PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, headquartered in Andalusia, Ala., is a generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative providing the wholesale power needs of 20 distribution members — 16 electric cooperatives and four municipal electric systems — in Alabama and northwest Florida.

In 1941, PowerSouth was formed by 11 cooperatives to generate and sell electricity. First known as Alabama Electric Cooperative, our name was changed to PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in 2008 to better reflect our geographical service territory and to position the company for future growth opportunities. Today, as one of 62 G&T cooperatives in the United States, PowerSouth is a trusted energy provider for our distribution members, serving more than 1 million end-users in 39 Alabama and 10 Florida counties.

With a combined generating capacity of more than 2,000 megawatts, PowerSouth owns and operates six generation facilities and holds ownership interest in an additional facility. Utilizing a diverse generating mix that includes natural gas, coal, water (hydro), compressed air energy storage technology, and a disciplined fuel supply hedging program, we minimizes the impact of significant fuel cost increases. In addition, PowerSouth maintains long-term purchased power agreements to ensure economic and reliable power supply for our members.

Our most important asset is our workforce of more than 600 men and women at nine PowerSouth locations. Our employees set the bar for safety excellence in our industry, boasting an impressive safety record. Safety is our core value, and it is evident through a Recordable Incident Rate (RIR) and Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate well below the national average.

Distribution members vary in size, number of employees and service area characteristics. Most of PowerSouth’s 20 distribution members serve primarily rural areas; however, the service areas of some extend into rapidly expanding suburban areas. Regardless of size or energy usage, each distribution member holds equal ownership in PowerSouth, governing via a 40-member board of trustees composed of two voting delegates from each distribution system.

For specific information about our distribution area and members, visit our Distribution Members page.

In addition, PowerSouth employees work with national, regional and state leaders to educate the public about environmental change and our role in the development of a broad approach to environmental concerns affecting our area and industry. We work to be a positive environmental steward of all our natural resources while ensuring no adverse economic effects on the rural communities we serve.

A strong foundation of member unity and support is at the core of PowerSouth’s success. A variety of services are offered cooperatively to all our distribution members, including strategic planning assistance, load forecasting, residential consumer surveys, marketing and economic support, engineering and energy distribution support, printing services, advertising support, safety programs and training, and computer network support.

PowerSouth’s value statement

With a commitment to MUTUAL RESPECT, we choose to: Provide a SAFE work environment. COOPERATE with each other and our members. Build TRUST and demonstrate LEADERSHIP by example. COMMUNICATE openly and honestly to support COMMON GOALS and a SHARED VISION. EMPOWER employees to achieve PowerSouth’s goals. Treat all employees FAIRLY.

PowerSouth’s Vision Statement

Build member relationships by providing reliable, competitively priced wholesale power and promoting development of the communities our members serve.