Nov 4 (Reuters) - U.S.-based utility AES ( AES )

reported a rise in third-quarter profit on Tuesday, driven by

higher electricity rates and robust demand for power.

Utilities have been pushing for increasing customer bills to

fund upgrades of critical infrastructure such as electrical

grids and power lines to support an unprecedented surge in

electricity demand, driven primarily by the rapid buildout of

data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence and

cryptocurrency.

AES ( AES ) has also seen significant growth in its renewables unit

since last year, boosted by a global push for cleaner sources of

power generation, at a time when U.S. power consumption is

expected to hit record highs.

"We currently have an 11.1 gigawatt backlog of signed power

purchase agreements, including 4 GW with hyperscaler customers,

and the large majority of which will come online within the next

three years," CEO Andres Gluski said.

The utility posted revenue of $3.35 billion for the quarter,

up from $3.29 billion a year ago.

The Virginia-based company said net income attributable to

shareholders was at $634 million, compared with $504 million a

year earlier.