Today: 27 February 2026
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NYSE:SO 30 September 2025 - 15 February 2026

Utilities stocks jump as yields fall: XLU closes at $46.50 heading into Fed minutes week

Utilities stocks jump as yields fall: XLU closes at $46.50 heading into Fed minutes week

U.S. utilities stocks outperformed Friday, with the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) up 2.8% to $46.50 as bond yields fell after softer inflation data. NextEra Energy rose 2.03% and declared a 10% higher dividend. PJM approved a major transmission line project by NextEra and Exelon. U.S. markets are closed Monday for Washington’s Birthday and reopen Tuesday.
15 February 2026
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Utilities stocks today: NextEra’s $4 billion share-sale plan keeps XLU under pressure into 2026

Utilities stocks today: NextEra’s $4 billion share-sale plan keeps XLU under pressure into 2026

U.S. utilities fell in the year’s final session, with the XLU ETF down 0.6% after NextEra announced a $4 billion at-the-market equity program. Duke Energy filed for an early site permit for possible new nuclear construction in North Carolina. NextEra shares slipped 0.3%, Duke fell 0.4%, and Southern Co dropped 0.4%. Broader U.S. stocks also closed lower in thin trading.
1 January 2026
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New report puts Alabama Power coal ash ponds back under scrutiny near Mobile-Tensaw Delta

New report puts Alabama Power coal ash ponds back under scrutiny near Mobile-Tensaw Delta

Alabama Power is storing over 21 million tons of coal ash in an unlined pond at its James M. Barry plant on the Mobile River, according to an Inside Climate News investigation. The EPA finalized a settlement in 2024 requiring more groundwater monitoring at the site after alleged violations. Alabama Power says it complies with regulations. A lawsuit over the plant’s closure plan is pending at the 11th Circuit.
31 December 2025
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Alabama Power coal ash ponds face new scrutiny after report warns of Mobile-Tensaw Delta flood risk

Alabama Power coal ash ponds face new scrutiny after report warns of Mobile-Tensaw Delta flood risk

Alabama Power stores over 117 million tons of coal ash at six sites, with emergency plans showing a dike failure at the Barry plant could flood 25 square miles of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Inside Climate News reported Monday. EPA denied Alabama’s coal-ash permit program in 2024 and fined the company $278,000 for violations. Alabama Power says its closure and groundwater plans meet legal requirements.
30 December 2025
Georgia Power’s $16.3B AI data-center power push leans on gas, putting bills under the microscope

Georgia Power’s $16.3B AI data-center power push leans on gas, putting bills under the microscope

Georgia regulators approved Georgia Power’s $16.3 billion plan to add 10,000 megawatts of new generation, mostly for data centers. About 60% of the new capacity will come from natural gas, with the rest from solar and battery storage. The company projects average residential customers will see $8.50 monthly savings from 2029 to 2031. Critics warn protections are temporary and long-term costs could reach $60 billion.
30 December 2025
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Report warns Alabama Power coal ash ponds could flood Alabama waterways

Report warns Alabama Power coal ash ponds could flood Alabama waterways

Alabama Power’s coal-ash ponds hold over 117 million tons of waste statewide, with more than 21 million tons stored in an unlined pond at Plant Barry near Mobile, Inside Climate News reported. The EPA in 2024 denied Alabama’s bid to run its own coal-ash permitting program, citing weaker protections than federal rules. An emergency plan says a dike breach at Plant Barry could flood about 25 square miles of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
29 December 2025
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Utilities Stocks Outlook: XLU Ends Holiday Week Near Flat as Rates, AI Power Demand and Storm Risks Shape 2026

Utilities Stocks Outlook: XLU Ends Holiday Week Near Flat as Rates, AI Power Demand and Storm Risks Shape 2026

Utilities stocks lagged Friday as winter storm warnings hit the Northeast, prompting New York and New Jersey to declare states of emergency. The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) closed near $42.78, little changed, with light post-holiday trading. U.S. stocks ended slightly lower; the 10-year Treasury yield held near 4.13%. Investors are watching storm costs, power bill scrutiny, and policy uncertainty on offshore wind.
27 December 2025
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Utilities Stocks Outlook 2026: AI Data Centers, Fed Rate Cuts and Rising Power Bills Put the Sector Back in Focus

Utilities Stocks Outlook 2026: AI Data Centers, Fed Rate Cuts and Rising Power Bills Put the Sector Back in Focus

U.S. utilities stocks end 2025 under scrutiny as electricity bills rise and grid operators warn of supply shortfalls. The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) shows a forward P/E of about 19.6 and yield near 2.7%, with NextEra Energy as its largest holding. Power demand is set to hit record highs in 2025 and 2026, fueled by data centers and electrification. Investors are watching which companies can grow without sparking political backlash.
25 December 2025
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Utilities Stocks Outlook for 2026: AI Data Center Demand, Rate Cuts, and the New Power-Grid Investment Cycle

Utilities Stocks Outlook for 2026: AI Data Center Demand, Rate Cuts, and the New Power-Grid Investment Cycle

U.S. electricity demand is projected to hit record highs in 2025 and 2026, driven by AI and data centers, according to the EIA. PJM capacity auction prices reached $333.44 per megawatt-day, with supply falling short by 6,600 MW. Georgia regulators approved a $16.3 billion plan for Georgia Power to boost capacity by 50% to meet data center needs.
20 December 2025
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Georgia Power’s $15B Data Center Energy Expansion Heads to Georgia PSC Vote as AI Power Demand Triggers New Federal Grid Rules

