southern 2005 1st

Southern Company reported first quarter earnings of $323.0 million, down slightly from $331.1 million in the same period last year. Revenues increased 4.8% to $2.86 billion due to continued customer and economic growth in the Southeast, though mild weather reduced electricity demand. Kilowatt-hour sales decreased 0.8% overall with residential use down 3.5% and commercial use up 0.9%. The company reaffirmed its 2005 EPS guidance range of $2.04 - $2.09 and outlined capital expenditure plans of $7.9 billion from 2005-2007 focused on infrastructure investment and growing its competitive generation business.