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 Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Southern
Company for the year ended December 31, 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Southern Company for the year
          ended December 31, 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K of The
          Southern Company for the year ended December 31, 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:  February 28, 2005