SO

Texas regulators just froze data-center hookups, and one application fee cut AEP Ohio's pipeline by more than half overnight.

Not every dividend stock survives a recession with its payout intact, but regulated utilities operate under a different set of rules entirely.

XLU gives you exposure to over 30 utilities, but the AI data-center boom is quietly concentrating inside just a handful of them, and owning the fund means paying for a lot of names that will miss the surge entirely.

SO's Georgia Power wins approval for an OpenAI power deal adding 3.2 GW of demand, with flexible load and customer savings in focus.

Most dividend calendars lean so hard on utilities that a rate spike can gut your income in a single quarter.

Large-load growth continues to provide benefits to customers with expected savings for Georgia Power customers to increase to $180 per year for the typical residential customer;  Agreement builds on company's prior base rate freeze and overall reduction in rates announced this summer ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Georgia Power announced that its contract to serve OpenAI's new project in Effingham County has been approved as part of the regulatory process with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). This marks the latest step in the company's proactive strategy to ensure Georgia's growth benefits the customers it serves.

Barron's reporter Jacob Sonenshine discusses some names he's keeping a close eye on in the coming weeks and months. He lists Southern Companies (SO) as a utility firm "putting CapEx money to work" as the AI buildout accelerates.

The Southern Company SOMN UNIT 12/15/28 offers a compelling hybrid security with a 7.125% coupon and equity upside, rated Strong Buy. Recent price weakness in SO enhances SOMN's attractiveness, especially for investors confident in SO's ability to navigate climate policy shifts. SO is investing $80 billion over five years in grid modernization, storm-hardening, and advanced technologies, positioning for future energy demand and reliability.

Program milestone highlights company's ongoing commitment to education and community investment ATLANTA, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today that its Learning Power program has reached a major milestone – engaging more than 1.5 million students across Georgia since 2011. The program provides free, curriculum-based resources on energy, economics, and environmental stewardship that support classroom learning and inspire future generations.

AI's power surge is creating a major growth opportunity for utilities, and ETFs like IDU offer diversified exposure to the trend.