<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000092122-24-000005.txt : 20240206
<SEC-HEADER>0000092122-24-000005.hdr.sgml : 20240206
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20240206101152
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000092122-24-000005
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K/A
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		15
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20231016
ITEM INFORMATION:		Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
FILED AS OF DATE:		20240206
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20240206

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			SOUTHERN CO
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000092122
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
		ORGANIZATION NAME:           	01 Energy & Transportation
		IRS NUMBER:				580690070
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K/A
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-03526
		FILM NUMBER:		24598594

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		30 IVAN ALLEN JR. BLVD., N.W.
		CITY:			ATLANTA
		STATE:			GA
		ZIP:			30308
		BUSINESS PHONE:		4045065000

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		30 IVAN ALLEN JR. BLVD., N.W.
		CITY:			ATLANTA
		STATE:			GA
		ZIP:			30308
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K/A
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>so-20231016.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K/A
<TEXT>
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<title>so-20231016</title></head><body><div style="display:none"><ix:header><ix:hidden><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityCentralIndexKey" id="f-33">0000092122</ix:nonNumeric><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:AmendmentFlag" format="ixt:fixed-false" id="f-34">false</ix:nonNumeric></ix:hidden><ix:references xml:lang="en-US"><link:schemaRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="so-20231016.xsd"/></ix:references><ix:resources><xbrli:context id="c-1"><xbrli:entity><xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0000092122</xbrli:identifier></xbrli:entity><xbrli:period><xbrli:startDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:startDate><xbrli:endDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:endDate></xbrli:period></xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="c-2"><xbrli:entity><xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0000092122</xbrli:identifier><xbrli:segment><xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">us-gaap:CommonStockMember</xbrldi:explicitMember></xbrli:segment></xbrli:entity><xbrli:period><xbrli:startDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:startDate><xbrli:endDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:endDate></xbrli:period></xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="c-3"><xbrli:entity><xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0000092122</xbrli:identifier><xbrli:segment><xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">so:Series2017B5.25JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2077Member</xbrldi:explicitMember></xbrli:segment></xbrli:entity><xbrli:period><xbrli:startDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:startDate><xbrli:endDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:endDate></xbrli:period></xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="c-4"><xbrli:entity><xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0000092122</xbrli:identifier><xbrli:segment><xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">so:Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member</xbrldi:explicitMember></xbrli:segment></xbrli:entity><xbrli:period><xbrli:startDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:startDate><xbrli:endDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:endDate></xbrli:period></xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="c-5"><xbrli:entity><xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0000092122</xbrli:identifier><xbrli:segment><xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">so:Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member</xbrldi:explicitMember></xbrli:segment></xbrli:entity><xbrli:period><xbrli:startDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:startDate><xbrli:endDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:endDate></xbrli:period></xbrli:context><xbrli:context id="c-6"><xbrli:entity><xbrli:identifier scheme="http://www.sec.gov/CIK">0000092122</xbrli:identifier><xbrli:segment><xbrldi:explicitMember dimension="us-gaap:StatementClassOfStockAxis">so:Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member</xbrldi:explicitMember></xbrli:segment></xbrli:entity><xbrli:period><xbrli:startDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:startDate><xbrli:endDate>2023-10-16</xbrli:endDate></xbrli:period></xbrli:context></ix:resources></ix:header></div><div id="id54ae8d798544bfba3e1a32a4c84e5e1_1"></div><div style="min-height:27pt;width:100%"><div><span><br/></span></div></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">UNITED STATES </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span><br/></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Washington, D. C.  20549 </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span><br/></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">FORM <ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:DocumentType" id="f-1">8-K/A</ix:nonNumeric> </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(Amendment No. 1)</span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span><br/></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">CURRENT REPORT</span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span><br/></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:440.25pt"><tr><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:3.25pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:247.75pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:183.25pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:DocumentPeriodEndDate" format="ixt:date-monthname-day-year-en" id="f-2">October 16, 2023</ix:nonNumeric></span></td></tr></table></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:14pt;text-align:center"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:94.883%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:5.679%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.235%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:5.679%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:35.109%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:5.679%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.235%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:5.684%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Commission<br/>File Number</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Registrant,<br/>State of Incorporation,<br/>Address and Telephone Number</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">I.R.S. Employer<br/>Identification No.</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr></table></div><div style="text-align:center"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:94.883%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:5.679%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.235%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:5.679%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:35.109%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:5.679%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.235%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:5.684%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityFileNumber" id="f-3">1-3526</ix:nonNumeric></span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityRegistrantName" id="f-4">The Southern Company</ix:nonNumeric></span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" id="f-5">58-0690070</ix:nonNumeric></span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr></table></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(A <ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" format="ixt-sec:stateprovnameen" id="f-6">Delaware</ix:nonNumeric> Corporation)</span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityAddressAddressLine1" id="f-7">30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W</ix:nonNumeric>.