Core Points - We Energies has received the 2025 ReliabilityOne® Award for exceptional reliability performance in the Upper Midwest, based on its performance in 2024 [1][4] - The award recognizes utilities that excel in providing reliable electric service to customers, with We Energies being highlighted for its commitment to reliability and service excellence [1][4] Company Investments and Improvements - We Energies has invested in upgrading its grid to enhance performance and recovery from storms, including modernizing aging systems and burying hundreds of miles of power lines [3] - The company has implemented high-tech equipment to minimize the impact of power outages and has undertaken extensive tree trimming and removal along thousands of miles of power lines [3] - These investments aim to modernize delivery systems, reduce operating costs, and improve energy efficiency [3] Award Selection Process - The ReliabilityOne® Award is open to all utilities operating electric delivery networks in North America, with selection based on system reliability statistics measuring the frequency and duration of customer outages [5][6] - Companies undergo a rigorous certification process that includes independent reviews of their reliability reporting processes [6] Company Overview - We Energies serves over 1.1 million electric and natural gas customers in Wisconsin and is a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group Inc. [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Northwest Natural Holdings reported a loss of $0.73 per share for Q3 2025, relatively unchanged from a loss of $0.71 per share in Q3 2024 [18] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $1.52 year-to-date in 2025, compared to $0.88 for the same period in 2024, reflecting strong earnings across all business segments [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gas utility segment's earnings per share improved slightly, while Sea Energy contributed an additional $0.04 of earnings per share for Q3 2025 compared to the same period last year [18] - The water segment's earnings per share increased by $0.04, driven by new rates at the largest water utility in Arizona and additional revenues from ICH Utilities [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined utility customer growth rate was 10.9% for the 12 months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to gas utility acquisitions in Texas [6] - Northwest Natural Water's customer base grew at a rate of 4.1%, including three small acquisitions, with organic growth at 2.4% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its customer base, investing in systems, and achieving operational excellence through cost efficiency [5] - A robust long-term capital plan is in place, reaffirming a long-term earnings growth rate of 4%-6% [6] - The company is prioritizing organic growth while also looking for tuck-in acquisition opportunities, particularly in fragmented markets like Texas [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in executing against the 2025 plan and achieving results above the midpoint of the adjusted earnings range of $2.75 to $2.95 per share [6][20] - The company is well-positioned to meet regional energy needs through investments in long-duration assets like the Mist storage facility [11] Other Important Information - The board approved a dividend increase, marking the 70th consecutive year of annual dividend increases [6] - The company has liquidity of approximately $437 million as of September 30, 2025, with no material debt maturities in 2025 [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Lower equity requirement for 2025 - Management indicated that the lower equity requirement is due to better cash flow generation and reassessment of capital structure throughout the year [24] Question: Additional tuck-in opportunities in Texas - Management noted that while tuck-in opportunities exist, the focus is currently on organic growth, particularly in Texas, Arizona, and Idaho [25] Question: Change in rate case timing in Oregon - Management mentioned that the Oregon commission is exploring multi-year planning, which could be beneficial for future rate cases [27][28] Question: Status of hydrogen pilot projects - Management confirmed that hydrogen blending tests have been successful, but broader hydrogen production projects are uncertain due to funding reallocations [29][30]

Core Insights - Avista Corp. reported a significant increase in third quarter net income to $0.36 per diluted share in 2025, up from $0.23 per diluted share in Q3 2024, driven by strong operational execution and customer load growth [1][4] - Year-to-date net income also rose to $1.51 per diluted share, compared to $1.44 per diluted share for the same period last year, indicating overall positive financial performance [1][4] Financial Performance - Third quarter net income by segments: Avista Utilities reported $30 million in net income for Q3 2025, up from $20 million in Q3 2024, while AEL&P remained stable with no reported income [1][3] - Year-to-date net income for Avista Utilities increased to $131 million in 2025 from $111 million in 2024, while AEL&P's year-to-date income decreased slightly from $5 million to $4 million [1][3] - Total earnings per diluted share for the third quarter were $0.36 in 2025, compared to $0.23 in 2024, and year-to-date earnings per diluted share increased from $1.44 to $1.51 [1][3] Operational Highlights - The increase in electric utility margin was attributed to general rate cases, customer growth, and non-decoupled load growth, with a pre-tax expense of $13 million from the Energy Recovery Mechanism (ERM) in 2025 [6] - Natural gas utility margin also saw an increase due to general rate cases and customer growth [6] - Other operating expenses rose due to increased employee salaries, benefits costs, and thermal generation costs, with net amortizations related to wildfire mitigation contributing to the increase [7] Liquidity and Capital Resources - As of September 30, 2025, Avista Corp. had $210 million in available liquidity under its committed line of credit and $43 million under its letter of credit facility [10] - In July 2025, the company issued $120 million in long-term debt to repay borrowings, and AEL&P entered a $20 million term loan for capital expenditures [11] Capital Expenditures - Avista Utilities' capital expenditures for the first three quarters of 2025 totaled $363 million, with expectations of $3.7 billion in base capital expenditures through 2030 [13][14] - AEL&P's capital expenditures are projected at $19 million in 2025, decreasing in subsequent years [15] Earnings Guidance - Avista Corp. confirmed its 2025 consolidated earnings guidance in the range of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share, with expectations to be at the lower end due to losses in other businesses [16][17] - Avista Utilities is expected to contribute towards the upper end of its earnings range due to strong performance from cost management and regulatory outcomes [17]

