COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has named Douglas A. Cannon president of AEP Transmission, effective June 11. Cannon will report to Bill Fehrman, AEP president and chief executive officer.In this role, he will lead all aspects of AEP's transmission business, including planning, projects, engineering, operations and growth. Cannon currently serves as the president and chief executive officer of NV Energy and is responsible for all aspects of service to its 1 ...

The Southern Company (SO) , via one of its affiliates, Georgia Power Company, recently announced a proposed settlement with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) Public Interest Advocacy Staff. The agreement recommends extending the current alternate rate plan through Dec. 31, 2028, maintaining rate stability for Georgia Power customers for three additional years.This settlement is still pending approval from the Georgia PSC, with a final decision expected by July 1, 2025. If rejected, Georgia Power m ...

Core Insights - Entergy Corporation and Ameren are experiencing a surge in demand for the first time in years, driven by factors such as reshoring, AI-driven data center plans, and supportive legislation [1] Company Analysis - Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) and Ameren (NYSE: AEE) are both regulated electric utilities [1] - Both companies are accelerating their investments in response to the increased demand [1] Market Trends - The surge in demand is attributed to reshoring initiatives and advancements in AI technology, particularly in data centers [1] - Legislative support is also contributing to the favorable market conditions for these utilities [1]

Core Insights - Short-term adversity can create long-term investment opportunities, particularly through dividends which signify business excellence [1] - S&P 500 dividend-paying companies are ideal for long-term investors seeking quality stocks, despite occasional declines [2] Company Summaries Alphabet (Google) - Alphabet has recently initiated dividend payments and raised its dividend for the first time, indicating potential for future growth [4] - The stock has decreased by 20% due to competition from ChatGPT and regulatory challenges, but the company has diverse operations beyond its search engine [5] - Analysts project earnings growth of over 15% annually for the next three to five years, with artificial intelligence potentially driving further growth [6] NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy is positioned to benefit from a projected 50% increase in U.S. electricity consumption by 2050, operating the largest electric utility and being a leader in renewable energy [8] - The company has a strong dividend history, having paid and raised dividends for 30 consecutive years, with a current yield of 3% and a 61% payout ratio [9] - Despite a nearly 20% decline in stock price due to rising interest rates, the company plans to invest over $120 billion in the next four years to meet energy demands [10] PepsiCo - PepsiCo is a Dividend King with 52 years of uninterrupted dividend growth, but its stock has fallen over 32% due to slowed growth and changing consumer preferences [11][12] - Analysts estimate a modest earnings growth of just over 4% annually for the next three to five years, influenced by market dynamics [12] - The current dividend yield is 4.1%, the highest ever for the company, providing compensation for slower growth, and the company is adapting by acquiring brands focused on healthier diets [13]

Core Viewpoint - FirstEnergy Corp. is taking proactive measures to enhance road safety by temporarily suspending streetlight service in certain areas to deter mayflies, which pose a significant safety concern during their hatching season [1][5]. Group 1: Company Actions - Ohio Edison will suspend streetlight service along several roads in Port Clinton, Marblehead, and Erie Township for several weeks in preparation for the annual emergence of mayflies, which typically occurs from late June to September [2][3][4]. - The company plans to resume streetlight service once the hatching season ends, demonstrating a commitment to community safety [2][6]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - Mayflies leave an oily residue that can make road surfaces extremely slick, particularly during rain, creating hazardous driving conditions [5]. - The President of FirstEnergy Ohio emphasized the importance of this initiative in enhancing road safety for all users, including pedestrians and bikers [5][6]. Group 3: Community Engagement - Ohio Edison encourages customers to report any unintentional outages of streetlights or outdoor area lights through their online platform or customer service hotline [7]. - The company serves over 1 million customers across 34 Ohio counties, highlighting its significant presence in the region [7]. Group 4: Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers across multiple states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York [8]. - The company's transmission subsidiaries manage over 24,000 miles of transmission lines, connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions [8].

Group 1 - The core point of the announcement is the adjustment of the time-of-use electricity pricing mechanism in Sichuan Province, effective from May 1, 2025, which will impact the company's operating performance [1][2] - The adjusted peak, flat, and valley time durations for summer are 10, 8, and 6 hours respectively, while for spring and autumn, they are 7 hours each. The peak pricing duration has been increased from 2 hours to 3 hours, and a flexible peak pricing mechanism has been established [1] - The adjustment is expected to reduce the company's electricity business revenue by approximately 8.5 million yuan in 2025 due to an increase in valley hours and a decrease in flat hours, along with a shift of high peak hours to a lower pricing season [1][2] Group 2 - Industrial and commercial users will have the option to voluntarily choose to implement the time-of-use pricing [1] - The final impact on the company's financials will be determined by the audited annual financial report for 2025 [2]

