Covington County Provides Quality Utilities to Residents and Businesses

Covington County Provides Quality Utilities to Residents and Businesses Main Photo

18 Oct 2024


News

Reliable, affordable utilities are an essential part of moving to any area. Businesses need to keep their operations running, while residents want fair rates for water, electricity, and gas. The utilities available in Covington County are one of its primary location advantages. While there are multiple infrastructure partners that you can work with, two that stand out are PowerSouth and Southeast Gas.

“Businesses moving to Covington County will quickly form partnerships with the local utility providers,” says Rick Clifton, president and CEO of the Covington County Economic Development Commission (CCEDC). “Southeast Gas meets directly with local business owners while PowerSouth supports 20 different electric cooperatives and municipalities. They are invaluable economic development partners.”

Learn about these two organizations and how they continue to support growth in Southeast Alabama. The business environment is stronger because of the utility providers in the region. 

PowerSouth Supports Communities Across Southeast Alabama

PowerSouth is a generation and transmission (G&T) electric cooperative that supports 16 electric cooperatives and four municipalities in Southeast Alabama and Northwest Florida. It also has its headquarters in Andalusia. Even if you work with a local cooperative or municipality in Covington County, your electricity is backed by PowerSouth.

“Power is one of the most – if not the most – important drivers in economic development projects today,” says Thomas Tyson, Economic Development Representative at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. “Loads are much higher than they have been in the past, and we need to provide reliable electricity to support modern electrical needs.”

Tyson mentions the increased demand for energy-consuming computing – like AI processing and data storage – for the load increases. He also references the rise in popularity of electric vehicles for increases in electric demand.

PowerSouth doesn’t just keep up with electrical demand, it also responds to the needs of businesses in the area. The company strives to keep wholesale costs low for members while also diversifying fuel sources. The primary fuel source by PowerSouth is natural gas, but the company is expanding to pull from solar, hydroelectric, and nuclear sources. This increases stability in the electricity it provides while accommodating corporate energy needs.

PowerSouth can provide Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to companies that want to reach their carbon reduction goals.

Tyson highlights how Covington County and other parts of Southeast Alabama are prepared for growth and able to accommodate different industries.

“Alabama has positioned itself very well, mainly due to the friendly business environment,” he says. “There’s support on every level, from the state to local groups and allies like utility companies. We all work together to see the state prosper.” 

Southeast Gas Builds Economic Development Into Its Mission 

Businesses looking for hands-on partners in the utility space will appreciate the efforts of Southeast Gas. The company invests heavily in site development to prepare properties for business expansion. This speeds up the time to market in Covington County, allowing businesses to launch their operations faster. 

“The utilities, particularly in Alabama, are a strong part of the team,” says Vince Perez, Director of Economic Development at Southeast Gas. “We pair our broader resources with the local perspectives of regional developers to support business expansion. We put the communities at the center of what we do.”

Perez emphasizes that Southeast Gas consistently meets with companies and communities to better understand their needs. This could range from infrastructure improvements to investing in the local workforce.  Southeast Gas does what it can to help Alabama succeed.

“We have a community mindset that emphasizes service at its core,” says Perez. “It’s in our DNA. Southeast Gas was founded in 1952 by 14 municipalities to provide natural gas to the region and create opportunities for economic growth. At that time, natural gas in Southeast Alabama didn’t exist. The success of the region has always been the priority.”

Southeast Gas is the largest municipality-owned natural gas company by territory and is based in Andalusia. 

Discover Additional Benefits of Moving Your Business to Covington County

Strong utility partners like PowerSouth and Southeast Gas, along with the CCEDC, can support your move to the region. Numerous programs make moving to Covington County easier and more affordable. Learn about the tax incentives and grants that can benefit your company and make relocation profitable in the long run. You can also explore some of the featured listings in the region, including our Twin Hangar Complex and Former MFG Facilities.

Your business has a place in Covington County, Alabama. The local economic development team and utility providers will make sure your needs are met.