OREANDA-NEWS. October 09, 2015. In a joint filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission today, Southern Company (NYSE: SO) and AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS) requested regulatory approval of the companies' proposed merger.

AGL Resources is the parent company of Nicor Gas, a regulated utility providing natural gas services to approximately 2.2 million customers in northern and central Illinois. 

When completed, the combination of Southern Company and AGL Resources is expected to create the second-largest utility company in the U.S. by customer base, bringing together:

  • 11 regulated electric and natural gas distribution companies providing service to approximately nine million customers;
  • Operations of nearly 200,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines;
  • More than 80,000 miles of gas pipelines; and
  • Approximately 46,000 megawatts of electricity generating capacity.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in the second half of 2016. For more information about the proposed merger, visit www.doingenergybetter.com.

About Southern Company 
With more than 4.5 million customers and approximately 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast through its subsidiaries. A leading U.S. producer of clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a 2014 Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company earned the 2014 National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development, and is continually ranked among the top utilities in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit www.southerncompany.com.  

About AGL Resources 
AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS) is an Atlanta-based energy services holding company with operations in natural gas distribution, retail operations, wholesale services and midstream operations. AGL Resources serves approximately 4.5 million utility customers through its regulated distribution subsidiaries in seven states. The company also serves over one million retail customers through its SouthStar Energy Services joint venture and Pivotal Home Solutions, which market natural gas and related home services. Other non-utility businesses include asset management for natural gas wholesale customers through Sequent Energy Management and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. AGL Resources is a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.