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RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Summary of actuarial assumptions
The weighted average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations used to determine both the net periodic costs for the pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the following year and the benefit obligations as of the measurement date are presented below.
2024
Assumptions used to determine net
periodic costs:
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
Pension plans
Discount rate – benefit obligations5.07 %5.08 %5.06 %5.06 %5.14 %5.05 %
Discount rate – interest costs4.94 4.94 4.94 4.93 5.01 4.93 
Discount rate – service costs5.19 5.20 5.21 5.19 5.20 5.13 
Expected long-term return on plan assets8.30 8.30 8.30 8.30 8.30 8.30 
Annual salary increase4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 
Other postretirement benefit plans
Discount rate – benefit obligations4.99 %5.01 %4.98 %4.98 %5.06 %4.98 %
Discount rate – interest costs4.90 4.90 4.89 4.90 4.94 4.89 
Discount rate – service costs5.16 5.17 5.16 5.16 5.14 5.16 
Expected long-term return on plan assets7.67 7.97 7.59 7.43  6.36 
Annual salary increase4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 
2023
Assumptions used to determine net
periodic costs:
Southern CompanyAlabama
Power
Georgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
Pension plans
Discount rate – benefit obligations5.25 %5.26 %5.25 %5.25 %5.31 %5.24 %
Discount rate – interest costs5.13 5.14 5.12 5.12 5.19 5.12 
Discount rate – service costs5.36 5.38 5.38 5.37 5.37 5.31 
Expected long-term return on plan assets8.40 8.40 8.40 8.40 8.40 8.40 
Annual salary increase4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 
Other postretirement benefit plans
Discount rate – benefit obligations5.18 %5.20 %5.17 %5.17 %5.24 %5.16 %
Discount rate – interest costs5.08 5.09 5.07 5.08 5.12 5.07 
Discount rate – service costs5.34 5.35 5.34 5.33 5.33 5.33 
Expected long-term return on plan assets7.67 7.95 7.49 7.43 — 6.59 
Annual salary increase4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 
2022
Assumptions used to determine net periodic costs:Southern CompanyAlabama
Power
Georgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
Pension plans
Discount rate – benefit obligations3.09 %3.12 %3.07 %3.07 %3.21 %3.04 %
Discount rate – interest costs2.55 2.58 2.51 2.54 2.79 2.53 
Discount rate – service costs3.34 3.36 3.37 3.35 3.36 3.21 
Expected long-term return on plan assets8.25 8.25 8.25 8.25 8.25 8.25 
Annual salary increase4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 
Other postretirement benefit plans
Discount rate – benefit obligations2.90 %2.95 %2.87 %2.88 %3.07 %2.82 %
Discount rate – interest costs2.32 2.38 2.30 2.27 2.55 2.17 
Discount rate – service costs3.26 3.30 3.27 3.26 3.25 3.22 
Expected long-term return on plan assets7.21 7.54 6.88 7.22 — 6.08 
Annual salary increase4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 
2024
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia PowerMississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
Pension plans
Discount rate5.76 %5.78 %5.75 %5.76 %5.84 %5.73 %
Annual salary increase4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 
Other postretirement benefit plans
Discount rate5.64 %5.67 %5.61 %5.63 %5.73 %5.62 %
Annual salary increase4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 
2023
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia PowerMississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
Pension plans
Discount rate5.07 %5.08 %5.06 %5.06 %5.14 %5.05 %
Annual salary increase4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 
Other postretirement benefit plans
Discount rate4.99 %5.01 %4.98 %4.98 %5.06 %4.98 %
Annual salary increase4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 
Schedule of health care cost trend rates The weighted average medical care cost trend rates used in measuring the APBO for the Registrants at December 31, 2024 were as follows:
Initial Cost Trend RateUltimate Cost Trend RateYear That Ultimate Rate is Reached
Pre-658.00 %4.50 %2033
Post-65 medical5.50 4.50 2033
Post-65 prescription11.00 4.50 2033
Schedule of accumulated and projected benefit obligations
The total accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia PowerMississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
December 31, 2024$11,437 $2,617 $3,438 $519 $140 $779 
December 31, 202311,991 2,746 3,674 546 145 808 
The projected benefit obligations for the qualified and non-qualified pension plans at December 31, 2024 are shown in the following table. All pension plan assets are related to the qualified pension plan.
