GE Vernova CEO says current U.S. demand for electricity is the largest since the end of WWII

During an interview on Wednesday with CNBC’s Jim Cramer, GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik highlighted that the growth in the U.S. electric load is the most significant since the post-World War II industrial expansion. Strazik emphasized the need for a new infrastructure buildout akin to what was done after World War II for economic and national security reasons. He stated that this buildout is crucial for the country at present.

Strazik pointed out that in the past two to four decades, changes in electric power grid technology have led to winners and losers among businesses, as some sought to replace others. However, he noted that the current power buildout will support the necessary economic growth in the U.S., along with the adoption of new artificial intelligence technologies.

GE Vernova, a spin-off of General Electric, exceeded expectations in its latest quarter results, causing its shares to rise over 3% at the close of trading. The company also maintained its full-year guidance despite potential challenges from tariffs affecting its business.

Strazik also discussed the success of GE Vernova’s gas division, revealing that the company has already filled gas turbine orders for the years 2026 and 2027. He highlighted the significance of gas in supporting the growth of data centers, particularly as hyperscalers continue to expand. Strazik emphasized that gas plays a crucial role in decarbonizing the U.S. electric grid, serving as a catalyst for the increased development of wind and solar energy projects to meet global renewable energy targets.