Southern Co. CEO Chris Womack projects U.S. electricity demand will surge by 8% to 10% in coming years, calling it an "incredible demand and opportunity". Speaking at Davos, the utility leader also endorsed President Trump’s proposal to sell power directly to tech firms via auctions as a "good idea".

This demand forecast reflects a broader industry shift, driven by data center expansion and manufacturing reshoring. Womack’s comments signal how traditional utilities are positioning for a boom in power consumption, a trend that could reshape capital allocation and rate structures across the sector.

Trump’s auction plan aims to streamline energy sales to large consumers like tech companies, potentially bypassing traditional utility intermediaries. Womack’s support suggests major power providers see opportunity in this model, which could alter market dynamics and investment strategies for grid infrastructure.