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia PowerMississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Projected benefit obligations:
Qualified pension plan$11,886 $2,794 $3,622 $540 $146 $788 
Non-qualified pension plan678 114 111 27 21 54 
Amounts recognized in balance sheets
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 related to the Registrants' pension plans consist of the following:
Southern
Company
Alabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
December 31, 2024:
Prepaid pension costs(a)
$2,674 $746 $897 $124 $41 $191 
Other regulatory assets, deferred(b)
2,708 741 973 144  126 
Other current liabilities(68)(13)(13)(2)(2)(4)
Employee benefit obligations(c)
(611)(102)(98)(25)(18)(51)
Other regulatory liabilities, deferred(50)     
AOCI52    11 (54)
December 31, 2023:
Prepaid pension costs(a)
$2,079 $585 $706 $99 $31 $158 
Other regulatory assets, deferred(b)
2,960 821 1,051 152 — 143 
Other current liabilities(64)(11)(13)(2)(2)(3)
Employee benefit obligations(c)
(649)(106)(131)(27)(21)(58)
Other regulatory liabilities, deferred(47)  — — — 
AOCI79   — 20 (45)
(a)Included in prepaid pension and other postretirement benefit costs on Alabama Power's balance sheet and other deferred charges and assets on Southern Power's consolidated balance sheet.
(b)Amounts for Southern Company exclude regulatory assets of $155 million and $173 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, associated with unamortized amounts in Southern Company Gas' pension plans prior to its acquisition by Southern Company.
(c)Included in other deferred credits and liabilities on Southern Power's consolidated balance sheets.
Presented below are the amounts included in regulatory assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 related to the portion of the defined benefit pension plan attributable to Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, and Southern Company Gas that had not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost.
Southern
Company
Alabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2024
Regulatory assets:
Prior service cost$8 $3 $5 $1 $(4)
Net loss2,650 738 968 143 91 
Regulatory amortization    39 
Total regulatory assets(*)
$2,658 $741 $973 $144 $126 
Balance at December 31, 2023
Regulatory assets:
Prior service cost$$$$$(7)
Net loss2,904 817 1,045 151 100 
Regulatory amortization— — — — 50 
Total regulatory assets(*)
$2,913 $821 $1,051 $152 $143 
(*)Amounts for Southern Company exclude regulatory assets of $155 million and $173 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, associated with unamortized amounts in Southern Company Gas' pension plans prior to its acquisition by Southern Company.
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 related to the Registrants' other postretirement benefit plans consist of the following:
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern
Power
Southern Company Gas
(in millions)
December 31, 2024:
Prepaid other postretirement benefit costs(a)
$ $95 $ $ $ $ 
Other regulatory assets, deferred(b)
24  3    
Other current liabilities(6)   (1) 
Employee benefit obligations(c)
(212) (68)(31)(8)(15)
Other regulatory liabilities, deferred(213)(45)(67)(9) (84)
AOCI(14)    (15)
December 31, 2023:
Prepaid other postretirement benefit costs(a)
$— $74 $— $— $— $— 
Other regulatory assets, deferred(b)
23 — 11 — — — 
Other current liabilities(6)— — — (1)— 
Employee benefit obligations(c)
(285)— (79)(32)(8)(44)
Other regulatory liabilities, deferred(231)(48)(85)(10)— (68)
AOCI(9)— — — (10)
(a)Included in prepaid pension and other postretirement benefit costs on Alabama Power's balance sheet.
(b)Amounts for Southern Company exclude regulatory assets of $16 million and $24 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, associated with unamortized amounts in Southern Company Gas' other postretirement benefit plans prior to its acquisition by Southern Company.
(c)Included in other deferred credits and liabilities on Southern Power's consolidated balance sheets.
Presented below are the amounts included in net regulatory assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2024 and 2023 related to the other postretirement benefit plans of Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, and Southern Company Gas that had not yet been recognized in net periodic other postretirement benefit cost.
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2024:
Regulatory assets (liabilities):
Prior service cost$11 $3 $4 $1 $ 
Net gain(200)(48)(68)(10)(71)
Regulatory amortization    (13)
Total regulatory assets (liabilities)(*)
$(189)$(45)$(64)$(9)$(84)
Balance at December 31, 2023:
Regulatory assets (liabilities):
Prior service cost$13 $$$$— 
Net gain(216)(52)(79)(11)(64)
Regulatory amortization— — — — (4)
Total regulatory assets (liabilities)(*)
$(203)$(48)$(74)$(10)$(68)
(*)Amounts for Southern Company exclude regulatory assets of $16 million and $24 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, associated with unamortized amounts in Southern Company Gas' other postretirement benefit plans prior to its acquisition by Southern Company.
