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 September 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 September 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 September 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:  November 5, 2004