Southern Company
Energy & Natural Resources · Lobbying Client
Southern Company's Federal Lobbying Record
At $15.3M in disclosed federal lobbying, Southern Company ranks as a major spender — well above the typical filer. Outlays in this range generally reflect a sustained presence in Washington, with at least one full-time government affairs lead and a stable of outside lobbyists engaged on the organization's priority issues.
Across the 5-year window from 2020 to 2024, Southern Company's annual disclosed lobbying spend has declined modestly — from $3.5M in 2020 to $2.8M in 2024, a change of -19%. Step-changes of this size often coincide with major bills moving through Congress, regulatory rulemakings affecting the organization's industry, or a leadership change in the relevant committee.
Southern Company's disclosed lobbying covers 6 general issue areas — a moderate footprint. Filers in this range tend to engage on a coherent cluster of related topics rather than spreading effort across the federal agenda.
2 of 10 lobbyists reported by Southern Company (20%) disclose prior federal government service — a small minority of the named bench.
Among the named bench, lobbyists with disclosed prior federal service include Matthew S. Taylor (Former Legislative Director, Senate HELP Committee); Margaret M. Taylor (Former Senior Policy Advisor, CMS). The covered-position field on LDA cover sheets captures executive-branch and senior congressional roles held within the prior two years.
Within the Energy & Natural Resources sector, Southern Company ranks #8 of 35 tracked organizations by disclosed lobbying spend. The sector leader is ExxonMobil at $46.5M; the sector average is $11.8M. Southern Company's $15.3M sits 30% above the sector average.
Southern Company's LobbySpend Influence Score of 56/100 (grade C) is the most common grade in the index — it covers organizations with established but moderate federal advocacy programs. The score combines disclosed total spend (40%), issue breadth (30%), and revolving-door connections (30%). A C-grade is typical of mid-size corporations and trade associations with steady quarterly filings on a focused issue set.
Every figure above is sourced from Senate lobbying disclosure filings submitted under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Per-issue dollar splits and covered-position flags are filer-reported and may be amended after initial submission.
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Annual Lobbying Spend
Policy Issues
Government Entities Contacted
Recent Filings
| Period | Registrant | Issues | Lobbyists | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Oct-Dec | Tarplin, Downs & Young | ENGUTITAX+1 | 3 | $591K |
| 2024 Jul-Sep | Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck | CAWENGUTI+2 | 4 | $769K |
| 2024 Apr-Jun | Van Scoyoc Associates | ENGTAX | 2 | $793K |
| 2024 Jan-Mar | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld | UTITAXCAW | 1 | $686K |
| 2023 Oct-Dec | Arnold & Porter | ENVENGTAX+2 | 2 | $589K |
| 2023 Jul-Sep | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld | UTIGOV | 1 | $692K |
| 2023 Apr-Jun | Steptoe & Johnson | ENVGOVTAX+2 | 1 | $694K |
| 2023 Jan-Mar | Stewart & Stewart | ENGENVUTI | 2 | $579K |
Southern Company Lobbying FAQ
Southern Company has spent $15.3M on federal lobbying across 6 policy areas. This includes spending on registered lobbyists and direct government contacts.
Southern Company lobbies on 6 policy issues, including Energy/Nuclear, Utilities, Environment/Superfund, Taxation. These disclosures are filed quarterly with the Senate Office of Public Records.
Southern Company has an Influence Score of 56/100 (Grade C). This proprietary score is based on total lobby spend (40%), policy issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%).
Southern Company employs 10 registered lobbyists, of whom 2 have revolving door connections, meaning they previously held government positions before becoming lobbyists.
Southern Company has contacted 8 government entities as part of their lobbying activities, including Dept of Commerce, Dept of the Treasury, Dept of Housing & Urban Development.
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Lobbying data is sourced from quarterly Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings with the Senate Office of Public Records. Influence Scores combine total spend (40%), issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%). Filings may be amended after initial submission.