Exhibit 32(a)

                                 CERTIFICATION

                             18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
                    AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
                           SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The
Southern Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, we, the undersigned,
hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of our individual
knowledge and belief, that:

(1)      such Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Southern Company for the
         quarter ended June 30, 2004, 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 June 30, 2004, fairly presents,
         in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
         operations of The Southern Company.



                                               /s/David M. Ratcliffe
                                                David M. Ratcliffe
                                       Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



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

Date:  August 5, 2004