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pOWERGRAMSp u b l I s h E d s I N C E 1 9 2 0 f O R T h E E m p l O y E E s O f A l A b A m A p O W E R C O m pA N y p R I N T E d O N R E C y C l E d pA p E R

pOWERGRAMS

TARGET ZEROHER ES

LANDTRUSTPRAISEPG 4

JANuARy 21, 2013

EEI HONORS APCPG 3

90 YEARS SAFE PG 5

Birmingham Division Power Delivery employees know one misstep can change a life forever.

With that message as their central theme, Birmingham Division crews, local operations linemen and engineers teamed to produce an original video to remind employees of the importance of putting safety first. Their creation was selected the winner from among 11 entries in the 2012 Pass It On Employee Safety Video Contest. “We hope the video will open our eyes and remind us to focus even more on safety,” said Reid Kincaid, Patton Chapel Crew Headquarters lead lineman. “We incorporated things we have seen in the past and things we can work on to make us better.” The video was the brainchild of the Birmingham Employee Safety Team (BEST), said Kincaid. Employees at Trussville, Hueytown, Gardendale, Patton Chapel, Metro South, 12th Street and

Varnons Crew Headquarters took part in the project, with each facility responsible for writing, producing and performing a scene in the video. In addition, division employees with a musical bent put their talent to work by writing lyrics and performing their own “safety songs” to help reinforce the message. “We gave the crews and engineers the general idea behind the video, and then let them take over and create their own part,” said LaClaire Douglass, Metro South Office engineer, who with Kincaid and others led the project. “We asked them to show that working each and every day to make those safe decisions is what will bring employees home safely to their families.” The other video contest finalists were Corporate Real Estate and the Power Delivery Distribution Management System. In the second half of 2012, Alabama Power launched the video contest to help keep the focus on Target Zero and the 2012 Pass It On theme. “We asked all the safety committees to create locally produced videos using topics such as job

safety briefings or identify, control and eliminate (ICE),” said Keith Gibson, safety specialist, HR-Safety and Health. “The idea was to get them more engaged with Target Zero and increase their participation in the safety process.” A committee of seven judges from Corporate Headquarters, Generation, Power Delivery and Distribution screened and evaluated the entries based on three criteria – creativity, content and theme. The top three videos were posted on Powerlines in December, with employees voting on their favorite entry. On Jan. 2, Birmingham Division Power Delivery was announced the winner, receiving 57 percent of the votes. The group will be honored with an engraved trophy at an upcoming BEST meeting. “We were really pleased with the overall response from the safety committees who worked so hard to produce the videos and from the employees who voted on them,” said Corporate Safety and Health

Manager Charlie Shaw. “It is our hope the videos will also help all our employees who watched them remember to keep their focus on safety in everything they do.”

By Carla Davis

BEST video wins top prize in Pass It On safety contest

ON ThE COVER: Alabama Power was honored for its work in promoting conservation.

PAGE 2

TEAmWORK

Patton Chapel Crew Headquarters Lead Lineman Jason Wood showed the need for getting rest in the Birmingham Division video.

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EEI honors companyAWARds

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Out of state restorations ‘the right thing to do’Like the June derecho that

“came out of nowhere,” Alabama Power employees arrived in force to restore power after the summer windstorms and Hurricane Sandy in October. In 2012, when many states battled their toughest storms in a century, Alabama Power was there to help return life to normal. That’s why the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) on Jan. 10 honored Alabama Power with the prestigious Emergency Assistance Award in Phoenix, Ariz. The award recognizes extraordinary efforts taken in restoring power to another electric utility’s customers whose service is disrupted by severe weather or other natural events. “Alabama Power’s restoration assistance following the June windstorms and then Hurricane Sandy was truly remarkable,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “The company’s crews were essential in helping their fellow utilities restore service. Their assistance shows their compassion in helping others in their time of need.” As a member of EEI’s mutual assistance network – a voluntary partnership of electric utilities – Alabama Power contributes its skilled force of employees and contractors to help others. In the case of the derecho, a state of emergency was declared in Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia because of major power outages and widespread damage. Less than five months later, Superstorm Sandy hit. The worst storm to hit the Northeast in recorded history, Sandy packed a heavy punch, combining high winds, heavy rain and snow over several days. Alabama Power helped following both of the distant weather emergencies, with crews working in sometimes treacherous conditions. Corey Sweeney, who with Steve Thompson and Bobby Hawthorne are directors of the Storm Center at Corporate Headquarters, said Alabama Power is a liaison with any subsidiary that needs help. “Last year, as far as the Southern Company footprint, we had a few blows from thunderstorms, but no 8- or