Changes in projected benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets
Changes in the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets during the plan years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
2024
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$13,252 $3,076 $4,009 $599 $177 $882 
Service cost292 68 70 12 7 28 
Interest cost635 148 191 29 9 42 
Benefits paid(728)(162)(239)(33)(6)(46)
Actuarial gain(887)(222)(298)(40)(20)(64)
Balance at end of year12,564 2,908 3,733 567 167 842 
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year14,618 3,544 4,571 669 185 980 
Actual return on plan assets604 148 152 23 7 39 
Employer contributions65 9 35 5 2 5 
Benefits paid(728)(162)(239)(33)(6)(46)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year14,559 3,539 4,519 664 188 978 
Accrued asset$1,995 $631 $786 $97 $21 $136 
2023
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$12,602 $2,906 $3,851 $569 $163 $868 
Service cost275 64 68 11 24 
Interest cost626 145 191 28 42 
Benefits paid(744)(155)(224)(32)(6)(104)
Actuarial loss493 116 123 23 52 
Balance at end of year13,252 3,076 4,009 599 177 882 
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year14,218 3,427 4,456 649 178 1,002 
Actual return on plan assets1,092 260 331 50 12 79 
Employer contributions52 11 
Benefits paid(744)(154)(225)(32)(7)(104)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year14,618 3,544 4,571 669 185 980 
Accrued asset$1,366 $468 $562 $70 $$98 
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Components of net periodic pension cost for the Registrants were as follows:
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
2024
Service cost$292 $68 $70 $12 $7 $28 
Interest cost635 148 191 29 9 42 
Expected return on plan assets(1,263)(307)(393)(58)(17)(85)
Recognized net loss(*)
55 16 19 3   
Net amortization(*)
 1 1   15 
Prior service cost(*)
— — — — — (3)
Net periodic pension income$(281)$(74)$(112)$(14)$(1)$(3)
2023
Service cost$275 $64 $68 $11 $$24 
Interest cost626 145 191 28 42 
Expected return on plan assets(1,229)(297)(385)(56)(15)(85)
Recognized net (gain) loss(*)
32 13 — (5)
Net amortization(*)
— — — 15 
Prior service cost(*)
— — — — — (3)
Net periodic pension income$(296)$(78)$(112)$(15)$(1)$(12)
2022
Service cost$412 $99 $103 $17 $$34 
Interest cost408 96 123 18 28 
Expected return on plan assets(1,265)(306)(399)(57)(15)(91)
Recognized net loss(*)
240 62 75 11 
Net amortization(*)
— — — 15 
Prior service cost(*)
— — — — — (3)
Net periodic pension cost (income)$(205)$(48)$(97)$(11)$$(9)
(*)For Southern Company, excludes amounts related to net periodic pension cost of $20 million, $17 million, and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, associated with unamortized amounts in Southern Company Gas' pension plans prior to its acquisition by Southern Company.
Components of the other postretirement benefit plans' net periodic cost for the Registrants were as follows:
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
2024
Service cost$15 $4 $4 $1 $ $1 
Interest cost65 16 23 3  8 
Expected return on plan assets(89)(35)(32)(3)1 (13)
Net amortization(*)
(13)(3)(4)  6 
Net periodic other postretirement benefit cost (income)$(22)$(18)$(9)$1 $1 $2 
2023
Service cost$15 $$$$— $
Interest cost70 17 25 — 
Expected return on plan assets(83)(33)(29)(3)(10)
Net amortization(*)
(11)(3)(3)— — 
Net periodic other postretirement benefit cost (income)$(9)$(15)$(3)$$$
2022
Service cost$23 $$$$— $
Interest cost42 10 15 — 
Expected return on plan assets(80)(32)(28)(2)(9)
Net amortization(*)
(1)— — — 
Net periodic other postretirement benefit cost (income)$(16)$(16)$(5)$$$
(*)For Southern Company, excludes amounts related to net periodic other postretirement benefit cost of $8 million for all years presented associated with unamortized amounts in Southern Company Gas' other postretirement benefit plans prior to its acquisition by Southern Company.