Core Points - Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU) have reached an agreement to adjust base rates to support system enhancements and hardening projects against severe storms and increased energy needs [1][2][10] - The agreement is filed with the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) for approval, with new rates expected to take effect no earlier than January 1, 2026 [2][3] System Hardening and Resiliency - The utilities are implementing a data-driven strategy to enhance system resilience, including stronger wires and poles, and real-time monitoring technologies [4] - Recent improvements have led to a 40% reduction in power outage frequency and a 30% decrease in outage duration [4] Upgrading Aging Infrastructure - A significant portion of the utilities' wooden transmission poles are over 60 years old and require replacement with steel structures [6] - Some equipment in the substations is nearly 100 years old, posing risks to reliability [5][6] Technology Enhancements - LG&E and KU are investing in advanced meter technology and upgrading IT systems to improve customer billing and cybersecurity [7] New Customer Options - The utilities propose to waive the $1.95 transaction fee for cash payments at third-party locations and introduce a pre-pay program for residential customers [8] - A new rate, Extremely High Load Factor Service, is proposed for large power users, ensuring they pay for their fair share without shifting costs to other customers [9] Financial Implications - Under the agreement, LG&E will receive a $58 million increase for electric service and $45 million for natural gas service, while KU will receive a $132 million increase for electric service [10] - Average monthly bill increases for residential customers are projected at $9 for KU, $5.04 for LG&E electric, and $8.10 for LG&E gas [11] Customer Support Programs - LG&E and KU offer various programs to help customers manage bills, including energy efficiency programs and financial assistance for vulnerable customers [12] Regulatory Agreement Details - The agreement includes a commitment not to increase base rates until at least August 1, 2028, and introduces mechanisms for cost recovery and revenue adjustments [13]

Core Points - Northwest Natural Holding Company has increased its quarterly dividend to 49.25 cents per share, with an annual dividend rate of $1.97 per share [1] - The dividend payment is scheduled for November 14, 2025, to shareholders of record on October 31, 2025 [1] Company Overview - Northwest Natural Holding Company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been in operation for over 166 years, owning several subsidiaries including NW Natural Gas Company, SiEnergy Operating, NW Natural Water Company, and NW Natural Renewables [1][2] - The company provides essential energy, water, and wastewater services to over one million meters across seven states, emphasizing safety, environmental stewardship, and community care [2] Natural Gas Utility - NW Natural Gas Utility serves approximately 2 million people in over 140 communities through about 807,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington, featuring one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation [3] - The utility owns and operates 21.6 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon [3] Water Utility - NWN Water Utility offers water distribution and wastewater services to communities in the Pacific Northwest, Texas, Arizona, and California, serving an estimated 195,000 people through approximately 78,600 meters [5] - The utility also provides operation and maintenance services to an additional 40,000 connections [5] Growth and Recognition - SiEnergy Gas Utility is recognized as one of the fastest-growing natural gas distribution utilities in the nation, serving over 83,000 meters in the metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Texas [4] - The company has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for four consecutive years and consistently achieves high customer satisfaction scores according to J.D. Power & Associates [2]

Core Insights - The company emphasizes its commitment to safety, renewable energy investments, and emissions reduction in its 2024 Sustainability Report titled "Fueling a Sustainable Energy Future" [1][3] - The report highlights the company's operational excellence and strong safety culture, contributing to economic development through innovative energy solutions [1][4] Sustainability Commitment - The company focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and sustainable workplace while positively impacting its service territories [2] - Key areas of focus include employee safety, respect for human rights, and fostering an inclusive workplace environment [2] Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Achievements - The report outlines significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy technologies, and fostering resilient communities [3] - These efforts align with the company's broader commitment to a sustainable energy future and driving long-term stakeholder value [3] Leadership and Oversight - The company's ESG activities are overseen by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors, ensuring the adoption of ESG practices throughout the organization [6] Customer Satisfaction and Community Engagement - For the fifth consecutive year, the company ranked No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction with Residential Natural Gas Service in the West among large utilities according to J.D. Power [7] - In 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation distributed $2.17 million across its service territory, and employees pledged $2.44 million to local nonprofit organizations [7] - The company allocated $408 million in utility capital expenditures for infrastructure modernization and pipeline replacement programs [7] Performance Metrics - The company maintained emergency response times, responding to 76.4% of emergencies within 30 minutes, exceeding the industry average and ranking in the top 25% [7] - Climate-related disclosures were expanded, including results from a climate risk assessment for Southwest Gas Corporation [7]