12-day outages,” said Sweeney, Contract Services manager - Power Delivery. “The June derecho ambushed the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic – there was no advance warning. With Sandy, the storm kept tracking, and we planned several days in advance to go and support our

Southeastern Electric Exchange member utilities.” After the derecho, Alabama Power helped restore service to more than 100,000 people in Ohio. With advance planning made through mutual assistance activities for Sandy, Alabama Power stationed crews near Washington, D.C., ready to work after the storm came through. Company teams, including contract personnel, spent up to 18 days working 16-hour shifts to restore electricity in West Virginia, New Jersey and New York. Many coastal areas are still struggling to recover from Sandy, with the homes of hundreds of thousands of people destroyed or damaged, and more than 130 people killed. From a historical viewpoint, Kuhn believes it’s important to recognize the industry’s “restoration heroes.” EEI presented 20 recovery awards and 30 assistance awards to electric utilities that provided exemplary service during 2012. Georgia Power was honored for restoration efforts after the derecho and Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy, and Gulf Power received EEI’s assistance award for work after the derecho and Hurricane Sandy.

Power Delivery Vice President Danny Glover said Alabama Power and Southern Company often provide aid to other utilities through EEI’s Mutual Assistance Program. “We assist others because it’s the right thing to do,” Glover said. “Our employees always

want to help others in need. It’s important to respond to requests for help from other utilities. We know that it’s only a matter of time before we will need help from those same companies.”

By Donna Cope

Sixteen-hour shifts were the norm in Sandy recovery efforts.

Hundreds of Alabama Power employees traveled to restore power in other states.

Alabama Power was among a group of prominent companies to receive top honors Jan. 16

from the nonprofit Freshwater Land Trust as one of the group’s prestigious Corporate Partners for Conservation for 2012. The company received the award during an event hosted by Alabama Power President and CEO Charles McCrary at Corporate Headquarters. He welcomed about 40 corporate and civic leaders from across the state who attended the event, which featured remarks by Steve Crosby, president of Jacksonville, Fla.,-based CSX Real Property. Alabama Power was honored for its longtime commitment to the Birmingham-based Land Trust, which has helped preserve more than 10,000 acres across north-central Alabama. The Land Trust played a key role in creation of the new Red Mountain Park and in the development of several expanding greenways in Jefferson County. Last year, Alabama Power joined with the Land Trust, CSX Corp., the city of Birmingham and a broad coalition of partners to seek a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to help rebuild portions of tornado-damaged Pratt City and to kick-start

the development of the Red Rock Ridge and Valley trail system that will link communities across Jefferson County. The effort resulted in a $10 million award that will be combined with $5 million in local matching dollars toward the projects. The Birmingham area was one of few communities nationwide to receive one of the grants. Wendy Jackson, executive director of the Freshwater Land Trust, praised Alabama Power’s longtime commitment to conservation efforts and its participation in the TIGER grant initiative. Birmingham Division Vice President Bobbie Knight accepted the award on behalf of Alabama Power. CSX, which was instrumental in the creation of the famed “High Line” park in New York City, was honored as a key partner in securing the TIGER grant. Other companies honored at the Corporate Partners for Conservation event included McWane Inc., which recently completed construction of Greenwood Park in Birmingham, and The Westervelt Company, based in Tuscaloosa, which worked with the Land Trust on several projects, including an initiative to re-introduce the American chestnut to Alabama’s forests. It was the second time Alabama Power hosted the Corporate Partners for Conservation breakfast, which typically features a speaker from a major national corporation involved in land conservation efforts. The last time Alabama Power hosted, in 2008, the speaker was John Surma, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of U.S. Steel.