Estimated pension benefit payments At December 31, 2024, estimated benefit payments were as follows:
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Benefit Payments:
2025$773 $170 $245 $34 $$58 
2026801 177 250 36 60 
2027823 183 254 37 62 
2028842 187 258 38 64 
2029862 192 262 38 66 
2030 to 20344,529 1,013 1,333 204 51 346 
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Benefit payments:
2025$112 $24 $40 $$$16 
2026112 25 40 16 
2027113 26 41 15 
2028114 26 41 15 
2029114 27 42 14 
2030 to 2034558 133 205 22 61 
Components of OCI related to defined benefit pension plan
The components of OCI related to the portion of the defined benefit pension plan attributable to Southern Company, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented in the following table:
Southern CompanySouthern
Power
Southern Company
Gas
(in millions)
AOCI:
Balance at December 31, 2022$24 $11 $(75)
Net loss62 29 
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of prior service costs— 
Amortization of net loss(8)— — 
Total reclassification adjustments(7)— 
Total change55 30 
Balance at December 31, 2023$79 $20 $(45)
Net gain(29)(9)(11)
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of prior service costs1  2 
Amortization of net gain1   
Total reclassification adjustments2  2 
Total change(27)(9)(9)
Balance at December 31, 2024$52 $11 $(54)
The components of OCI related to the other postretirement benefit plans for the plan years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented in the following table:
Southern CompanySouthern
Power
Southern Company Gas
(in millions)
AOCI:
Balance at December 31, 2022$(4)$— $(2)
Net (gain) loss(12)— 
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of net gain (loss)— (8)
Total change(5)(8)
Balance at December 31, 2023$(9)$$(10)
Net gain(8)(1)(5)
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of net gain (loss)3   
Total change(5)(1)(5)
Balance at December 31, 2024$(14)$ $(15)
Changes in the APBO and the fair value of plan assets
Changes in the APBO and the fair value of the Registrants' plan assets during the plan years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
2024
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$1,386 $329 $489 $57 $9 $172 
Service cost15 4 4 1  1 
Interest cost65 16 23 3  8 
Benefits paid(105)(25)(37)(4)(1)(12)
Actuarial (gain) loss(2)2 9 (2)1 (13)
Balance at end of year1,359 326 488 55 9 156 
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year1,095 403 410 25  128 
Actual return on plan assets96 37 34   18 
Employer contributions55 6 13 3 1 7 
Benefits paid(105)(25)(37)(4)(1)(12)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year1,141 421 420 24  141 
Accrued asset (liability)$(218)$95 $(68)$(31)$(9)$(15)
2023
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year$1,441 $344 $514 $59 $$179 
Service cost15 — 
Interest cost70 17 25 — 
Benefits paid(107)(24)(36)(4)(1)(18)
Actuarial (gain) loss(33)(12)(18)(2)
Balance at end of year1,386 329 489 57 172 
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year998 372 368 24 — 113 
Actual return on plan assets131 52 51 — 19 
Employer contributions73 27 14 
Benefits paid(107)(24)(36)(4)(1)(18)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year1,095 403 410 25 — 128 
Accrued asset (liability)$(291)$74 $(79)$(32)$(9)$(44)
Changes in balances of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities related to defined benefit pension plans
The changes in the balance of regulatory assets related to the portion of the defined benefit pension plan attributable to Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, and Southern Company Gas for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented in the following table:
Southern
Company
Alabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Regulatory assets (liabilities):(*)
Balance at December 31, 2022$2,371 $679 $887 $123 $111 
Net loss576 153 178 31 34 
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of prior service costs(1)(1)(1)— 
Amortization of net loss(33)(10)(13)(2)— 
Amortization of regulatory assets(*)
— — — — (4)
Total reclassification adjustments(34)(11)(14)(2)(2)
Total change542 142 164 29 32 
Balance at December 31, 2023$2,913 $821 $1,051 $152 $143 
Net gain(199)(63)(58)(5)(7)
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of prior service costs(1)(1)(1) 2 
Amortization of net loss(55)(16)(19)(3)(1)
Amortization of regulatory assets(*)
    (11)
Total reclassification adjustments(56)(17)(20)(3)(10)
Total change(255)(80)(78)(8)(17)
Balance at December 31, 2024$2,658 $741 $973 $144 $126 
(*)Amounts for Southern Company exclude regulatory assets of $155 million and $173 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, associated with unamortized amounts in Southern Company Gas' pension plans prior to its acquisition by Southern Company.
