The Southern United States is preparing for a series of thunderstorms that pose a significant threat to the region's electrical grid, with potential disruptions to power delivery and reliability. In response, the U.S. Energy Department has allocated a $26.54 billion loan to Southern Co to enhance grid resilience and ensure a more stable power supply during extreme weather conditions. This investment supports the development of over 16 gigawatts of power through new natural gas generation and upgrades to nuclear and hydropower plants.