Core Viewpoint - The growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market, initiated by Tesla, is expected to significantly increase electricity demand, transforming the utility sector into a more attractive investment opportunity with notable dividend components [1][5][13]. Group 1: Electricity Demand Growth - From 2000 to 2020, electricity demand grew by only 9%, primarily due to energy efficiency efforts [2]. - The shift towards cleaner technologies, particularly the replacement of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electric vehicles, is expected to drive substantial increases in electricity demand [4]. - Electricity demand is projected to rise by 55% from 2020 to 2040, with AI contributing to a 300% increase in demand over the next decade [5]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities in Utilities - The anticipated increase in electricity demand will require significant capital investments in the utility sector, leading to growth in what has been a traditionally stable industry [6]. - Regulators are likely to approve necessary capital investments and rate requests from regulated electric utilities, benefiting conservative income investors [7]. Group 3: Specific Utility Stocks - NextEra Energy (NEE) offers a 3.2% dividend yield with a history of 31 annual dividend increases and an expected annual growth rate of approximately 10% [8]. - Black Hills (BKH) has a higher dividend yield of 4.6% and has achieved Dividend King status with 55 annual dividend increases, although its growth rate is expected to be more modest at 4% to 6% [9][10]. - Dominion Energy (D) presents a turnaround story with a current dividend yield of 4.9%, focusing on strengthening its balance sheet and reducing its payout ratio before resuming dividend growth [11][12].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - PPL achieved targeted earnings per share growth of 6% to 8% in 2024 [25] - The common stock dividend was increased by more than 7% in 2024 [26] - PPL's stock price increased by nearly 20% in 2024, ranking among the best performing regulated utility stocks in the U.S. [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PPL completed over $3 billion in planned infrastructure improvements in 2024 to enhance grid reliability and resilience [24] - Achieved annual O&M savings of approximately $130 million from a 2021 baseline, allowing for over $1 billion in capital investments [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - PPL serves approximately 3.6 million customers across its service territories [23] - The company is experiencing unprecedented demand growth, particularly in Pennsylvania, with nearly 11 gigawatts of data center load in advanced planning stages [53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - PPL is focused on creating the utilities of the future, emphasizing innovation, efficiency, and advanced technology [29] - The company plans to invest $20 billion from 2025 to 2028 to strengthen reliability and advance a cleaner energy future [31] - PPL is committed to an all-of-the-above technology approach to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 [52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of affordability in energy services and ongoing engagement with stakeholders to identify opportunities [25] - The company is adapting to challenges in the energy sector, including the need for new technologies and infrastructure to meet growing demand [54] Other Important Information - PPL has implemented a wildfire mitigation plan, including public safety power shutoff policies and updated emergency response plans [62] - The company is actively exploring nuclear power as part of its strategy to achieve net zero emissions, while also considering advanced small modular reactors [56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why does PPL have so many directors? - The board size is consistent with industry standards, with 10 members, nine of whom are independent, providing a mix of experience and perspectives [39][40] Question: Why does PPL employ so many contractors? - Contractors are used for specialized expertise, seasonal work, and to provide flexibility in scaling operations [43][45] Question: What impact will tariffs have on PPL's partnership with WindGrid? - Tariffs may affect pricing and timing of offshore wind projects, but PPL remains prepared to participate in future opportunities [48][50] Question: How does PPL support the development of nuclear and fusion power? - PPL recognizes the need for nuclear power in achieving net zero emissions and is exploring partnerships for advanced nuclear technologies [56][58] Question: How is PPL addressing wildfire risks? - PPL has developed a wildfire mitigation plan, including updated training and capital projects to enhance safety and reduce risks [62]

ab 16 May 2025 Global Research First Read Manawa Energy UBS SnapShot: FY25 Result VALUATION Our rating and PT for MNW are restricted. GUIDANCE No FY26 EBITDAF guidance provided. ONE LINER Tough operating environment through FY25, with no FY26 EBITDAF or DPS guidance provided, and all eyes now on acquisition by CEN. KEY NUMBERS Normalised EBITDAF (continuing operations) $91m (-42% YoY) vs cons $89m vs guidance $80m-$95m. Normalised NPAT $32m (-52% YoY) vs. cons $24m. Final DPS 0 cps vs. cons 5cps. RESULT HIG ...

Core Viewpoint - PG&E proposed its 2027-2030 General Rate Case (GRC) to California regulators, aiming for the smallest percentage increase in a decade while enhancing safety and reliability for customers [1][2]. Group 1: Rate Proposal and Customer Impact - PG&E's GRC proposal includes a maximum bill increase of 3.6% in 2027, but total residential combined gas and electric bills are expected to remain flat compared to 2025 [6]. - The company forecasts that residential electric rates and average combined bills will be lower in 2026 due to the expiration of cost recovery currently included in rates [4]. - If the proposal is fully approved, PG&E anticipates that total residential combined bills will be flat in 2027, with potential decreases if electric demand rises [3][6]. Group 2: Cost Management and Savings - PG&E has reduced operating and capital costs by approximately $2.5 billion over the past three years, enabling the proposed small percentage increase [2]. - The company aims to stabilize customer bills through 2030, with additional savings expected from a $15 billion Department of Energy loan guarantee, which could save customers $1 billion over the loan's life [7]. Group 3: Infrastructure Improvements and Safety Enhancements - PG&E's proposal includes modernizing the grid to accommodate growth in electricity demand from new homes, businesses, and electric vehicles, targeting 3 million EVs by 2030 [9]. - The company plans to enhance wildfire safety by replacing 760 miles of powerlines and placing 307 miles underground in high-risk areas, reducing risk by 98% [9]. - Investments will also be made in lower-cost solar and battery energy storage, microgrids, and modernizing existing hydroelectric plants to improve reliability and safety [12].