Southern Company said today it is increasing its annual dividend by 7 cents per share to a rate of $2.03 per share.

The increase marks the 12th straight year that Southern Company has raised the dividend on its common stock.

Southern Company also announced today a regular quarterly dividend – including an increase of 1.75 cents per share on a quarterly basis – of 50.75 cents per share, payable June 6, 2013, to shareholders of record as of May 6, 2013. This marks 262 consecutive quarters – dating back to 1948 – that Southern Company will have paid a dividend to its shareholders.

"For more than 100 years, Southern Company has provided consistent value for customers and shareholders alike," said Thomas A. Fanning, chairman, president and CEO. "Our long history of providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity – combined with our industry-leading financial integrity and commitment to providing solutions through innovation – leaves us well-positioned to meet the energy and business challenges of the future."