By Michael Sznajderman

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Freshwater Land Trust names APC Corporate Partner for Conservation

ENVIRONmENT

McCrary welcomed conservation leaders to meeting in Birmingham.

Jackson, left, presented framed award to PR-Corporate Information Manager

Michael Sznajderman.

Amazing Accomplishment

Good advice from veteran employees is the secret

to PD Metering Service-Montgomery’s 90-year stellar safety record. “When I came into the metering department 21 years ago, there were a lot of older guys who took me under their wings and worked with me one-on-one to teach me how to be safe on the job,” said Frank Askew, meter tester, Southern Division Complex. “When I was young, I would rush and try to be in a hurry. But now that I’m more seasoned, I see what the older guys were telling me about taking your time and being aware of your surroundings. Now we try to make the younger guys aware of all the possible hazards that are out there so they can look for them.” Thanks, in part, to this willingness to share their experience and knowledge, Metering Service-Montgomery employees reached a momentous Target Zero milestone Jan. 8 – 90 years with no lost-time injuries. “It’s more than amazing to think about working 90 years without an accident,” said Greg Johnson, meter superintendent,

Southern Division Complex. “This is a testament not only to this group of employees and their focus on safety, but also to all who came before them. Those who started this streak planted a culture of safety excellence, and our employees are handing it down to those after them.” The group’s safety success, Johnson said, is also remarkable when considering the thousands

of miles employees travel each year to every corner of Southern Division. In 2012 alone, they drove more than 197,000 miles to take care of about 20,170 work orders. “We’re trained for meter work. For the most part, if something doesn’t look right, we can find someone to step in and help us,” Johnson said. “But when we’re driving, we can’t control the other person. That’s why driving safely for 90 years, or 32,850 days, is such an accomplishment.” Like other work groups, employees conduct job safety briefings before every task and wear personal protection gear. Meter testers take turns facilitating monthly safety meetings, where all employees are encouraged to discuss hazards and close calls. They also look at how to avoid hazards that could occur while performing upcoming jobs. These employees, who inspect, test, repair and maintain meters, take charge of their own safety, Askew said. “We basically work alone, and go to so many different places and are exposed to so many different things. Anything could happen,” Askew said. “That’s why you have to have a heightened awareness of safety.” “An accident-free record is what the brotherhood strives to achieve,” said Casey Shelton, business manager, System Council U-19, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “Metering Service-Montgomery has proven that in the highly skilled jobs at Alabama

Power, focusing on every detail and taking personal ownership is the key to achieving Target Zero.” Metering Services Manager Reggie Murchison commended employees for this unswerving safety commitment. “I’m proud of this work group for their tremendous accomplishment,” said Murchison. “But they did not earn this alone. These employees, together with those who have gone before them, have proven Target Zero year after year is truly possible with hard work, dedication and a constant focus on the importance of safety.”

By Carla Davis

sAfETy

Freshwater Land Trust names APC Corporate Partner for Conservation

PAGE 5

Askew runs report on computer in meter lab.

Southern Division Meter Tester Askew has more than 20 years of experience.

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PD Metering Service-Montgomery passes 90 years without injury

Askew checks meters behind shopping center in Montgomery.

Wendell Wood is applying both heart and soul to help grow jobs and assist his small

