POWERGRAMS

At top, Distribution System Operator Walter Massey; middle, Operations Assistant Cathy Hobbs, in back, and Distribution System Operator Brent Dowsey; bottom left, Distribution System Operator Jimmy Norwood; and bottom right, Distribution Control Center Engineer James Evans. 12 of the downtown Mobile Office, knocking out power to the building. The DCC was housed on the fourth floor of the downtown office at the time. Because it's important that the DCC remain operational 24/7, Mobile Division decided in 2008 to move it 15 miles inland to a stand-alone facility situated 200 feet above sea level and built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. Alabama Power's first fully functional emergency facility, it also serves as headquarters for Mobile Division's storm center. Turner said technology is important, but there's no way the center could operate without its employees. "We've been very fortunate that over the years we've had good people who have wanted to stay close to the Gulf Coast, which means we have experienced people who know the area," Turner said. Boykin said the Mobile DCC will continue to seek new ways to improve and become more efficient. "I'm very proud of the Mobile DCC and the work that has gone into making it what it is today," he said. "From the operators to the assistants to the DCC management, we've come a long way, and we're still continuing to train on the newest technologies that come out and cross-train with other operating companies within Southern Company."

• Cover