Sept 17 (Reuters) - U.S. utility NRG Energy ( NRG )

raised its annual profit forecast on Wednesday, amid a surge in

artificial intelligence-related power demand.

Power consumption is projected to hit record highs in 2025,

driven by the rapid expansion of AI and cryptocurrency-focused

data centers, alongside increased electricity usage for heating

and transportation by homes and businesses, according to the

U.S. Energy Information Administration.

As Big Tech pours billions of dollars into AI technologies

and data centers needed to run them, utilities have witnessed a

huge surge in the demand for power.

NRG Energy ( NRG ) raised its annual adjusted EPS forecast to

between $7.55 and $8.15 from a range of $6.75 to $7.75 per

share, marking a midpoint increase of 60 cents.

The utility raised its adjusted net income forecast to a

range of $1.47 billion to $1.59 billion, up from $1.33 billion

to $1.53 billion.

NRG Energy ( NRG ) exceeded Wall Street's second-quarter profit

estimates in August, benefiting from heightened power demand.

The company is set to report its third-quarter 2025

financial results on Nov. 6.