Georgia Power’s $15B Data Center Energy Expansion Heads to Georgia PSC Vote as AI Power Demand Triggers New Federal Grid Rules

Georgia’s Public Service Commission votes Friday on Georgia Power’s $15 billion plan to add 10,000 megawatts of new electricity, mainly to meet soaring demand from AI-driven data centers. The proposal includes new gas plants, battery storage, solar, and purchased power. Critics warn the expansion could raise bills for ordinary customers. The vote comes as federal regulators move to clarify how tech companies connect data centers to the grid.
19 December 2025
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Georgia Power in December 2025: Data Center Boom, Rising Bills and a New PSC Shake-Up

Georgia Power in December 2025: Data Center Boom, Rising Bills and a New PSC Shake-Up

Georgia Power is seeking approval to add 10 gigawatts of new capacity, mainly for data centers, in the largest request ever before Georgia’s Public Service Commission. PSC staff warn the plan could raise average household bills by $20 a month and say the utility is overestimating demand. Consumer groups echo concerns about long-term costs. A decision is expected within weeks.
1 December 2025
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Georgia Power’s 10 GW Data Center Plan Could Add $20+ to Monthly Bills: What the PSC’s Next Move Means for You

Georgia Power’s 10 GW Data Center Plan Could Add $20+ to Monthly Bills: What the PSC’s Next Move Means for You

Georgia Power is seeking approval from state regulators to add 10,000 megawatts of new power plants and batteries, citing rising demand from data centers. Public Service Commission analysts warn the plan could raise household electric bills by about $20 a month or more. Key hearings are set for December 10 and 12, with a final PSC vote scheduled for December 19. Many data center projects driving the proposal lack firm contracts.
26 November 2025
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Georgia Power Data Center Plan Could Push Bills Higher and Bring New Power Lines Through Homes, Regulators Warn

Georgia Power Data Center Plan Could Push Bills Higher and Bring New Power Lines Through Homes, Regulators Warn

Georgia Public Service Commission staff warn Georgia Power’s plan to supply new data centers could raise average household electric bills by $20 a month and require high-voltage lines crossing 300 properties, displacing some homes. Clean-air advocates say reliance on fossil-fuel plants for AI and cloud computing could worsen air quality. PSC staff argue the utility is overestimating future demand.
25 November 2025
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Alabama Power Promises Electric Rate Freeze Through 2027 — What It Really Means for Your Power Bill

Alabama Power Promises Electric Rate Freeze Through 2027 — What It Really Means for Your Power Bill

Alabama Power has filed a plan to freeze key electricity rate formulas through 2027, aiming to keep rates flat for the next two years. The company says it will use tax credits and storm reserves to offset rising costs but needs approval from the Alabama Public Service Commission. The proposal does not guarantee unchanged monthly bills for all customers. Alabama households currently pay the nation’s third-highest average electric bill.
25 November 2025
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Nov. 10, 2025 — Alabama Power’s bills under the microscope as Veterans find healing with horses ahead of Veterans Day

Nov. 10, 2025 — Alabama Power’s bills under the microscope as Veterans find healing with horses ahead of Veterans Day

Alabama Power customers paid the highest average residential electric bills among 100 major U.S. utilities last year, according to a new investigation. The Alabama Public Service Commission has not held a full rate case on Alabama Power since 1982, relying on closed-door processes. Alabama Power’s average residential rate was 16.77¢/kWh in 2023, higher than the national average and neighboring states.
10 November 2025
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You Won’t Believe Alabama Power’s Halloween Projects: Debunking “Energy Vampires” & Saving Bats

You Won’t Believe Alabama Power’s Halloween Projects: Debunking “Energy Vampires” & Saving Bats

Southern Company, parent of Alabama Power, reported Q3 2025 net income of $1.7 billion, up from $1.5 billion a year earlier. Alabama Power marked Halloween by debunking energy-saving myths and warning about “energy vampires” from idle electronics. Employees built 30 bat houses for Bat Week to aid local bat populations. Southern’s stock trades near a 52-week high as the company invests in new gas-fired generation.
31 October 2025
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Southern Co Shocks Markets: Data Centers Send Profits Soaring 11%

Southern Co Shocks Markets: Data Centers Send Profits Soaring 11%

Southern Co reported Q3 2025 net income of $1.71 billion, up 11.5% year-over-year, with revenue at $7.82 billion, beating analyst estimates. Data-center load jumped 17% and 12,000 new customers were added. Georgia Power is seeking approval for 10,000 MW of new generation by 2030 amid surging demand. Moody’s placed Southern on negative outlook, citing rising costs and regulatory risks.
31 October 2025
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Georgia Power Taps the Bond Market with $1.5B Debt Sale – What It Means for Customers and Investors

Georgia Power Taps the Bond Market with $1.5B Debt Sale – What It Means for Customers and Investors

Georgia Power agreed Sept. 24 to sell $1.5 billion in senior unsecured notes across three offerings, including a $250 million tap of Series 2025B and new Series 2025D and 2025E tranches. Proceeds will repay $601 million in commercial paper and fund construction. Moody’s affirmed Georgia Power’s A3 rating with a Stable outlook. The company reported $12.2 billion in revenue and $21.2 billion in debt at mid-2025.
30 September 2025
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