Scofield talks Alabama’s energy leadership, success at Southern Legislative Conference

—

July 13, 2026

Clay Scofield energy — (Business Council of Alabama/Contributed, Southern Legislative Conference/Contributed, YHN)

Energy Institute of Alabama President and CEO Clay Scofield joined state policymakers and energy leaders from across the South this weekend to discuss one of the region’s most pressing challenges: ensuring reliable, affordable electricity as demand continues to grow.

Speaking on the panel “Peak Power: How States Are Planning to Ensure Adequate Baseloads” during the Southern Legislative Conference’s annual meeting, Scofield highlighted Alabama’s balanced, forward-looking approach to energy policy and explained why the state’s commitment to reliability, regulatory certainty and long-term planning has positioned it as a national leader.

“As states across the country compete for new jobs and investment, one thing has become clear: reliable, affordable electricity is one of the most important economic development tools a state can have,” Scofield said. “Alabama has built an energy framework that prioritizes reliability, protects existing customers and provides the certainty businesses need to make long-term investments.”

Scofield noted that Alabama’s growing economy — including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense and the rapid expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence — is driving unprecedented demand for electricity throughout the state. Meeting that demand, he said, requires thoughtful planning and a diverse portfolio of energy resources.

Throughout the discussion, Scofield emphasized that dependable baseload generation, including nuclear and natural gas, remains essential to maintaining grid reliability, particularly during periods of extreme weather. He also highlighted Alabama’s continued investments in solar energy, battery storage and grid modernization as part of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy.

“Every energy source has an important role to play,” Scofield said. “The key is building a balanced system that delivers reliable power in every season, while keeping electricity affordable for families and businesses.”

Scofield also pointed to Alabama’s regulatory framework as a competitive advantage, noting that long-term planning, transparent oversight and disciplined cost allocation have helped attract investment while protecting existing ratepayers.

Scofield’s remarks echoed the framework Alabama put in place last year, when Governor Kay Ivey signed the Powering Growth package into law, creating the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank to finance power infrastructure tied to job creation without raising taxes.

He said Alabama’s approach demonstrates that states do not have to choose between affordability, reliability and sustainability.

“When you invest ahead of demand, diversify your energy resources and maintain a stable regulatory environment, those goals reinforce one another,” Scofield said. “That’s the foundation Alabama has built, and it’s a model other states can learn from.”

The Southern Legislative Conference, the largest regional legislative organization in the country, brings together legislators, legislative staff and policy leaders from 15 Southern states to discuss issues shaping the region’s future.

Scofield concluded by encouraging policymakers to continue investing in the infrastructure and policy frameworks necessary to meet the nation’s rapidly growing energy needs.

“The states that prepare today will be the ones that attract tomorrow’s jobs, manufacturing and innovation,” Scofield said. “Reliable, affordable electricity isn’t just an energy issue — it’s an economic competitiveness issue.”

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.