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First CenterPoint Energy Resiliency Technology Summit showcases innovative new tools to help improve hurricane preparedness and response
Prnewswire· 2025-06-25 20:19
Core Insights - CenterPoint Energy is committed to building the most resilient coastal grid in the U.S. and has hosted its first Technology Summit to collaborate with global leaders in AI and advanced technologies to enhance storm preparedness and emergency response [1][2] Group 1: Technology Partnerships - CenterPoint Energy has formed strategic relationships with seven global technology leaders, including Climavision, Convey, Neara, Palantir, Pano AI, Technosylva, and Urbint, to improve operations and emergency response capabilities [1][3] - These partnerships aim to leverage innovations in AI and machine learning to better prepare for powerful hurricanes and storms, enhancing overall service reliability for customers [2][3] Group 2: Greater Houston Resiliency Initiative (GHRI) - The GHRI, launched in August 2024, focuses on improving resiliency, communication, and partnerships, with the first two phases completed ahead of schedule before the 2025 hurricane season [3][4] - Key actions taken include targeting critical system upgrades, improving situational awareness, and enhancing emergency response capabilities [4][5] Group 3: Specific Actions and Improvements - CenterPoint has installed over 26,000 stronger, storm-resilient poles and added more than 5,150 automation devices to improve restoration times [5] - The company has cleared over 6,000 miles of higher-risk vegetation and undergrounded more than 400 miles of power lines to enhance overall resiliency [5] - Additionally, CenterPoint has installed over 100 weather stations to improve situational awareness and donated 21 backup generators to critical facilities [5] Group 4: Technology Utilization - Neara and Technosylva are assisting CenterPoint in planning targeted resiliency actions against extreme weather [4] - Climavision and Pano AI are enhancing real-time weather monitoring and AI forecasting to better predict weather risks [4] - Technologies from Palantir and Urbint are being utilized to connect data across assets for more effective storm response and emergency crew deployment [4]
A $7-Trillion Cash Wave Is About To Flood Dividend Stocks
Forbes· 2025-06-25 15:32
Market Overview - The current market environment is characterized by a significant amount of cash, approximately $7 trillion, held in money-market funds, which is expected to flow into dividend-paying stocks as rates decline [2][10] - Investors have shown a tendency to react to market fears, leading to fluctuations in cash holdings within money-market funds [3] Economic Concerns - The U.S. government's deficit is projected to reach $1.9 trillion for fiscal 2025, with an additional $2.8 trillion expected from the "Big Beautiful Bill" over the next decade, raising concerns about higher Treasury yields and interest rates [4] - This situation creates a potential "doom loop" where increasing debt leads to higher servicing costs, further exacerbating the deficit [4] Investment Opportunities - As interest rates fall, yields on money-market funds and Treasuries are expected to decrease, prompting investors to seek higher income from dividend stocks [10] - Three specific dividend-paying stocks are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of this cash flow: Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund (NAD), Dominion Energy (D), and Union Pacific (UNP) [10] Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund (NAD) - NAD is currently trading at a 4.9% discount to its net asset value (NAV), providing an opportunity to purchase municipal bonds at a lower price [11] - The fund offers an 8.1% dividend yield, which is tax-free for most Americans, making it an attractive investment [13] Dominion Energy (D) - Dominion Energy offers a dividend yield of 4.9% and is positioned to benefit from the growing demand for energy, particularly in data centers [14] - The stock has potential for recovery as it has resumed dividend hikes after a previous cut, and its forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16 is below its five-year average [15] Union Pacific (UNP) - Union Pacific has a lower yield of 2.4% but is considered to have upside potential due to ongoing trade discussions and tariff negotiations that could positively impact its operations [16][17] - The company has a "Dividend Magnet" effect, indicating that its dividend growth is overdue, which could attract investor interest as cash flows from money-market funds increase [18][19]
American Electric to Gain From Investments and Renewable Expansion
ZACKS· 2025-06-25 15:26
