10 Under-the-Radar Utility Stocks with Incredible Growth Potential

Core Viewpoint - The utility sector is poised for significant growth due to a surge in electricity demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data centers, and electric vehicles, with a projected increase in demand of 55% over the next 20 years compared to just 9% from 2000 to 2020 [3][4]. Industry Trends - Electricity demand grew by 9% from 2000 to 2020, but is expected to grow by 55% over the next two decades [3]. - The demand for electricity from AI and data centers is projected to increase by 300% in the next decade, while electric vehicles are expected to drive a staggering 9,000% increase in electricity demand by 2050 [4]. - By the middle of the century, electricity is projected to account for 32% of final energy demand, up from 21% [4]. Investment Opportunities - Vanguard Utilities Index Fund ETF (VPU) offers diversified exposure to the utility sector with a yield of approximately 2.8% [6]. - NextEra Energy (NEE) has a strong growth platform with a 10% annualized dividend increase over the past decade and a yield of around 3.2% [7][8]. - The Southern Company (SO) has recently started two nuclear reactors, enhancing its clean energy supply and yielding 3.2% [9]. - Duke Energy (DUK) focuses on regulated utility customer bases, with a dividend yield of about 3.5% [10]. - Dominion Energy (D) has a higher yield of 4.7% but has faced challenges with a dividend cut [11]. - Black Hills Corporation (BKH) has achieved Dividend King status with a yield of 4.8% and a growing customer base [12]. - Constellation Energy (CEG) operates the largest nuclear power fleet in the U.S. but has a lower yield of 0.5% [13]. - Brookfield Renewable offers a diversified clean energy investment with yields of 5.8% for the partnership class and 4.5% for the corporate class [14][15]. - Portland General Electric (POR) has a yield of 5.1% and operates in a region with potential for data centers despite wildfire risks [17]. - Eversource Energy (ES) focuses on regulated utility assets with a yield of approximately 4.7% [18]. Long-term Outlook - The trends driving electricity demand are expected to unfold over decades, presenting opportunities for long-term investors to build wealth as the demand growth story develops [19].