Alliant Energy lifts earnings on strong US data center power use

April 30 (Reuters) - U.S. utility Alliant Energy LNT.O on Thursday reported a rise in first-quarter profit, as higher authorized rates in Iowa and Wisconsin and accelerating data center-driven load growth offset milder winter weather and rising financing costs.

U.S. power consumption, which hit its second straight annual record high in 2025, will rise further in 2026 and 2027, as data centers and the shift away from fossil fuels for heating and transport drive unprecedented electricity demand, the Energy Information Administration said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook.

• The Madison, Wisconsin-based company posted a profit of 87 cents, compared with 83 cents in the same quarter a year ago.

• The company reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 82 cents for the quarter ended March 31, compared with analysts' expectations of 80 cents per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

• Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.18 billion, against the $1.06 billion expected by Wall Street.

• Alliant affirmed its full-year earnings per share guidance of $3.36 to $3.46.

• Shares of the company fell 2% in after-market trading following the results.