</span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityAddressCityOrTown" id="f-8">Atlanta</ix:nonNumeric>, <ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityAddressStateOrProvince" format="ixt-sec:stateprovnameen" id="f-9">Georgia</ix:nonNumeric> <ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:EntityAddressPostalZipCode" id="f-10">30308</ix:nonNumeric> </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(<ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:CityAreaCode" id="f-11">404</ix:nonNumeric>) <ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:LocalPhoneNumber" id="f-12">506-5000</ix:nonNumeric> </span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt;text-align:center"><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The name and address of the registrant have not changed since the last report.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:513.00pt"><tr><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:30.25pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:478.75pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="margin-bottom:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial Unicode MS',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:WrittenCommunications" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" id="f-13">&#9744;</ix:nonNumeric></span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17&#160;CFR&#160;230.425)</span></td></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="margin-bottom:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial Unicode MS',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:SolicitingMaterial" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" id="f-14">&#9744;</ix:nonNumeric></span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17&#160;CFR&#160;240.14a-12)</span></td></tr><tr style="height:27pt"><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="margin-bottom:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial Unicode MS',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:PreCommencementTenderOffer" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" id="f-15">&#9744;</ix:nonNumeric></span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</span></td></tr><tr style="height:27pt"><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="margin-bottom:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial Unicode MS',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-1" name="dei:PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer" format="ixt-sec:boolballotbox" id="f-16">&#9744;</ix:nonNumeric></span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</span></td></tr></table></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:</span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:513.00pt"><tr><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:132.25pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:171.25pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:61.75pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:139.75pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/></tr><tr style="height:27pt"><td colspan="3" style="border-left:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Registrant</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-left:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Title of each class</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-left:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Trading<br/>Symbol(s)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-left:1pt solid #000000;border-right:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Name of each exchange<br/>on which registered</span></td></tr><tr style="height:27pt"><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-left:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">The Southern Company</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-left:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-2" name="dei:Security12bTitle" id="f-17">Common Stock, par value $5 per share</ix:nonNumeric></span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-left:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-2" name="dei:TradingSymbol" id="f-18">SO</ix:nonNumeric></span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-left:1pt solid #000000;border-right:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><ix:nonNumeric contextRef="c-2" name="dei:SecurityExchangeName" format="ixt-sec:exchnameen" id="f-19">New York Stock Exchange</ix:nonNumeric></span></td></tr><tr style="height:27pt"><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-left:1pt solid 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Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:232%">On October 17, 2023, The Southern Company (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K (the &#8220;Original 8-K&#8221;) reporting the election of Ms. Shantella E. 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At the time of filing the Original 8-K, Board committee assignments for Ms. Cooper had not been determined.</span></div><div style="text-indent:36pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:232%">The Company is filing this Amendment No. 1 to the Original 8-K to report that, on February 5, 2024, the Board appointed Ms. Cooper to the Business Security and Resiliency Committee and the Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee, effective immediately.</span></div><div style="height:29.25pt;position:relative;width:100%"><div style="bottom:0;position:absolute;width:100%"><div><span><br/></span></div></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"/><div style="min-height:47.25pt;width:100%"><div><span><br/></span></div></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">SIGNATURES</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-bottom:12pt;text-indent:36pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:232%">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:513.00pt"><tr><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:285.25pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:22.00pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/><td style="width:199.75pt"/><td style="width:1.0pt"/></tr><tr style="height:33pt"><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Date:&#160;&#160;&#160;February 6, 2024</span></div></td><td colspan="6" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">THE SOUTHERN COMPANY<br/></span></td></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">By</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">/s/Melissa K. Caen</span></div></td></tr><tr style="height:27pt"><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Melissa K. Caen<br/>Assistant Secretary</span></td></tr></table></div><div style="text-align:center"><span><br/></span></div><div style="height:29.25pt;position:relative;width:100%"><div style="bottom:0;position:absolute;width:100%"><div style="-sec-extract:summary;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2</span></div></div></div></body></html>