The changes in the balance of net regulatory assets (liabilities) related to the other postretirement benefit plans for the plan years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented in the following table:
Southern CompanyAlabama PowerGeorgia
Power
Mississippi PowerSouthern Company Gas
(in millions)
Net regulatory assets (liabilities):(*)
Balance at December 31, 2022$(136)$(21)$(39)$(9)$(58)
Net gain(77)(30)(38)(1)— 
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of prior service costs(1)— (1)— — 
Amortization of net gain— — 
Amortization of regulatory assets(*)
— — — — (10)
Total reclassification adjustments— (10)
Total change(72)(27)(35)(1)(10)
Balance at December 31, 2023$(208)$(48)$(74)$(10)$(68)
Net (gain) loss8 1 6 1 (12)
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of prior service costs(2)(1)(1)  
Amortization of net gain13 3 5  5 
Amortization of regulatory assets(*)
    (9)
Total reclassification adjustments11 2 4  (4)
Total change19 3 10 1 (16)
Balance at December 31, 2024$(189)$(45)$(64)$(9)$(84)
(*)Amounts for Southern Company exclude regulatory assets of $16 million and $24 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, associated with unamortized amounts in Southern Company Gas' other postretirement benefit plans prior to its acquisition by Southern Company.
Amounts included in AOCI related to defined benefit pension plans
Presented below are the amounts included in AOCI at December 31, 2024 and 2023 related to the portion of the defined benefit pension plan attributable to Southern Company, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas that had not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost.
Southern
Company
Southern
Power
Southern Company
Gas
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2024
AOCI:
Prior service cost$(1)$ $(1)
Net (gain) loss53 11 (53)
Total AOCI$52 $11 $(54)
Balance at December 31, 2023
AOCI:
Prior service cost$(1)$— $(2)
Net (gain) loss80 20 (43)
Total AOCI$79 $20 $(45)
Presented below are the amounts included in AOCI at December 31, 2024 and 2023 related to the other postretirement benefit plans of Southern Company, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas that had not yet been recognized in net periodic other postretirement benefit cost.
Southern
Company
Southern
Power
Southern Company
Gas
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2024
AOCI:
Net (gain) loss$(14)$ $(15)
Balance at December 31, 2023
AOCI:
Prior service cost$$— $— 
Net (gain) loss(10)(10)
Total AOCI$(9)$$(10)
Summary of investment strategies and benefit plan asset fair values
A description of the major asset classes that the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are comprised of, along with the valuation methods used for fair value measurement, is provided below:
DescriptionValuation Methodology
Domestic equity: A mix of large and small capitalization stocks with generally an equal distribution of value and growth attributes, managed both actively and through passive index approaches.

International equity: A mix of large and small capitalization growth and value stocks with developed and emerging markets exposure, managed both actively and through fundamental indexing approaches.
Domestic and international equities such as common stocks, American depositary receipts, and real estate investment trusts that trade on public exchanges are classified as Level 1 investments and are valued at the closing price in the active market. Equity funds with unpublished prices that are comprised of publicly traded securities (such as commingled/pooled funds) are also valued at the closing price in the active market but are classified as Level 2.
Fixed income: A mix of domestic and international bonds.
Investments in fixed income securities, including fixed income pooled funds, are generally classified as Level 2 investments and are valued based on prices reported in the market place. Additionally, the value of fixed income securities takes into consideration certain items such as broker quotes, spreads, yield curves, interest rates, and discount rates that apply to the term of a specific instrument.
Trust-owned life insurance (TOLI): Investments of taxable trusts aimed at minimizing the impact of taxes on the portfolio.
Investments in TOLI policies are classified as Level 2 investments and are valued based on the underlying investments held in the policy's separate accounts. The underlying assets are equity and fixed income pooled funds that are comprised of Level 1 and Level 2 securities.
Real estate: Investments in equity or debt of real properties and in publicly traded real estate securities.

Special situations: Investments in opportunistic strategies with the objective of diversifying and enhancing returns and exploiting short-term inefficiencies, as well as investments in promising new strategies of a longer-term nature.

Private equity: Investments in private or public securities typically through privately-negotiated and/or structured transactions, including leveraged buyouts, venture capital, and distressed debt.

Private credit: Investments focused on debt instruments, of which returns are driven by income rather than capital appreciation.

Infrastructure: Investments in real assets, typically with long-term, predictable, and stable cash flows and a meaningful income component.