north Alabama city of Heflin. Since 2008, Wood has chaired the city’s Industrial Development Board, while serving as an advisory board member to Cleburne County’s Chamber of Commerce. “It’s my hope we’ll get something good going here,” said Wood, who has worked at Alabama Power nearly 33 years. In Wood’s crosshairs: the seven-square-mile area between Interstate 20 exits 199 and 205, close to the Georgia state line. Perched halfway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Wood’s small town is positioned to handle a burgeoning new industry. “We’ve installed a water tower and made highway improvements,” said Wood, who meets with the East Alabama Regional Planning Commission. “One reason we’re working to do this is because of the economy. With this recession, companies haven’t been willing to step out and build new facilities. We’re hoping the infrastructure we’re adding will place us in position to attract a large new facility or industry.” As business office manager (BOM) for Alabama Power’s Heflin location, Wood is well aware of needs in the community, whose population barely edges over 3,000 for the city and 14,000 for the county. For several years, he’s been actively involved in HEARTS, the Helping Every Area Resident to Succeed organization. Wood serves as secretary, adviser and a fundraiser, helping HEARTS’ Executive Director Jackie Howle raise money locally. “Heflin has a high percentage of free lunch students and parents who need financial help,” Wood said. “HEARTS gives tennis shoes to kids in need and provides backpacks to children, with their school supplies tucked inside.” One of the town’s largest employers, a chicken-processing facility, left a huge void when it closed about five years ago. That’s one reason Wood focuses heavily on economic development. “Each day when I come in, I never know who will come through that door,” said Wood. “It may be a business owner with a question, a city leader or a customer. When a customer comes in and wants to close the door to talk, I know it’s serious.” It’s not unusual for Wood to talk with customers who are struggling financially. The office tries to help customers find a solution by making arrangements with them to help pay their bill. They also refer customers to the local Community

Action Agency, Project Share or HEARTS. Even with these avenues available, Wood said assisting customers is a juggling act. “We have financial goals we need to achieve, and lowering the company’s electric service losses is one of our goals,” said Wood, BOM for six years. “That’s one of the reasons my job is both challenging and rewarding – it’s rewarding to help people get through the hard times. I have a

job to do, but at the same time, I want to be compassionate.” An avowed “people person,” Wood enjoys the challenges of his job. “It’s brand new every day, and I love it,” he said. Wood joined Alabama Power in 1980, mowing grass at electric substations. He worked his way up through union ranks to positions of increasing responsibility, serving as a Distribution

lineman 14 years. Wood moved to the Eastern Division Control Center for a year, helping with Transmission system operations. During that time, he earned a marketing degree at Jacksonville State University. He worked as a Marketing specialist at the Talladega Office three years before moving to Gadsden Engineering, serving as a Distribution specialist seven years. In that role, Wood met daily with residential and commercial customers, and also spent a year serving as EDOC supervisor. Wood grew up in Ohatchee, not far from Neely Henry Hydro Dam. He said small-town life suits him well. “I hate big-city traffic,” he said, with a smile. “To me, part of my job is helping the community,” Wood said. “The good Lord blessed me, and giving back is important. If I can help folks, that’s what I want to do.”

By Donna Cope

Wood has heart and soul in helping Heflin grow, prosper

pROfIlE

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Wood, left, with Howle and Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce President Steven Lines.

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Heflin Business Office Manager Wood

Wood has heart and soul in helping Heflin grow, prosper

100% CONNECTEd

We call her Teel ‘Can-Do’ Traylor.”

That statement from Alabama Power retiree John Mills says it all. Teel Traylor’s dedication, enthusiasm and personality are three reasons the Energizers presented the Southeast Division executive secretary with the prestigious Sam Booker Award for 2012. The honor is given annually to an Alabama Power employee who goes beyond the call of duty to support the retiree group. Traylor accepted the award at the Energizers’ annual luncheon at Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula. “I was caught off guard,” Traylor said about the surprise presentation. “I am very honored to receive this award.” Traylor is the third Southeast Division employee to receive the Booker Award, following former Division Vice Presidents Mike Saxon and Roy Crow. Mills said the Southeast Energizers Chapter relies heavily on Traylor’s support for communicating the group’s scheduled quarterly meetings to about 150 active members. She maintains the membership roster, as well as a “calling tree” used when members need to be reached quickly. With a smile and pleasant attitude, Traylor attends the Energizers board of directors and quarterly meetings, helping with tasks and correspondence. “We feel that we have one of the strongest Energizers chapters because of Teel’s efforts to assist, encourage and lead us,” Mills said.Traylor said she admires the charity work Energizers do across the state. “As we strive to be 100% Connected in our communities, the Energizers are out there serving as great ambassadors for us,” said Traylor, who serves on the Farley/Southeast Division board for the Alabama Power Service Organization. “Their

