Southern Company celebrates National Drive Electric Week
System helps drivers and businesses access efficient and reliable electric vehicle charging options
During National Drive Electric Week, Southern Company reaffirms its commitment to electric transportation and the electrification of its own system fleet. National Drive Electric Week, Sept. 25-Oct. 3, is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The annual event, now in its 11th year, is organized by Plug In America and other partners.
“Southern Company remains committed to a clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy future. Part of our commitment to sustainability includes promoting and adopting electric transportation,” said Chris Cummiskey, executive vice president, chief commercial officer and customer solutions officer at Southern Company.
Southern Company and operating companies Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power help drivers and businesses access efficient and reliable electric vehicle charging options within the system’s service territory. Preparing to meet this need is the result of years of work. For the past eight years, Georgia Power has strategically mapped and implemented Direct Current (DC) fast chargers based on guidance from the Federal Highway Administration. Working with the Georgia Public Service Commission, the company has installed 50 DC fast chargers statewide and is investing $6 million over three years in fast-charging infrastructure.
That same commitment can be seen across the system. Alabama Power is partnering with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to increase residential and commercial EV range confidence. The plans are to expand electric vehicle fast charging infrastructures along Interstates 20 and 459. Mississippi Power also has several initiatives in place, including partnering with the Coast Transit Authority to bring the first all-electric transit bus to the state of Mississippi later this year and expanding availability of public EV chargers across the state.
Lincoln Wood, electrification policy manager at Southern Company, said converting to electric is a win-win for drivers and businesses.
“Electricity powers nearly every aspect of our lives, and we’re bringing that sustainable energy to transportation. Electric vehicles are better for the environment, have a lower total cost of operation than gasoline or diesel vehicles, promote local jobs and are fun to drive,” Wood said.
During National Drive Electric Week in 2020, Southern Company announced an internal fleet electrification goal to convert 50% of its electric companies’ light-duty vehicles and equipment to electric by 2030. Southern Company is also a founding member of the Electric Highway Coalition and the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) as part of a its focus on electrification of the transportation industry and commitment to sustainability and clean energy.