Exhibit 14(a)
Southern Company Code of Ethics
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Southern Style is our model for corporate and professional leadership
principles. It is the foundation of our culture of trust and it tells us that
ethical behavior is an important part of how we do business at Southern Company.
Southern Style reminds us to:
Tell the Truth
Keep our promises
Deal Fairly and Ethically with Everyone
In fact, ethical behavior applies to every part of our business -- whether it's
dealing with customers, leading by example, working together or improving our
communities.
The Southern Company Code of Ethics is a set of expectations to guide our
behaviors as representatives of the largest energy provider in the Southeast.
The Code is a decision-making compass that should be consulted -- either
literally or intuitively -- anytime we make a decision or begin a task. We
should never stop asking ourselves: "Am I behaving ethically -- today and every
day?"
The Code applies to Southern Company, its subsidiaries, and their directors,
officers and employees. Before any director, officer or employee considers
acting in a manner which could constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics, the
individual should recognize that he or she is placing their job or service as a
director in jeopardy.
Our Employees
We treat each other with fairness, respect, and dignity, offering equal
opportunities for employment to all individuals. We value different backgrounds
and encourage different perspectives and ideas - understanding that Diversity is
a strength that unlocks our full potential and helps us achieve our goals.
Intimidation, harassment, or discrimination based on race, sex, age, color,
religion, national origin, veteran's status, sexual orientation or disability is
not tolerated. We take personal responsibility for individual and organizational
success, while recognizing the value that each of us contributes.
Safety & Health
We do not compromise safety and health. Because we care, we value the health and
safety of each other, our contractors, and the public by conducting business in
a manner designed to preserve the well-being of all. We work safely, watch out
for each other, and report and correct unsafe situations. We keep our workplace
free from illegal drugs and the inappropriate use of alcohol.
Southern Company Code of Ethics
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The Environment
We are committed to improving our environmental performance and the communities
we serve by being good environmental stewards and working to conserve valuable
natural resources. The health of our Employees, Customers, and the Public, and
the protection of our natural environment are among our highest priorities.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
We respect the Law. We comply with all laws and regulations. We have a
responsibility to understand the laws and how they apply to our jobs. The
Company supports each employee in this responsibility and provides the necessary
resources for compliance. If it is found that any laws or regulations have been
violated, corrective and responsible action will be taken.
Confidential Information
We use confidential information only for the business purpose for which it was
developed or given. We respect the confidentiality of information about the
Company, its customers, employees, vendors and partners. Confidential
information will not be used for personal benefit. We comply with the laws and
regulations which prohibit insider trading of securities. We protect the
intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, licenses and
trademarks, and other proprietary information of the Company and others.
Conflict of Interest
We avoid conflicts, or the appearance of conflicts, between personal interests
and official responsibilities on behalf of the Company. We use corporate
resources - time, personnel, equipment and supplies - for Company business or
Company approved activities.
We do not take personal advantage of business opportunities that are discovered
through the use of Company property, information or position. The Company's
directors, officers and employees do not engage in business activities in
competition with the Company.
Southern Company Code of Ethics
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Gifts and Gratuities
We do not accept, offer or authorize gifts, entertainment, or other favors that
are not a reasonable part of a business relationship. We exercise hospitality
with discretion, so as not to jeopardize the integrity of those with whom we do
business.
Political Activities
We value and encourage Citizenship. Employees have the opportunity, as
individuals, to support political candidates and engage in political activities
of their own free choice. Company resources are not used, directly or
indirectly, to support political candidates.
Because rules regarding gifts and gratuities to public officials can vary from
state to state and even from agency to agency, we do not offer a gift of any
type, including meals, to any public official unless we have determined that
such a gift is appropriate and legal.
Competitive Practices
We compete vigorously, but fairly, on the basis of price, superior services,
dependability and products. We do not enter into understandings or agreements
between competitors regarding prices, terms of sales, division of markets or
customers, or any other activity that restricts competition.
We conduct competitive marketing activities, including the advertising of
products and services and gathering of competitive intelligence, fairly and
honestly.
Financial Integrity
We are prudent in our expenditures on behalf of the Company and we record all
business transactions in accordance with accepted accounting principles. We
maintain appropriate internal controls designed to prevent or detect fraud and
ensure every accounting or financial record, and supporting data, describes the
transaction accurately without omission, concealment or falsification. Our
Financial Integrity commitment also extends to business transactions between
subsidiary companies to ensure all activity is properly reflected. We maintain
and retain all business records accurately and in compliance with applicable
laws and Company policy.
We believe in making full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure
in the reports we file under securities laws and in other public communications.
Southern Company Code of Ethics
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External Relationships
Customers... Vendors... Contractors... Regulators... Stockholders...
We are known by our customers for the quality and value of the products and
services we provide. We value the relationships we have established and realize
they are built on trust and cooperation.
We are committed to building a culture of Trust, not only with our Employees,
but also our Customers, Vendors, Contractors, Regulators and Stockholders.
Southern Company seeks to always maintain the highest standards of integrity and
objectivity in our working relationships and will not conduct business with
anyone who does not operate with integrity or who compromises the Company's
values and ethical standards.
Duty to Act
Our people are our Company. We will be recognized by the actions of our people.
Each of us has a clear legal mandate to act ethically on the Company's behalf
and is obligated to report promptly to management any activities that may be in
violation of this Code of Ethics or any applicable laws or regulations. The
Company has in place appropriate processes to provide for the timely and
effective review of such reports and will not tolerate any retaliation against
those fulfilling this obligation.
Each of us is encouraged to discuss concerns or questions with our supervision,
the Workplace Ethics Network (1-800-754-9452), Concerns Program or Compliance
Officer. The Workplace Ethics Network (800) line may also be used to report
concerns regarding accounting practices, internal accounting controls or
auditing matters directly to the Southern Company Audit Committee.
Southern Company Code of Ethics
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Conclusion
In Southern Company, ethics mean more than merely obeying laws and following
policies. Ethics also encompass "doing the right thing for the right reasons" no
matter what our job or responsibilities within the Company may be. Much more is
expected today than ever before of our industry with regard to our ethical
standards and behaviors. All of us are expected to maintain the highest ethical
practices in our work and dealings both inside and outside our Company.
No waivers of the provisions of this Code of Ethics maybe granted to employees
without the review and approval of the Southern Company Compliance Officer or
the compliance officer of the subsidiary involved. In addition, no waivers may
be granted for Southern Company directors or executive officers without the
review and approval of the Southern Company Board of Directors. Waivers of this
Code of Ethics shall be disclosed as required by law, the New York Stock
Exchange rules or other applicable regulation.
This policy does not create any contractual right to employment, employee
benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment.