America can tackle both the AI race and affordable energy for families. At Southern Company, we’re demonstrating that these goals can coexist by powering key industries, leading in energy initiatives, and keeping energy costs both reliable and reasonable for our customers.
While this concept doesn’t apply to all regions, the Southeast is making strides. Utilities are successfully meeting the rising demand from heavy users, like AI data centers, all while maintaining energy prices over 10% below the national standard.
You might be curious about how this works. It’s largely due to a customer-focused market structure, which allows us to collaborate directly with significant clients to understand their needs and produce the necessary power to support them, ensuring they contribute fairly to system costs. This strategy has proven effective—Atlanta is now attracting new data centers like never before.
But, being a hub for economic growth and supporting the nation in the AI sector isn’t even the best part. The true achievement lies in driving this development while keeping energy bills significantly lower than average. For instance, in Georgia, we recently secured a three-year freeze on base rates, a major benefit for families and local businesses. Our view is straightforward: we can’t build America’s future at the expense of those who contribute to it.
This dedication to providing value is bolstered by strong bipartisan leadership across different government levels in the region. Our clients are reaping the rewards of an innovative approach coupled with sensible regulations for energy-intensive customers. A fine example is Georgia’s recent rule that ensures the costs for servicing these facilities are covered by the businesses themselves, not residential customers.
“Our customers are central to everything we do. Our focus on them supports a careful approach to forecasting, pricing, and resource allocation to capture this unique growth opportunity. We’ll continue to pursue these plans for the benefit of all our clients.” — Chris Womack, Chairman, President, and CEO of Southern Company.
For over a hundred years, Southern Company has been a leader in energy innovation in America, fostering economic growth in the Southeast and beyond. We recently completed the nation’s first new nuclear power plant in over three decades, marking a significant achievement for reliable energy and proving that America can tackle tough challenges.
And we’re not stopping here. We’re set to invest over $70 billion in energy infrastructure, aiming to bolster our economy and maintain America’s status as an energy powerhouse.
We also recognize that reliable energy not only fuels growth but prepares us for unforeseen events. Last year, Hurricane Helen hit the Southeast with destructive winds and flooding, damaging essential infrastructure. However, we were prepared. Southern Company mobilized teams across the system and managed to restore service to 99% of the 1.5 million affected customers in just 11 days. That kind of resilience is what America needs.
If the U.S. aims to outpace China in the AI domain, the Southeast should be a focal point. Our methods show that it’s possible to grow without sacrificing affordability. By merging smart infrastructure investments, a customer-centric market approach, and a commitment to equitable cost-sharing, we’re fostering tremendous growth in AI and advanced manufacturing.
As America steps into a new phase of energy innovation, Southern Company is taking the lead. We’re collaborating with various partners in both public and private sectors to shape our energy future and keep America ahead.