Core Viewpoint - American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) is focused on infrastructure enhancements and expanding its renewable generation portfolio, but it faces risks related to a weak solvency position [1] Investment Plans - AEP plans to invest $54 billion in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution operations, including renewables, from 2025 to 2029, aiming for long-term earnings growth of 6-8% [2][8] Operational Strengths - The company operates a geographically diversified business model, benefiting from revenues across different states, and manages the largest electricity transmission system in the U.S. with approximately 40,000 circuit miles of transmission lines [3] Renewable Energy Investments - In 2024, AEP received regulatory approval to acquire around 2,303 megawatts (MW) of renewable generating facilities for $5.5 billion, with plans to invest $9.9 billion in regulated renewable expansion from 2025 to 2029 [4][8] Debt and Solvency Concerns - As of March 31, 2025, AEP had $38.81 billion in long-term debt and $7.53 billion in current debt, with cash equivalents of only $0.50 billion, indicating a weak solvency position [6] Stock Performance - AEP shares have increased by 12.2% over the past six months, outperforming the industry growth of 6.6% [7]
California Water Boosts Wastewater Operations Through Silverwood Deal
ZACKS· 2025-06-25 13:21
Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group's subsidiary, California Water Service, has entered into an agreement to own and operate the wastewater and recycled water systems of the Silverwood community in San Bernardino County, CA, aligning with its strategy to diversify water sources and enhance sustainability [1][2]. Agreement Details - Cal Water will serve approximately 500 wastewater connections currently supplied by the City of Hesperia after the completion of Silverwood's wastewater treatment plant, which is expected to have over 15,000 customer connections upon full development [3]. - The ownership transfer will occur in phases as systems are completed, contingent upon satisfying closing conditions, and will be reorganized as a Cal Water district under the California Public Utilities Commission's supervision [4]. Service Reliability and Expansion - California Water is focused on expanding operations in the western United States through acquisitions, exploring new opportunities in both regulated and non-regulated water and wastewater activities [5]. - The company plans to invest $660 million in capital expenditures in 2025 and a total of $2.06 billion from 2025 to 2027 to upgrade infrastructure and improve service quality [7]. Industry Significance - The U.S. has nearly 50,000 community water systems and 14,000 wastewater treatment systems, which are vital for public health and environmental sustainability [8]. - There is a growing trend of U.S. water utility companies acquiring wastewater systems to address funding and management challenges faced by municipalities, bringing in necessary capital and expertise for upgrades [9]. Competitor Activities - Other companies, such as American Water Works, Middlesex Water Company, and Essential Utilities, are also pursuing wastewater acquisitions as part of their growth strategies, indicating a broader industry trend towards consolidation and expansion in wastewater services [11][12][13]. Stock Performance - Over the past three months, California Water's shares have increased by 0.5%, compared to a 4.3% growth in the industry [14].
FirstEnergy Benefits From Investments & Infrastructure Upgrades
ZACKS· 2025-06-25 13:16
Core Viewpoint - FirstEnergy Corporation's ongoing investments are expected to enhance grid reliability and operational efficiency, although the company faces risks related to base rate request approvals and seasonal demand fluctuations [1][5][6]. Group 1: Positive Factors - FirstEnergy is experiencing favorable economic conditions and increased demand from commercial and industrial sectors, with a plan for data center development that includes 2.6 gigawatts of active or contracted demand from 2025 to 2029 [2][8]. - The company's 'Energize365' program aims to modernize its grid infrastructure with planned investments of $28 billion from 2025 to 2029, focusing on advanced technologies to improve transmission and distribution [3][8]. - The EnergizeNJ initiative, part of the Energize365 program, has received approval for over $20.4 million in grid modernization efforts, which will enhance service reliability by upgrading power lines with TripSaver II devices [4][8]. Group 2: Challenges - FirstEnergy cannot ensure the approval of its base rate requests, and any delays or denials could negatively impact its ability to recover service costs, affecting operations and financial health [5]. - The company's performance is subject to seasonal variations in electricity demand, with weather patterns significantly influencing sales, particularly during peak summer and winter months [6]. Group 3: Stock Performance - Over the past three months, FirstEnergy's stock has increased by 5.3%, outperforming the industry average growth of 3.3% [7].
