Commercial and industrial sales rose 3.5% and 2.8% respectively, driven by increased usage and new large load customers, including a 13% increase in data center usage.
Industrial sales growth was strong in transportation and primary metals (both up 6%) and paper (up 16%).
Positive earnings drivers included investments in state-regulated utilities, higher usage, and customer growth, partially offset by milder weather, prior year gains on transmission asset sales, tax credit adjustments, and higher operating costs, interest expense, and depreciation.
Residential sales increased 2.8% year-over-year, supported by over 15,000 new electric customers and higher usage per customer.
Southern Company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.92 for Q2 2025, which was $0.07 above their estimate but $0.18 lower than Q2 2024.
Year-to-date weather normal retail electricity sales were 1.3% higher than the first half of 2024, with 3% growth in Q2 across all customer classes.
Electric utility earnings decreased to $10.4 million from $15.5 million due to higher payroll and outage costs, partially offset by increased commercial sales and rate relief.
MDU maintains a strong balance sheet with no equity needs in 2025 but plans to reestablish an ATM program to support a $3.1 billion capital investment over five years.
MDU Resources reported Q2 2025 income from continuing operations of $14.1 million or $0.07 per diluted share, down from $20.2 million or $0.10 per share in Q2 2024.
Natural gas utility posted a seasonal loss of $7.4 million, worsened by warmer weather and higher operating expenses, partially offset by rate relief and higher transportation revenue.
Pipeline segment earnings were $15.4 million, down from a record $17.3 million in 2024, impacted by higher operating expenses but supported by expansion projects and strong transportation demand.
Second quarter earnings were $13.7 million or $0.07 per share compared to $60.4 million or $0.30 per share in the prior year, impacted by the separation of Everus in October 2024.