Southern Company is the largest electric utility in the United States by customer count
Southern Company operates electric service across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi through three main subsidiaries: Georgia Power, Alabama Power, and Mississippi Power. If you receive an electric bill with one of these company names, you are a Southern Company customer. The company serves more than 9 million people and handles everything from billing to power outages to payment plans.
Understanding how your bill works and what happens if you fall behind on payments matters because Southern Company has specific rules about disconnection, payment arrangements, and information programs. Knowing these rules before you need them can prevent service loss and late fees.
Key Takeaways
- Southern Company operates through Georgia Power, Alabama Power, and Mississippi Power, and each state has different rules about disconnection and payment plans.
- If you cannot pay your bill, contact Southern Company directly before the due date to set up a payment arrangement — waiting until after disconnection makes the process harder.
- Each state offers low-income information programs, but you must contact your local utility company or community action agency to learn about them; Southern Company does not automatically enroll customers.
- Southern Company cannot disconnect your service without written notice and a waiting period, which varies by state but is typically 10 to 30 days.
- If your service is disconnected, reconnection fees explore in addition to the unpaid balance, so prevention through early contact is cheaper than reconnection.
How to read your Southern Company electric bill
Your bill shows three main sections: the charges for electricity you used, taxes and fees, and the total amount due. The electricity charge is based on your usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which the meter at your home records. Southern Company multiplies your usage by the rate per kWh for your area — rates vary by state and sometimes by neighborhood.
The second section lists taxes, delivery charges, and any riders (extra charges for specific programs or infrastructure). These are set by state regulators, not by Southern Company alone, so you cannot negotiate them. The final line is your total due and the date payment is due, usually 20 to 30 days after the bill date.
If you see charges you do not recognize, call Southern Company's customer service line for your state. Georgia Power: 1-888-891-0938. Alabama Power: 1-800-245-2244. Mississippi Power: 1-601-969-2500. Have your account number ready.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Southern Company adds a late fee (the amount varies by state) and sends you a notice. You still have time to pay without losing service. Each state has different rules, but generally you have 10 to 30 days after the original due date before disconnection can occur.
During this period, Southern Company must send you written notice that service will be disconnected if you do not pay or make arrangements. This notice includes the disconnection date and a phone number to call. If you call before that date and agree to a payment plan, disconnection is postponed. If you do not call and the date passes, a technician will visit to shut off your power.
Once service is disconnected, you owe not only the unpaid bill but also a reconnection fee. In Georgia, this fee is typically $50 to $100. In Alabama and Mississippi, fees vary. Reconnection can take several business days, so your home will be without power during that time.
Setting up a payment plan with Southern Company
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, call your state's Southern Company office before the due date and ask for a payment arrangement. You do not need to wait for a disconnection notice. Southern Company offers short-term arrangements (usually 10 to 30 days) and longer-term plans (up to 12 months) depending on your situation and the amount owed.
To set up a plan, have your account number and a realistic payment amount ready. Southern Company will ask how much you can pay and when. If you agree to a plan and then miss a payment on that plan, disconnection can happen without additional notice, so only commit to an amount you can actually pay.
Some customers set up automatic payments from their bank account to avoid missing dates. You can do this through Southern Company's website or by phone. Automatic payments do not reduce the amount you owe, but they do reduce the risk of accidental late payments.
Low-income information and bill reduction programs
Each state served by Southern Company has programs that reduce bills for low-income households. These are not run by Southern Company itself but by state agencies and community action agencies. To find out what programs exist in your area, contact your local community action agency or call 211 (a free referral service available in all three states).
In Georgia, the Georgia Power Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time bill payments to households below certain income thresholds. In Alabama, the Alabama Department of Human Resources administers similar information. In Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Human Services runs the program. Each has different income limits and process processes.
You must contact these agencies directly — Southern Company does not enroll you automatically. The process usually requires proof of income, a lease or mortgage statement, and your most recent utility bill. Processing times vary from two weeks to two months, so explore as soon as you know you need help rather than waiting until service is about to be disconnected.
Disconnection rules and your rights by state
Southern Company must follow state rules about when and how it can disconnect service. In Georgia, the company must provide written notice at least 10 days before disconnection and cannot disconnect on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (so you have a weekend to resolve it). In Alabama, the notice period is typically 10 days, and disconnection cannot happen on a day when the utility's offices are closed. In Mississippi, the rules are similar but vary slightly.
None of the three states allow disconnection during winter months for households with children or elderly members, though the exact dates and income thresholds differ. If you have a medical condition that makes loss of power dangerous, you may be able to request a medical hardship exemption. Contact your state's Southern Company office to ask about this — you will need a letter from a doctor.
If your service is disconnected and you believe it happened without proper notice or in violation of state rules, contact your state's Public Service Commission (Georgia Public Service Commission, Alabama Public Service Commission, or Mississippi Public Utilities Staff). These agencies investigate complaints and can order reconnection if rules were broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Southern Company disconnect my power in winter?
Rules vary by state. Georgia and Alabama have winter protection periods for households with children or elderly members, but you must meet income requirements and explore before disconnection happens. Mississippi has similar protections. Contact your state's Southern Company office or Public Service Commission to learn the exact dates and income limits for your area.
What if I cannot afford a payment plan amount?
Call Southern Company and explain your situation. If the payment plan amount is truly unaffordable, ask about low-income information programs in your state. You can also contact your local community action agency or call 211 to learn about bill payment information. Some programs pay the utility directly on your behalf.
How do I know if I am using too much electricity?
Compare your current bill to bills from the same month last year. If usage is much higher, check for running appliances, air conditioning use, or heating system problems. Southern Company's website allows you to view hourly usage data, which can help you spot when most power is being used. If you suspect a meter problem, call to request a meter test.
What if I think my bill is wrong?
Call Southern Company's customer service line for your state with your account number and the bill in front of you. Ask them to explain each charge. If you still believe there is an error, request a formal dispute. Southern Company must investigate and respond within a set timeframe. If you disagree with the result, you can file a complaint with your state's Public Service Commission.
Can I switch to a different electric company?
In most areas served by Southern Company, you cannot choose a different provider — the company has a monopoly on service in your area. This is why state Public Service Commissions regulate rates and disconnection rules. If you have questions about rates or service, the Public Service Commission is your recourse, not competition.