Exhibit 99.01

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                       PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350


In connection with the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gulf Power
Company for the year ended December 31, 2002, I, Thomas A. Fanning, President
and Chief Executive Officer, hereby certify pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that:

(1)           such Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gulf Power Company for the year
              ended December 31, 2002, which this statement accompanies, fully
              complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
              Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)           the information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K of
              Gulf Power Company for the year ended December 31, 2002, fairly
              presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
              results of operations of Gulf Power Company.


                                                   /s/Thomas A. Fanning
                                                     Thomas A. Fanning
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:  March 7, 2003