Southernco Storage
Southernco Storage
Southernco Storage
Southernco Storage
Southernco Storage

Southern Co. Receives 92nd Annual EEI Edison Award

Sept. 16, 2020
Company recognized for its portfolio of energy storage research and development initiatives.

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) recently awarded Southern Co. the electric utility industry's most prestigious honor, the EEI Edison Award. Southern Co. received the award for its portfolio of energy storage research and development (R&D) initiatives.

"As we prepare Southern Co. to succeed in the transition to a net-zero carbon future, our many energy storage R&D initiatives — including the Energy Storage Research Center (ESRC), Alabama Power and Georgia Power Smart Neighborhoods, and other enterprise-wide pilot demonstrations — are advancing energy storage as an effective, technically viable energy solution," said Tom Fanning, chairman, president and CEO, Southern Co.

Southern Co. was selected for its leadership of key energy storage system initiatives, including the development, commissioning, and operation of the ESRC in Birmingham, Alabama. The facility serves as an industrywide destination for battery energy storage technology testing, evaluation, and large-scale demonstration. The project was developed in collaboration with Southern Research, the EPRI, U.S. DOE, and others. Additionally, the ESRC is among several Southern Co. system energy storage R&D initiatives that achieved key milestones in 2019, such as the Alabama Power and Georgia Power Smart Neighborhoods.

"EEI member companies continue to integrate technologies, such as energy storage, into the energy grid, helping to pave the way for the clean energy future our customers want and deserve," said EEI President Tom Kuhn. "Southern Co.'s leadership and technical expertise behind the testing, development, and deployment of a diverse portfolio of energy storage solutions improve the resiliency and reliability of the grid and also create tremendous value for customers. Congratulations to the Southern Co. team for their outstanding work and for winning this well-deserved award."

Southern Co. was selected by a panel of former energy industry executives to receive the 92nd Annual EEI Edison Award for distinguished leadership, innovation, and contribution to the advancement of the electric industry for the benefit of all.

"We are grateful to receive the electric power industry's most prestigious honor and proud to personify what this award represents," Fanning added. "I want to thank Tom Kuhn and the distinguished panel of judges who participated in this year's selection process. I would also like to thank our R&D partners in these efforts, including Southern Co.'s operating subsidiaries, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and many others. Their collaboration is essential as we move emerging energy storage technologies forward."

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