Investments in real estate, special situations, private equity, private credit, and infrastructure are typically invested in private partnerships and/or other pooled vehicles (Investment Funds) which are generally classified as Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient, since the Investment Funds and underlying assets are not publicly traded and/or often have liquidity restrictions. The managers of the Investment Funds value the assets using various inputs and techniques depending on the nature of the underlying investments. Techniques may include purchase multiples for comparable transactions, comparable public company trading multiples, discounted cash flow analysis, prevailing market capitalization rates, recent sales of comparable investments, and independent third-party appraisals. The total market value of each of the Investment Funds is determined by aggregating the value of the underlying assets less liabilities.
Fair values of plan assets
The fair values, and actual allocations relative to the target allocations, of the Southern Company system's pension plans at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented below.
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2024:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Southern Company
Assets:
Equity:41 %41 %
Domestic equity$2,095 $835 $ $2,930 
International equity1,959 1,032  2,991 
Fixed income:30 31 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 1,780  1,780 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 48  48 
Corporate bonds 1,715  1,715 
Pooled funds 792  792 
Cash equivalents and other255   255 
Real estate investments361  1,563 1,924 12 13 
Special situations  237 237 3 2 
Private equity  1,797 1,797 9 12 
Private credit
  152 152 3 1 
Infrastructure
    2  
Total$4,670 $6,202 $3,749 $14,621 100 %100 %
Liabilities:
Derivatives$ $(33)$ $(33)
Total$4,670 $6,169 $3,749 $14,588 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2024:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Alabama Power
Assets:
Equity:41 %41 %
Domestic equity$509 $203 $ $712 
International equity476 251  727 
Fixed income:30 31 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 433  433 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 12  12 
Corporate bonds 417  417 
Pooled funds 193  193 
Cash equivalents and other62   62 
Real estate investments88  380 468 12 13 
Special situations  57 57 3 2 
Private equity  437 437 9 12 
Private credit
  37 37 3 1 
Infrastructure
    2  
Total$1,135 $1,509 $911 $3,555 100 %100 %
Liabilities:
Derivatives$ $(8)$ $(8)
Total$1,135 $1,501 $911 $3,547 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2024:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Georgia Power
Assets:
Equity:41 %41 %
Domestic equity$652 $259 $ $911 
International equity608 320  928 
Fixed income:30 31 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 552  552 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 15  15 
Corporate bonds 532  532 
Pooled funds 246  246 
Cash equivalents and other79   79 
Real estate investments112  485 597 12 13 
Special situations  73 73 3 2 
Private equity  558 558 9 12 
Private credit
  47 47 3 1 
Infrastructure
    2  
Total$1,451 $1,924 $1,163 $4,538 100 %100 %
Liabilities:
Derivatives$ $(10)$ $(10)
Total$1,451 $1,914 $1,163 $4,528 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2024:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Mississippi Power
Assets:
Equity:41 %41 %
Domestic equity$97 $38 $ $135 
International equity89 47  136 
Fixed income:30 31 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 81  81 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 2  2 
Corporate bonds 78  78 
Pooled funds 36  36 
Cash equivalents and other12   12 
Real estate investments16  71 87 12 13 
Special situations  11 11 3 2 
Private equity  82 82 9 12 
Private credit
  7 7 3 1 
Infrastructure
    2  
Total$214 $282 $171 $667 100 %100 %
Liabilities:
Derivatives$ $(2)$ $(2)
Total$214 $280 $171 $665 100 %100 %
Southern Power
Assets:
Equity:41 %41 %
Domestic equity$27 $11 $ $38 
International equity25 13  38 
Fixed income:30 31 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 23  23 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1  1 
Corporate bonds 22  22 
Pooled funds 10  10 
Cash equivalents and other3   3 
Real estate investments5  20 25 12 13 
Special situations  3 3 3 2 
Private equity  23 23 9 12 
Private credit
  2 2 3 1 
