SO · 8-K · 20261105PR000071

Market Demand Trends

SOUTHERN CO · 2026-11-05 · Importance 31 · Surprise 32

Southern Company reported third-quarter total retail electricity sales growth of 7.7% year over year, or 3.5% after weather adjustment. Commercial sales rose 10.1% (7.3% weather-adjusted), while residential sales increased 10.2% but only 1.3% after weather adjustment; industrial sales grew 2.5% (1.8% weather-adjusted). For the first nine months of 2026, commercial sales increased 7.4% (6.5% weather-adjusted), and total retail sales rose 3.6% (2.7% weather-adjusted).

Key facts

• Southern Company identified projected significant growth in electricity demand driven primarily by data centers and other large-load customers, with substantial new generation and transmission investments required and capital-access and revenue-recovery risks for traditional electric operating companies. source
• Q3 2026 commercial sales were 16,087 million kWh, up 10.1% reported and 7.3% weather-adjusted; year-to-date commercial sales were 42,201 million kWh, up 7.4% reported and 6.5% weather-adjusted. source
• Q3 2026 retail sales were 45,653 million kWh, up 7.7% reported and 3.5% weather-adjusted; year-to-date retail sales were 120,221 million kWh, up 3.6% reported and 2.7% weather-adjusted. source
• Q3 2026 industrial sales were 13,323 million kWh, up 2.5% reported and 1.8% weather-adjusted; year-to-date industrial sales were 38,009 million kWh, up 1.4% reported and 1.1% weather-adjusted. source
• At September 30, 2026, Southern Company had 8.996 million regulated utility customers, up 0.7% from 8.934 million at September 30, 2025. source
• Southern Company serves 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond. source