The head of one of the US’s largest utilities is pressing states across the country to allow it to own generation facilities as it seeks to capitalize on surging demand from data centers, arguing that such a move would help curb rising energy prices for consumers.

Exelon Corp. Chief Executive Officer Calvin Butler said he’s working with officials in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey to change rules that prevent the company from owning generation assets. The company is exploring land acquisitions in those states to develop battery storage, gas-fired plants and solar farms, as soon as nine months of receiving regulatory approvals, he said.