April 29 (Reuters) - U.S. utility Entergy ( ETR )

surpassed analysts' estimate for first-quarter profit on

Tuesday, helped by strong demand for power and lower costs.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects power

consumption in the country to reach record highs in 2025 and

2026, driven by rapid expansion of data centers dedicated to

artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, and as homes and

businesses use more electricity for heat and transportation.

Power demand from U.S. data centers is expected to nearly

triple by 2028 and could consume roughly 12% of the country's

electricity, according to a Department of Energy-backed study.

Entergy's ( ETR ) residential sales rose 13.2% to 8,784

gigawatt-hours in the January to March quarter, while industrial

sales climbed 9% to 13,833 GWh.

Entergy ( ETR ) provides electricity to nearly 3 million customers

across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

The New Orleans, Louisiana-based company posted an adjusted

profit of 82 cents per share for the three months ended March

31, compared with analysts' average estimate of 69 cents per

share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Its total revenue rose nearly 2% to $2.85 billion during the

period, driven by higher electric and natural gas sales. Total

operating expenses fell 16% to $2.15 billion.

The company also reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted

profit forecast of $3.75 to $3.95 per share. Analysts expect

Entergy ( ETR ) to post an annual profit of $3.87.