POWERGRAMS

6 express their appreciation for getting the lights back on. ……….. To err is human; to forgive, divine. So wrote 18th century English poet Alexander Pope. Companies also make mistakes. When they do, customers are more likely to forgive certain ones, such as Alabama Power. The company was the highest- ranked utility and placed 16th nationally in the 2016 Temkin Forgiveness Ratings, which measure how willing customers are to forgive 294 companies across 20 industries. The top company overall was USAA's banking business followed by Publix and USAA (credit cards), with Amazon.com (for retail and computer & tablets), Food Lion, H-E-B, Mercedes-Benz and Wawa Food Markets all tied for fourth place. Supermarkets and retailers led the way in the Forgiveness Ratings with industry average ratings of "strong," while internet and TV service providers earned "very weak" ratings. Alabama Power's Temkin Forgiveness Rating of 46 percent is 16 percentage points higher than the rating for the utility industry. The company is one of just six that earned ratings at least 15 points above their industry averages. ……….. Alabama Power received the most favorable scores in a survey of Southern Company operating company employees under the age of 35 or with less than five years of tenure. The study by Willis Towers Watson asked 65 questions concerning eight categories: career management; inclusion and diversity; strategic risk- taking; performance accountability; immediate supervisor; "The Deal;" attraction and retention; and talent strategy continuum. The survey was for employees of Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Company Services, SouthernLINC and Southern Nuclear. Thirty-five percent of the 2,290 Alabama Power employees invited to take the survey responded. Alabama Power strengths identified from the survey include competitive benefits; strong relations with supervisors; opportunities to improve job skills; and encouragement to be innovative in solving problems. Alabama Power had the most favorable scores among operating companies, as Willis Towers Watson Global recorded "statistically significant differences" for the company from positive employee answers about "The Deal," as well as for intent to stay, career management and strategic risk-taking. ……….. Alabama Power's annual Shoreline Management open house tour stopped at Dadeville, drawing one of the best turnouts in years among homeowners and those interested in Lake Martin. About 50 attended the meeting at Creekside Lodge. In addition to property owners, participants included groups and people with keen interest in the lake: real estate agents and brokers, dock builders, state conservation officials and elected officials. NOVEMBER What keeps a successful company great? As Southern Company continues to evolve and expand our business, the key is to look beyond what we do to focus on how we do it. This has led to an update of our core values, announced by CEO Tom Fanning, to reflect how our company has grown to serve our customers and communities, and to position us for future success. Simply called Our Values, they will guide us in how we approach our work at Alabama Power, as together, we build the future of energy. Our Values focus on Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance and Total Commitment — respecting what has made Southern Company great, while also setting the stage for a successful future. Our Values will serve as the guide for all of us — no matter our level, our role or our location — in how we go about our daily work life with colleagues and customers. ……….. The Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund awarded Efficiency Forward grants totaling more than $150,000 to 16 organizations across the state in 2016. The recipients included Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, Pinson; Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, Birmingham; Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch, Camp Hill; Atmore Area YMCA; Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Second Chance Foundation, Montgomery; Selma Art Guild; Friends of Ivan K. Hill Park Inc., Winfield; Alabama Teen Challenge; Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity; Boys Club of Sylacauga; Soles4Souls Inc.; Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Alabama; Crisis Center of Russell County; Turning Point Foundation; Auburn Rural Studio; and Alabama Teen Challenge. The Efficiency Forward program provides grants to nonprofits to make energy-efficiency improvements to their facilities. The improvements help provide cost savings that nonprofits can pass on in services to their clients. Since its start in 2007, the program has provided more than $1 million in support through 132 grants. DECEMBER With the help of hundreds of members of Magic City APSO, employees were able to make Christmas wishes come true for 5,800 underprivileged children. APSO held several fundraisers in 2016, enabling them to donate $108,000 for children's gifts through the Salvation Army in Birmingham. Members shopped for gifts at Target on Highway 280. Some 300 foster children sponsored through DHRs received gifts, as well.

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