Infrastructure
    2  
Total$60 $80 $48 $188 100%100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2024:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Southern Company Gas
Assets:
Equity:41 %41 %
Domestic equity$142 $56 $ $198 
International equity132 69  201 
Fixed income:30 31 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 120  120 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 3  3 
Corporate bonds 115  115 
Pooled funds 53  53 
Cash equivalents and other17   17 
Real estate investments24  105 129 12 13 
Special situations  16 16 3 2 
Private equity  121 121 9 12 
Private credit
  10 10 3 1 
Infrastructure
    2  
Total$315 $416 $252 $983 100 %100 %
Liabilities:
Derivatives$ $(2)$ $(2)
Total$315 $414 $252 $981 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2023:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Southern Company
Assets:
Equity:41 %40 %
Domestic equity$1,959 $771 $— $2,730 
International equity1,947 1,052 — 2,999 
Fixed income:30 32 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 1,973 — 1,973 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities— 44 — 44 
Corporate bonds— 1,724 — 1,724 
Pooled funds— 777 — 777 
Cash equivalents and other371 58 — 429 
Real estate investments369 — 1,684 2,053 12 14 
Special situations— — 245 245 
Private equity— — 1,761 1,761 12 
Private Credit— — 25 25 — 
Infrastructure— — — — — 
Total$4,646 $6,399 $3,715 $14,760 100 %100 %
Alabama Power
Assets:
Equity:41 %40 %
Domestic equity$476 $187 $— $663 
International equity472 255 — 727 
Fixed income:30 32 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 479 — 479 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities— 11 — 11 
Corporate bonds— 418 — 418 
Pooled funds— 188 — 188 
Cash equivalents and other90 14 — 104 
Real estate investments89 — 408 497 12 14 
Special situations— — 59 59 
Private equity— — 427 427 12 
Private credit
— — — 
Infrastructure
— — — — — 
Total$1,127 $1,552 $900 $3,579 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2023:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Georgia Power
Assets:
Equity:41 %40 %
Domestic equity$611 $241 $— $852 
International equity609 329 — 938 
Fixed income:30 32 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 617 — 617 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities— 14 — 14 
Corporate bonds— 539 — 539 
Pooled funds— 243 — 243 
Cash equivalents and other116 18 — 134 
Real estate investments115 — 527 642 12 14 
Special situations— — 77 77 
Private equity— — 551 551 12 
Private credit
— — — 
Infrastructure
— — — — — 
Total$1,451 $2,001 $1,163 $4,615 100 %100 %
Mississippi Power
Assets:
Equity:41 %40 %
Domestic equity$89 $35 $— $124 
International equity89 48 — 137 
Fixed income:30 32 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 90 — 90 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities— — 
Corporate bonds— 79 — 79 
Pooled funds— 36 — 36 
Cash equivalents and other17 — 20 
Real estate investments17 — 77 94 12 14 
Special situations— — 11 11 
Private equity— — 81 81 12 
Private credit
— — — 
Infrastructure
— — — — — 
Total$212 $293 $170 $675 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2023:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Southern Power
Assets:
Equity:41 %40 %
Domestic equity$24 $10 $— $34 
International equity25 13 — 38 
Fixed income:30 32 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 25 — 25 
Mortgage - and asset backed securities
— — 
Corporate bonds— 22 — 22 
Pooled funds— 10 — 10 
Cash equivalents and other— 
Real estate investments— 21 26 12 14 
Special situations— — 
Private equity— — 22 22 12 
Private credit
— — — — — 
Infrastructure
— — — — — 
Total$59 $82 $46 $187 100 %100 %
Southern Company Gas
Assets:
Equity:41 %40 %
Domestic equity$130 $52 $— $182 
International equity130 71 — 201 
Fixed income:30 32 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 132 — 132 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities— — 
Corporate bonds— 116 — 116 
Pooled funds— 52 — 52 
Cash equivalents and other25 — 29 
Real estate investments25 — 113 138 12 14 
Special situations— — 16 16 
Private equity— — 118 118 12 
Private credit
— — — 
Infrastructure
— — — — — 
Total$310 $430 $249 $989 100 %100 %
The fair values, and actual allocations relative to the target allocations, of the applicable Registrants' other postretirement benefit plan assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented below.