H2O America Appoints Megan Mattern as Chief Accounting Officer
Globenewswire· 2025-06-25 13:00
Core Viewpoint - H2O America has appointed Megan Mattern as Chief Accounting Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Controller, effective July 28, 2025, during a period of leadership transition and growth for the company [1][5]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Eric W. Thornburg, the current Chair, President, and CEO, will retire on June 30, 2025, with Andrew F. Walters, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, set to become the new CEO [2][5]. - Ann P. Kelly, the current Chief Accounting Officer, will assume the role of CFO effective July 1, 2025 [5]. Group 2: Megan Mattern's Background - Megan Mattern brings over 20 years of experience in complex, regulated environments, particularly in global energy, utilities, and infrastructure [2]. - She previously served as Vice President and CFO of UGI International, a $2.3 billion multinational LPG distributor, where she led financial strategy across 16 countries and achieved over 15% EBIT growth [2][3]. - Mattern has held senior financial leadership roles at UGI Energy Services, UGI Utilities, and PPL Corporation, focusing on M&A, systems modernization, and financial transformation [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - H2O America is a national investor-owned network of local water and wastewater utilities, committed to delivering clean, high-quality water to communities [7]. - The company operates approximately 407,000 water and wastewater service connections and focuses on investing in critical infrastructure for sustainable water supply [8]. - H2O America serves over 1.6 million people through its regional utilities, including Connecticut Water, Maine Water, San Jose Water, and Texas Water [9].
Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG) Earnings Call Presentation
2025-06-25 12:45
PSEG Investor Update Leading toward a sustainable future 1 March 2025 PSEG Investor Update March 2025 Forward-Looking Statements Certain of the matters discussed in this report about our and our subsidiaries' future performance, including, without limitation, future revenues, earnings, strategies, prospects, consequences, and all other statements that are not purely historical constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-loo ...
Itron Celebrates Shipment of 2 Millionth Cyble™ 5 Communication Module
Globenewswire· 2025-06-25 12:45
Core Insights - Itron, Inc. has shipped over 2 million Cyble 5 communication modules, with Metz Eurométropole Water Utility receiving the milestone module, supporting its transition to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) [1][2] - The Cyble 5 module enables real-time monitoring and advanced analytics, allowing water providers to make data-driven decisions for optimized operations and improved service delivery [2][3] - Metz Eurométropole Water Utility serves over 47,000 people and utilizes the Cyble 5 module to enhance leak prevention, resource allocation, and billing accuracy since its deployment began in 2022 [3] Company and Product Features - The Cyble 5 module connects to Metz Eurométropole's LoRaWAN AMI network, facilitating two-way communication and extensive data sets [3] - The module's durable design is IP68-rated, ensuring protection against harsh environments, which helps lower maintenance and meter replacement costs [6] - It offers interoperability with open standards, allowing seamless integration with AMR, AMI, and IoT networks [6] Strategic Importance - The deployment of the Cyble 5 module is seen as a strategic investment for Metz Eurométropole, enabling the utility to achieve its water management goals [2][4] - The improved data management capabilities allow for better targeting of investments, enabling reinvestment of savings into expanding smart water solutions [4] - Itron emphasizes the critical need for smarter operations in light of rising water demand, climate disruption, and urbanization [4]
Top 2 Utilities Stocks That May Fall Off A Cliff In Q2
Benzinga· 2025-06-25 12:36
Group 1 - Two stocks in the utilities sector are signaling potential warnings for momentum-focused investors [1] - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a key momentum indicator, with values above 70 indicating overbought conditions [2] - Major overbought stocks identified in the sector include Korea Electric Power Corp and Genie Energy Ltd [3] Group 2 - Korea Electric Power Corp has frozen electricity rates for Q3, resulting in a 20% stock increase over the past five days, with a 52-week high of $12.68 and an RSI value of 82.7 [6] - Genie Energy reported a first-quarter adjusted EPS of 42 cents, up from 33 cents a year ago, with a stock gain of around 30% over the past month and a 52-week high of $28.00, having an RSI value of 91.2 [6]
We Energies announces updated timeline for Oak Creek plant retirements
Prnewswire· 2025-06-25 12:00
Core Viewpoint - We Energies has decided to extend the operating lives of units 7 and 8 at the Oak Creek Power Plant until the end of 2026 to address increased energy demand and supply requirements in the Midwest power market [1][2][3] Company Operations - The Oak Creek units 7 and 8, built in the 1960s, have a total capacity of 610 megawatts (MW) and are equipped with modern environmental controls [3] - We Energies is planning, permitting, or constructing over 6,300 MW of new generation capacity, including natural gas, wind, solar, and battery storage, over the next five years [4] - The extension of the Oak Creek units is not expected to delay the new generation projects [4] Customer Base - We Energies serves more than 1.1 million electric customers and 1.1 million natural gas customers in Wisconsin [5]