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    <link:label id="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Class of Stock [Domain]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="lab_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SolicitingMaterial_eb4f349a-57b2-4670-b06d-79678975d02e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SolicitingMaterial" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Soliciting Material</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SolicitingMaterial_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SolicitingMaterial" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Soliciting Material</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SolicitingMaterial" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_SolicitingMaterial"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_SolicitingMaterial" xlink:to="lab_dei_SolicitingMaterial" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CityAreaCode_2b1ab80f-67a6-4712-b644-219c18587d15_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">City Area Code</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CityAreaCode_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">City Area Code</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:to="lab_dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_923b9ba9-569c-45c8-8a86-6326b6d0adb1_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_42c22e52-5b4b-4180-ab72-40a025a8e112_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Central Index Key</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_ba1c9dab-79eb-40a6-8b11-98dd904859dc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, City or Town</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member_ef061a04-e139-4ec3-a1bb-3fa210a48307_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2020A 4.95% Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2080 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2020A 4.95% Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2080 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2020A 4.95% Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2080 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member" xlink:href="so-20231016.xsd#so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member" xlink:to="lab_so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_0fbecd01-69a3-4842-bf86-c6c92de88d9e_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Security Exchange Name</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:to="lab_dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_Security12bTitle_539c82fd-1c29-4b39-ab65-c932ea7377f7_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Title of 12(b) Security</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_Security12bTitle_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Title of 12(b) Security</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:to="lab_dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications_ec668fa6-2016-49fb-8821-9bbccc337868_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Written Communications</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Written Communications</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_WrittenCommunications" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_WrittenCommunications"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_WrittenCommunications" xlink:to="lab_dei_WrittenCommunications" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member_afd6427c-f04d-4d1e-827d-8c50358a5056_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2020C 4.20% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2060</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2020C 4.20% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2060 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2020C 4.20% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2060</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member" xlink:href="so-20231016.xsd#so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member" xlink:to="lab_so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_83ad1fb1-f2a7-4c40-8716-63365dded3dd_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Information [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Document Information [Line Items]</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="lab_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_f92783c3-443b-4c81-bf39-a5d5a7c2a58a_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Local Phone Number</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Local Phone Number</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:to="lab_dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_TradingSymbol_37ac1066-e557-442a-b5a4-5dfa351a6517_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Symbol</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_TradingSymbol_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Trading Symbol</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:to="lab_dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_2eb534f2-fd39-41d6-8eba-15ea02a3d615_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member_f5a1eeb0-297a-4778-8357-e580bfc8d4be_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2021B 1.875% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2081</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2021B 1.875% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2081 [Member]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member_documentation_en-US" xlink:label="lab_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/documentation" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Series 2021B 1.875% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2081</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member" xlink:href="so-20231016.xsd#so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member" xlink:to="lab_so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_709d7f78-22eb-4879-a474-6d8870dacadc_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Entity Address, State or Province</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:to="lab_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer_b14fe613-9b28-40c2-b6a7-7db3027ae7cb_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer</link:label>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd#dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer"/>
    <link:labelArc xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/concept-label" xlink:from="loc_dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer" xlink:to="lab_dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CoverAbstract_4ce981f5-4a0d-4e34-b164-7ba788b04380_terseLabel_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cover [Abstract]</link:label>
    <link:label id="lab_dei_CoverAbstract_label_en-US" xlink:label="lab_dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" xlink:type="resource" xmlns:xml="http://www.w3.org/XML/1998/namespace" xml:lang="en-US">Cover [Abstract]</link:label>
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<span style="display: none;">v3.24.0.1</span><table class="report" border="0" cellspacing="2" id="idm140175939022368">
<tr>
<th class="tl" colspan="1" rowspan="1"><div style="width: 200px;"><strong>Cover Page Document<br></strong></div></th>
<th class="th"><div>Oct. 16, 2023</div></th>
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<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems', window );"><strong>Document Information [Line Items]</strong></a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_DocumentType', window );">Document Type</a></td>
<td class="text">8-K/A<span></span>
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<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate', window );">Document Period End Date</a></td>
<td class="text">Oct. 16,  2023<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityFileNumber', window );">Entity File Number</a></td>
<td class="text">1-3526<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityRegistrantName', window );">Entity Registrant Name</a></td>
<td class="text">The Southern Company<span></span>
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<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber', window );">Entity Tax Identification Number</a></td>
<td class="text">58-0690070<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode', window );">Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code</a></td>
<td class="text">DE<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1', window );">Entity Address, Address Line One</a></td>
<td class="text">30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W<span></span>
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<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown', window );">Entity Address, City or Town</a></td>
<td class="text">Atlanta<span></span>