Core Insights - Duke Energy has selected three properties in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, aimed at preparing high-potential business and industrial sites for economic development investments [1][4]. Group 1: Economic Impact - Since 2010, Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program has evaluated 42 sites in Ohio and Kentucky, resulting in 20 companies committing to grow on these sites, which collectively bring over $2 billion in capital investments and 5,400 new jobs to the region [2][6]. - In 2024 alone, Duke Energy facilitated the recruitment of $548 million in new capital investment and over 1,000 jobs across Ohio and Kentucky [4]. Group 2: Program Details - The Site Readiness Program helps communities enhance their competitiveness for economic development, leading to new jobs and a broader tax base [3]. - Duke Energy collaborates with the Site Selection Group, Bayer Becker, REDI Cincinnati, BE NKY Growth Partnership, and local governments to implement the program [3]. Group 3: Selected Properties - The three properties selected for the 2025 program include: 1. Frick Family Farms in Monroe, Ohio (Butler County) 2. Union Ren Farms in Middletown, Ohio (Warren County) 3. Commonwealth Commerce Center in Northern Kentucky (Pendleton County) [4]. Group 4: Recognition - Duke Energy has been recognized for 21 consecutive years by Site Selection magazine as one of the "Top Utilities in Economic Development" [4].

Core Viewpoint - MDU Resources is focusing on its regulated energy delivery business following the spinoff of Knife River and Everus Construction, with long-term capital investments aimed at improving service reliability and expanding its customer base [1][2] Group 1: Growth Opportunities - MDU Resources anticipates long-term earnings per share (EPS) growth of 6-8% and expects to see 1-2% annual customer growth in its electric and natural gas segments through 2026 [2][8] - The company plans to invest approximately $3.1 billion in regulated capital expenditures from 2025 to 2029 to enhance service reliability and accommodate a growing customer base [3][8] - MDU has signed electric service agreements for 580 megawatts (MW) of data center load, with 180 MW currently online and additional capacity expected to come online in the coming years [4][8] Group 2: Challenges - A significant portion of MDU's natural gas pipelines and transmission facilities is aging, which poses risks of equipment failure, pipeline leaks, and power line fires, potentially impacting operational results [5] - The company's operations are highly seasonal, leading to significant fluctuations in revenues and expenses across quarterly periods [6] Group 3: Stock Performance - Over the past month, MDU's shares have decreased by 7.1%, contrasting with a 1.4% growth in the industry [7]

Core Viewpoint - MDU Resources has announced a 7.7% increase in its quarterly dividend rate, raising it to 14 cents per share, reflecting the company's commitment to providing reliable long-term value to its investors [1][11]. Dividend Increase - The new annualized dividend is now 56 cents per share, up from 52 cents, with a current dividend yield of 3.16%, significantly higher than the Zacks S&P 500 composite average of 1.15% [2][11]. Historical Performance - MDU Resources has maintained uninterrupted dividend payments for 87 years, showcasing its reliability and dedication to shareholder returns [3][11]. Growth Prospects - The company anticipates long-term earnings per share growth of 6-8% and expects to see 1-2% customer growth annually in its electric and natural gas segments through 2026 [4][5]. Capital Expenditures - MDU Resources plans to invest $3.06 billion from 2025 to 2029 to enhance the reliability of its services and accommodate a growing customer base [5]. Data Center Opportunities - MDU has secured electric service agreements for 580 megawatts (MW) of data center load, with 180 MW currently online and an additional 100 MW expected to come online later this year [6]. Industry Context - The utility sector is characterized by stable operations and earnings, allowing companies like MDU to reward shareholders with regular dividends. Other companies in the sector, such as Chesapeake Utilities, The Southern Company, and PPL Corporation, have also recently increased their dividend rates [7].

Core Viewpoint - August 11 is recognized as National Safe Digging Day, emphasizing the importance of calling 811 before any excavation to prevent damage to underground utility lines [1][10]. Group 1: Importance of Calling 811 - The initiative encourages contractors, homeowners, and business owners to call 811 at least three business days prior to any digging project [3][5]. - Local utilities will mark underground lines with stakes, flags, or paint to prevent accidental damage [3][5]. Group 2: Damage Statistics - Duke Energy reported over 5,000 damages to underground electric and natural gas lines from January to June 2025 across its service territories [11]. - Specifically, there were about 290 damages to underground natural gas facilities and 89 damages to the underground electric network in Ohio and Kentucky [11]. - In 2024, Duke Energy recorded more than 8,870 damages to natural gas and electric lines [11]. Group 3: Company Overview - Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky serves 920,000 customers in a 3,000-square-mile area for electric service and 560,000 customers for natural gas in Ohio and Kentucky [7]. - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, serves 8.6 million customers across multiple states and has a total energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts [8].