POWER OF ATTORNEY


The undersigned, an executive officer of The Southern
Company, hereby makes, constitutes, and appoints
Patricia L. Roberts my agent and attorney-in-fact,
in the limited purpose of signing on my behalf, and
causing to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership
of Securities, Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership,
and Annual Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership,
on Forms 3, 4, and 5, respectively, and any appropriate
amendment or amendments thereto.

This power of attorney shall remain in effect until my
obligation to file the aforementioned reports as a director
of The Southern Company ceases, unless earlier revoked by me
by written document delivered to the Assistant Secretary of
The Southern Company.

	Signed this 19th day of December, 2005




							/s/ Anthony R. James
								Anthony R. James