Exhibit 99(a)1

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                       PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350


In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The
Southern Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, I, Allen Franklin,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, hereby certify pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that:

     (1)  such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Southern Company for the
          quarter ended March 31, 2003, which this statement accompanies, fully
          complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
          Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     (2)  the information contained in such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The
          Southern Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, fairly
          presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
          results of operations of The Southern Company.


                                            /s/H. Allen Franklin
                                                Allen Franklin
                                     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date:  May 13, 2003



A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to The Southern Company and will be retained by The Southern Company
and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon
request.