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTotalTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2024:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)
(in millions)
Southern Company
Assets:
Equity:61 %62 %
Domestic equity$94 $98 $ $192 
International equity54 83  137 
Fixed income:29 28 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 54  54 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1  1 
Corporate bonds 48  48 
Pooled funds 99  99 
Cash equivalents and other16   16 
Trust-owned life insurance 478  478 
Real estate investments11  43 54 4 5 
Special situations  6 6 1 1 
Private equity  50 50 3 4 
Private credit
  4 4 1  
Infrastructure
    1  
Total$175 $861 $103 $1,139 100 %100 %
Liabilities:
Derivatives$ $(1)$ $(1)
Total$175 $860 $103 $1,138 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTotalTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2024:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)
(in millions)
Alabama Power
Assets:
Equity:68 %68 %
Domestic equity$17 $7 $ $24 
International equity16 9  25 
Fixed income:23 24 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 14  14 
Corporate bonds 14  14 
Pooled funds 11  11 
Cash equivalents and other2   2 
Trust-owned life insurance 294  294 
Real estate investments3  13 16 3 4 
Special situations  2 2 1 1 
Private equity  15 15 3 3 
Private credit
  1 1 1  
Infrastructure
    1  
Total$38 $349 $31 $418 100 %100 %
Georgia Power
Assets:
Equity:59 %59 %
Domestic equity$52 $7 $ $59 
International equity16 41  57 
Fixed income:35 33 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 14  14 
Corporate bonds 14  14 
Pooled funds 48  48 
Cash equivalents and other10   10 
Trust-owned life insurance 184  184 
Real estate investments4  13 17 3 4 
Special situations  2 2 1 1 
Private equity  15 15 2 3 
Total$82 $308 $30 $420 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTotalTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2024:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)
(in millions)
Mississippi Power
Assets:
Equity:34 %32 %
Domestic equity$3 $1 $ $4 
International equity3 1  4 
Fixed income:43 44 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 7  7 
Corporate bonds 2  2 
Pooled funds 1  1 
Cash equivalents and other1   1 
Real estate investments  2 2 10 11 
Special situations    2 2 
Private equity  2 2 7 10 
Private credit
    3 1 
Infrastructure
    1  
Total$7 $12 $4 $23 100 %100 %
Southern Company Gas
Assets:
Equity:72 %73 %
Domestic equity$1 $76 $ $77 
International equity1 23  24 
Fixed income:26 25 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds 1  1 
Corporate bonds 1  1 
Pooled funds 32  32 
Cash equivalents and other1   1 
Real estate investments  1 1 1 1 
Private equity  1 1 1 1 
Total$3 $133 $2 $138 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2023:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Southern Company
Assets:
Equity:60 %61 %
Domestic equity$85 $87 $— $172 
International equity53 82 — 135 
Fixed income:30 28 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 57 — 57 
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities— — 
Corporate bonds— 47 — 47 
Pooled funds— 92 — 92 
Cash equivalents and other21 — 23 
Trust-owned life insurance— 456 — 456 
Real estate investments11 — 46 57 
Special situations— — 
Private equity— — 48 48 
Private credit
— — — 
Infrastructure
— — — — — 
Total$170 $825 $101 $1,096 100 %100 %
Alabama Power
Assets:
Equity:67 %66 %
Domestic equity$16 $$— $22 
International equity16 — 25 
Fixed income:23 23 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 16 — 16 
Corporate bonds— 14 — 14 
Pooled funds— — 
Cash equivalents and other— — 
Trust-owned life insurance— 280 — 280 
Real estate investments— 14 17 
Special situations— — 
Private equity— — 15 15 
Private credit
— — — — — 
Infrastructure
— — — — — 
Total$38 $333 $31 $402 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2023:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Georgia Power
Assets:
Equity:58 %57 %
Domestic equity$47 $$— $53 
International equity16 40 — 56 
Fixed income:35 35 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— 16 — 16 
Corporate bonds— 14 — 14 
Pooled funds— 47 — 47 
Cash equivalents and other13 — — 13 
Trust-owned life insurance— 176 — 176 
Real estate investments— 14 18 
Special situations— — 
Private equity— — 14 14 
Private credit
— — — — — 
Total$80 $299 $30 $409 100 %100 %
Mississippi Power
Assets:
Equity:34 %33 %
Domestic equity$$$— $
International equity— 
Fixed income:43 44 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— — 
Corporate bonds— — 
Pooled funds— — 
Cash equivalents and other— — 
Real estate investments— 10 11 
Special situations— — — — 
Private equity— — 10 
Private credit
— — — — — 
Infrastructure
— — — — — 
Total$$12 $$24 100 %100 %
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical AssetsSignificant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Net Asset Value as a Practical ExpedientTarget AllocationActual Allocation
At December 31, 2023:(Level 1)(Level 2)(NAV)Total
(in millions)
Southern Company Gas
Assets:
Equity:72 %72 %
Domestic equity$$67 $— $69 
International equity22 — 24 
Fixed income:26 26 
U.S. Treasury, government, and agency bonds— — 
Corporate bonds— — 
Pooled funds— 29 — 29 
Cash equivalents and other— — 
Real estate investments— — 
Private equity— — 
Total$$120 $$127 100 %100 %
Total matching contributions Total matching contributions made to the plans for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:
Southern CompanyAlabama
Power
Georgia
Power
Mississippi
Power
Southern
Power
Southern Company Gas
(in millions)
2024$137 $29 $31 $5 $3 $20 
2023131 28 31 18 
2022124 26 29 17