POWERSOUTH PREPARED TO MEET SUMMER ELECTRIC DEMAND

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ANDALUSIA, ALA. – PowerSouth Energy Cooperative’s 20 distribution systems can expect to have an ample supply of electricity available to keep customers comfortable through the summer’s hottest months.

“We are well positioned to meet the energy needs of our distribution systems this summer when demand is at its highest,” said Damon Morgan, PowerSouth Vice President of Power Supply. “Sufficient generating capacity, purchase power agreements and demand side management resources are available to help manage expected peak usage.”

This summer, PowerSouth has forecasted a peak of 1,888 megawatts, compared with the 2009 summer peak of 1,855 megawatts, which occurred on June 22. Between PowerSouth’s existing generation, and long-term and short-term contracts, PowerSouth has 2,160 megawatts of resources available to help meet summer peak demand. The summer peak for the PowerSouth system typically occurs between June and August between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. Peak loads are measurements of the average total electric demand by consumers for the highest one-hour period. One megawatt of electricity can serve about 800 to 1,000 homes.

“Due to our high residential load, extreme weather is the dominant factor when it comes to producing electricity during times of high demand. High temperatures could produce peak loads this summer to rival those of recent years,” Morgan explained. “Even though our forecasts show overall growth in electricity consumption slowing as a result of the economic slowdown, most consumers continue to utilize the most energy during times of extreme temperatures.”

PowerSouth will closely monitor power demand, as well as the load on the system's transmission lines and substations to maintain reliable service for our 20 distribution systems. All available personnel will be working to keep critical equipment in service and respond to any generation or transmission problems that may occur due to the heat and heavy power load.

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About PowerSouth:

PowerSouth serves the wholesale energy needs of 16 electric cooperatives and four municipal electric systems in Alabama and northwest Florida, with more than a million consumers in 39 Alabama and 10 Florida counties. PowerSouth is dedicated to providing reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to its members.

For more information:

Mark Ingram, Corporate Communication Manager

334.427.3330

mark.ingram@powersouth.com

www.powersouth.com

PowerSouth is an EEO and AAP employer

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