Exhibit 32(a)
                                  CERTIFICATION
                       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 September 30, 2003, we, the undersigned,
hereby certify pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the
best of our knowledge and belief, that:

(1)  such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Southern Company for the quarter
     ended September 30, 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 September 30, 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



                              /s/Thomas A. Fanning
                                Thomas A. Fanning
                            Executive Vice President,
                      Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Date:  November 12, 2003