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<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince', window );">Entity Address, State or Province</a></td>
<td class="text">GA<span></span>
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<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode', window );">Entity Address, Postal Zip Code</a></td>
<td class="text">30308<span></span>
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<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_CityAreaCode', window );">City Area Code</a></td>
<td class="text">404<span></span>
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<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_LocalPhoneNumber', window );">Local Phone Number</a></td>
<td class="text">506-5000<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_WrittenCommunications', window );">Written Communications</a></td>
<td class="text">false<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_SolicitingMaterial', window );">Soliciting Material</a></td>
<td class="text">false<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_PreCommencementTenderOffer', window );">Pre-commencement Tender Offer</a></td>
<td class="text">false<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer', window );">Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer</a></td>
<td class="text">false<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany', window );">Entity Emerging Growth Company</a></td>
<td class="text">false<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey', window );">Entity Central Index Key</a></td>
<td class="text">0000092122<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_AmendmentFlag', window );">Amendment Flag</a></td>
<td class="text">false<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember', window );">Common Stock, par value $5 per share</a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
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<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems', window );"><strong>Document Information [Line Items]</strong></a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_Security12bTitle', window );">Title of 12(b) Security</a></td>
<td class="text">Common Stock, par value $5 per share<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_TradingSymbol', window );">Trading Symbol</a></td>
<td class="text">SO<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_SecurityExchangeName', window );">Security Exchange Name</a></td>
<td class="text">NYSE<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=so_Series2017B5.25JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2077Member', window );">Series 2017B 5.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2077</a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems', window );"><strong>Document Information [Line Items]</strong></a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_Security12bTitle', window );">Title of 12(b) Security</a></td>
<td class="text">Series 2017B 5.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2077<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_TradingSymbol', window );">Trading Symbol</a></td>
<td class="text">SOJC<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_SecurityExchangeName', window );">Security Exchange Name</a></td>
<td class="text">NYSE<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=so_Series2020A4.95JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2080Member', window );">Series 2020A 4.95% Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2080 [Member]</a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
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<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems', window );"><strong>Document Information [Line Items]</strong></a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
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<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_Security12bTitle', window );">Title of 12(b) Security</a></td>
<td class="text">Series 2020A 4.95% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2080<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_TradingSymbol', window );">Trading Symbol</a></td>
<td class="text">SOJD<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_SecurityExchangeName', window );">Security Exchange Name</a></td>
<td class="text">NYSE<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="rh">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=so_Series2020C420JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2060Member', window );">Series 2020C 4.20% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2060</a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems', window );"><strong>Document Information [Line Items]</strong></a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_Security12bTitle', window );">Title of 12(b) Security</a></td>
<td class="text">Series 2020C 4.20% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2060<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_TradingSymbol', window );">Trading Symbol</a></td>
<td class="text">SOJE<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_SecurityExchangeName', window );">Security Exchange Name</a></td>
<td class="text">NYSE<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="rh">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=so_Series2021B1875FixedToFixedResetRateJuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2081Member', window );">Series 2021B 1.875% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2081</a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems', window );"><strong>Document Information [Line Items]</strong></a></td>
<td class="text">&#160;<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_Security12bTitle', window );">Title of 12(b) Security</a></td>
<td class="text">Series 2021B 1.875% Fixed-to-Fixed Reset Rate Junior Subordinated Notes due 2081<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="ro">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_TradingSymbol', window );">Trading Symbol</a></td>
<td class="text">SO 81<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="re">
<td class="pl" style="border-bottom: 0px;" valign="top"><a class="a" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.showAR( this, 'defref_dei_SecurityExchangeName', window );">Security Exchange Name</a></td>
<td class="text">NYSE<span></span>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div style="display: none;">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_AmendmentFlag">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Boolean flag that is true when the XBRL content amends previously-filed or accepted submission.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_AmendmentFlag</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:booleanItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_CityAreaCode">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Area code of city</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_CityAreaCode</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:normalizedStringItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_DocumentInformationLineItems">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_DocumentInformationLineItems</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:stringItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>For the EDGAR submission types of Form 8-K: the date of the report, the date of the earliest event reported; for the EDGAR submission types of Form N-1A: the filing date; for all other submission types: the end of the reporting or transition period.  The format of the date is YYYY-MM-DD.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:dateItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_DocumentType">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word 'Other'.