Core Insights - Southern Co. reported a strong third-quarter performance with earnings of $1.7 billion, or $1.55 per share, compared to $1.5 billion, or $1.40 per share, in the same period last year [4] Group 1: Sales Growth and Customer Demand - The company anticipates electric sales to rise by 8% across its service territories, with double-digit growth expected in Georgia Power's footprint through 2029 [2] - In the third quarter, Southern Co. added 12,000 new residential customers, significantly above historical trends, and data center usage increased by 17% compared to the same period last year [5] - The commercial sector experienced a growth of 3.5% on a weather-normal basis compared to the third quarter of 2024, driven by increased sales to existing and new customers, including new data centers [6] Group 2: Infrastructure and Capacity Expansion - Southern Co. has a pipeline of over 50 GW of potential large load additions over the next decade, with specific plans for 10 GW of new resources needed in Georgia [3][4] - The company is proposing the construction of five gas combined cycle units and 11 battery energy storage facilities to meet the anticipated demand [3] - Recently, Southern Co. signed four contracts with large load customers in Georgia and Alabama, representing over 2 GW of demand [4]