Industry Overview - The utility sector has outperformed the broader market, gaining over 18% since the beginning of 2025, following a 19% rally last year, resulting in nearly $500 billion in value increase over two years [2] - The Energy Information Administration projects U.S. power demand to grow to 4,191 billion kilowatt-hours in 2025 and 4,305 billion kWh in 2026, up from a record 4,097 billion kWh in 2024 [1] Capital Investments - The utility sector is expected to invest $1.1 trillion in capital expenditures through 2029 to meet the increasing demand driven by new data centers and rising energy needs [3] Dividend Stocks - The article lists the best utility dividend stocks, focusing on those with an annual dividend yield of at least 3% as of October 22, 2025, and those with significant hedge fund interest [6] Company Highlights - Brookfield Renewable Corporation (NYSE:BEPC): - Dividend yield of 3.81% as of October 22, 2025, with a diversified portfolio in renewable energy [8] - Forecasts over 10% annual FFO per share growth through 2030 and aims to increase cash distributions by 5% to 9% annually [11] - Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D): - Dividend yield of 4.38% as of October 22, 2025, providing regulated electricity to 3.6 million customers [12] - Plans to invest over $50 billion through 2029 to support expanding power demand, with an expected EPS growth of 5% to 7% annually [13] - Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is on track to deliver first power in early 2026 [14] - OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE:OGE): - Dividend yield of 3.66% as of October 22, 2025, with a focus on expanding capacity by approximately 550 MW [16] - Recently received a price target increase from Jefferies, reflecting positive expectations for the upcoming quarter [17]
12 Best Utility Stocks to Buy for Dividends