2026.02.23 | The Utility Capex Boom: 86GW of Power vs. Data Center Bans

Utilities are gambling billions on the AI boom, but a fierce legislative backlash is threatening to derail the grid's massive expansion. We unpack how giants like Southern Company and PPL are driving historic capex increases to meet a 75GW load pipeline, even as state regulators aggressively slash rate cases to protect consumers. The discussion also exposes the severe execution risks behind the EIA's projected 86GW capacity surge in 2026 and tracks why over 30 states are introducing bills to restrict massive data centers. Listen now to learn how these colliding financial and political forces will impact project pipelines, utility stock performance, and the future of energy infrastructure.