPTEMBER For the second time in three years, Alabama Power ranked No. 1 overall in Southern Company's Customer Value Benchmark study, which was released Sept. 9. The company also finished first in the 2016 Large Business and Residential categories announced in August, and fourth in General Business. Alabama Power received an overall score of 9.02 on a 10-point scale, improving from 8.84 in 2015, when the company finished second by 0.05 points. The company ranked second from 2010 to 2013 and received the top ranking in 2014. The annual study ranks Southern Company, its four operating companies and 16 peer companies based on customer interviews and survey data. The overall score and ranking is based on a straight average of the scores for each company on the Residential, General Business and Large Business customer segments. Alabama Power scored 8.88 in the General Business category results released Sept. 9, improving from seventh place in 2015. It was the highest score for the company in five years, with all nine driver scores showing improvement. The survey said Alabama Power has the strongest competitive advantage in Image and Reliability. ……….. Plant Greene County reached a historic milestone by completing a two-year transition from coal to natural gas. The process included significant design, engineering and construction challenges, with specific deadlines, as the plant focused on its goal of complying with federal environmental regulations. During the project, a large portion of the plant was taken out of service for five months, with up to 500 contract employees working on-site. That compared to a typical scheduled outage that lasts 30 days with fewer than 100 contractors at the plant. ……….. Alabama Power was named Regional Corporation of the Year at the prestigious Women in Business Summit and Pinnacle Awards Gala. The event was organized by the Women's Business Enterprise Council South, which certifies and promotes female-owned businesses in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Florida. OCTOBER About 770 Alabama Power employees and contract personnel worked for days restoring power in the wake of Hurricane Matthew on Wilmington and Tybee islands in a delta 17 miles east of Savannah, Ga. Alabama Power employees conceded the restoration efforts were a challenge. But the challenge was met, judging by Georgia Power customers on the two islands. Alabama Power received hundreds of positive comments on Facebook and other online sites as residents took to social media to APSO members bought school supplies. Employees restored power in Georgia after Hurricane Matthew.

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