presence and the work they do certainly strengthen and enhance our presence in our communities in a very positive way. They are very active in our communities and, as an employee, it’s nice to be connected with our retiree group. Their history with Alabama Power and the communities we serve provides us with a better sense of how best to make use of our volunteer resources for the greatest benefit to our communities and our company.” Traylor, who received the award three weeks before the birth of her third child, Michael James, said receiving the honor was “the perfect send-off.” She’s even busier at home with her new addition, and children, Sadie, 3, and A.J., 2. “Our Southeast Division Vice President Richard Hutto is 100 percent supportive of Energizers,” Traylor said. “He appreciates their contribution to the continued success of Alabama Power.”Attending the Energizers’ 9 a.m. meeting every Tuesday, Hutto enjoys a cup of coffee and lively discussion with retirees while providing them updates about Alabama Power business. “Teel Traylor well deserves the Booker Award, and Southeast Division is proud of her efforts to assist our local Energizers,” Hutto said. “She’s proven herself as a perfect example of a servant leader.”

By Donna Cope

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Eufaula employee’s efforts prompt presentation of booker Award for 2012

O’Daniel, left, and Hutto congratulated Traylor at Booker Award ceremony.

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Editor: Chuck Chandler 205-257-3651

Assistant editors: Donna Cope and Carla Davis

Photo editor: Bill Snow

Art director: Jay Parker

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Eastern Division Fleet Services recently achieved eight years without a recordable injury or preventable vehicle accident. The group, which includes employees at Anniston and Gadsden, received the Star Award. Shown above, from left to right, are Trovia Harper, Luther Bowden, Gregg Thomas, Jerry Sasser, Jody Marable, Gary Henderson, Jamey Sorgee, Tim Spates, Mark Crocker, Mike Mitchell, Shelia Cunningham, Patrick McClure and Jeff Crocker. Below are Shanon Graham, Marcus Brownlee and Mike McMahon.

Miller Steam Plant Team Leader Planning/

Engineering Keith Dickey recently attended

the nation’s largest fair, the Texas State Fair

in Dallas. Dickey annually visits such events

across the country, having gone to state fairs

in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin,

Ohio and Minnesota. Dickey took time to read

Powergrams while standing in front of

“Big Tex,” the 52-foot-tall symbol of the

Texas fair. An electrical malfunction destroyed the 60-year-old animated figure days after Dickey was photographed.

Mobile customer Christopher trahan commended employees for their hard work and dedication to getting power restored in his area following the tornado that hit on Christmas. trahan lives on South Carlen Street, where much of the damage occurred. He said, “Although employees seemed tired from working long hours, they continued to work until the job was done.” Restoration efforts in that area were led by Michigan Avenue Crew foreman Wendell Moss.

The E.C. Gaston Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization spent about $34,000 to make Christmas brighter for 180 kids. The children’s names and wish lists were provided through various organizations, including the Shelby, St. Clair, Chilton and talladega county departments of human resources; Vincent and Wilson elementary schools; the Boys Club of Sylacauga; toys for Kids and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.

The Customer Service Center-North Civic team headed by Betsy Weidenbach hosted a food drive benefiting the Salvation Army. Employees collected 600 cans of food and delivered it just in time to help provide Christmas dinner for many needy people.

TARGET ZEROHER ES

Send us your photo holding Powergrams in an

exotic locale.

Namon Johnson Jr., 70, retiree, Service Building-Birmingham District, Jan. 3.

Milton Jones, 93, retiree, Barry Steam Plant, Dec. 4.

Hubert L. McBrayer, 64, retiree, Western Division Office, Dec. 18.

Mary C. McClellan, 92, retiree, Corporate Headquarters, July 23, 2012.

Virgil L. Price, 69, retiree, Corporate Headquarters, Dec. 5.

Robert G. Roberts Jr., 82, retiree, Corporate Headquarters, Dec. 28.

Leland C. Thompson, 88, retiree, West Blocton, Dec. 3.

INmEmORIAm