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_DocumentType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>dei:submissionTypeItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Address Line 1 such as Attn, Building Name, Street Name</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:normalizedStringItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Name of the City or Town</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:normalizedStringItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Code for the postal or zip code</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:normalizedStringItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Name of the state or province.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>dei:stateOrProvinceItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Number 240<br> -Section 12<br> -Subsection b-2<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityCentralIndexKey</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>dei:centralIndexKeyItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Indicate if registrant meets the emerging growth company criteria.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Number 240<br> -Section 12<br> -Subsection b-2<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:booleanItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityFileNumber">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Commission file number. The field allows up to 17 characters. The prefix may contain 1-3 digits, the sequence number may contain 1-8 digits, the optional suffix may contain 1-4 characters, and the fields are separated with a hyphen.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityFileNumber</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>dei:fileNumberItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Two-character EDGAR code representing the state or country of incorporation.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>dei:edgarStateCountryItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_EntityRegistrantName">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Number 240<br> -Section 12<br> -Subsection b-2<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
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<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityRegistrantName</td>
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<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>The Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique 9-digit value assigned by the IRS.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Number 240<br> -Section 12<br> -Subsection b-2<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber</td>
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<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Local phone number for entity.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_LocalPhoneNumber</td>
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<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
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<td>duration</td>
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<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Number 240<br> -Section 13e<br> -Subsection 4c<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_PreCommencementIssuerTenderOffer</td>
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<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
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<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:booleanItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
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<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
</table></div>
</div></td></tr>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_PreCommencementTenderOffer">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Number 240<br> -Section 14d<br> -Subsection 2b<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_PreCommencementTenderOffer</td>
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<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
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<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>xbrli:booleanItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
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<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_Security12bTitle">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Title of a 12(b) registered security.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Number 240<br> -Section 12<br> -Subsection b<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_Security12bTitle</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
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<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
<td>dei:securityTitleItemType</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
</tr>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_SecurityExchangeName">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Name of the Exchange on which a security is registered.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Number 240<br> -Section 12<br> -Subsection d1-1<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_SecurityExchangeName</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
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<td><strong> Data Type:</strong></td>
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</tr>
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<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
<td>na</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong> Period Type:</strong></td>
<td>duration</td>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="authRefData" style="display: none;" id="defref_dei_SolicitingMaterial">
<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Exchange Act<br> -Section 14a<br> -Number 240<br> -Subsection 12<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_SolicitingMaterial</td>
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<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
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<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><div class="body" style="padding: 2px;">
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>No definition available.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_TradingSymbol</td>
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<td style="padding-right: 4px;white-space:nowrap;"><strong> Namespace Prefix:</strong></td>
<td>dei_</td>
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<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
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<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
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<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Definition</a><div><p>Boolean flag that is true when the Form 8-K filing is intended to satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant as written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act.</p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ References</a><div style="display: none;"><p>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef<br> -Publisher SEC<br> -Name Securities Act<br> -Number 230<br> -Section 425<br></p></div>
<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">+ Details</a><div style="display: none;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">dei_WrittenCommunications</td>
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<td><strong> Balance Type:</strong></td>
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<tr><td class="hide"><a style="color: white;" href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.hideAR();">X</a></td></tr>
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<a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="Show.toggleNext( this );">- Details</a><div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td><strong> Name:</strong></td>
<td style="white-space:nowrap;">us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember</td>
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<td style="white-space:nowrap;">us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=so_Series2017B5.25JuniorSubordinatedNotesDue2077Member</td>
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