Company: SOJE
Filing Date: 2025-02-20
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000092122-25-000018
Chunk: 788

Company: SOUTHERN CO
Filing Date: 2025-02-20
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 7A
Chunk 788
---
 increase in the average cost per KWH purchased.

Energy purchases from affiliates will vary depending on demand for energy and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company within the Southern Company system. These purchases are made in accordance with the IIC or other contractual agreements, as approved by the FERC.

II-19

    Table of Contents                                Index to Financial Statements        COMBINED MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses

Other operations and maintenance expenses increased $126 million, or 7.1%, in 2024 as compared to 2023. The increase was primarily due to increases of $36 million related to an impairment loss associated with Alabama Power discontinuing the development of a multi-use commercial facility, $21 million associated with an additional Rate NDR accrual, $16 million in certain employee compensation and benefits, $15 million in Rate CNP Compliance-related expenses, $10 million associated with reliability reserve accruals and reliability-related expenses, $10 million in customer accounts primarily associated with bad debt expense, $9 million in transmission and distribution expenses primarily due to vegetation management, and $8 million related to the injuries and damages reserve. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $28 million in technology infrastructure and application production costs.

See Note 1 to the financial statements under "Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" and Note 2 to the financial statements under "Alabama Power – Rate CNP Compliance," " – Rate NDR," and " – Reliability Reserve Accounting Order" for additional information.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased $58 million, or 4.1%, in 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to additional plant in service related to transmission and distribution facilities as well as Plant Barry Unit 8 being placed in service in November 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements under "Alabama Power – Rate CNP New Plant" for additional information.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes

Taxes other than income taxes increased $29 million, or 6.6%, in 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to increases of $13 million in property taxes primarily resulting from an increase in the assessed value of property and $13 million in utility license taxes resulting from an increase in the tax base.

Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction

Allowance for equity funds used during construction decreased $25 million, or 30.5%, in