Alabama Power joins Trump's Ratepayer Protection pledge to block AI data‑center cost passes

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, signed President Donald Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, promising not to pass the electricity costs of new AI data centers to consumers. The pledge was announced by Trump at the EPA headquarters alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

Southern Company CEO Chris Womack said the pledge reflects a principle that growth should strengthen the energy future while protecting rate stability for families and businesses. The coalition includes legislators, technology leaders and utility CEOs who agree to keep data‑center costs off customers' bills.

Alabama Power and its sister subsidiary Georgia Power already have multiyear base‑rate freezes. Earlier in 2026 Southern Company secured a $26.5 billion loan from the Department of Energy, projected to generate $7 billion in benefits for customers. U.S. Senator Katie Britt praised the pledge, emphasizing that data‑center operators should pay for their own electricity.