One of Alabama’s largest power companies is promising that everyday consumers will not bear the cost of new AI data center construction across the state.
Southern Company, which owns Alabama Power, announced it is joining President Donald Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which they say underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring that America’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies delivers broad-based benefits for customers and communities.
Trump announced the initiative on Thursday at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters, alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
America is producing incredible amounts of energy. To maintain the grid, massive corporations will pay – not American citizens. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/rObACnJYW1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 23, 2026
“This is a tremendous moment for the Southeast and for our country,” said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “AI and advanced technologies are creating historic opportunities for investment and economic growth, and Southern Company is committed to putting customers first.”
The pledge consists of a coalition of legislators, tech leaders and utility CEOs who together have pledged not to pass along utility costs to customers as data centers continue to be erected nationwide.
“The President’s Pledge reflects an important principle: growth should strengthen our energy future while protecting rate stability and reliability for the families, businesses and communities we serve,” Womack continued. “We appreciate President Trump’s leadership in advancing policies that support American energy infrastructure, and we are confident the approach we are taking will deliver lasting benefits.”
The company’s two largest subsidiaries, Georgia Power and Alabama Power, each have multiyear base rate freezes in place. In early 2026, Southern Company announced a historic loan package of up to $26.5 billion from the Department of Energy estimated to generate $7 billion in benefits for customers by helping to lower energy costs and strengthen the grid.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) praised Trump’s effort on the matter Thursday.
“Data centers should pay for their own electricity, not hardworking Americans,” Britt said on X. “I support @POTUS taking steps to protect ratepayers while maintaining our competitive edge over China and ensuring America remains a global leader in technological advancement. This is the way.”
Data centers should pay for their own electricity, not hardworking Americans.
I support @POTUS taking steps to protect ratepayers while maintaining our competitive edge over China and ensuring America remains a global leader in technological advancement. This is the way. https://t.co/VY9Y9QYUYB
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) July 23, 2026
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
