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Utilities

Utilities and the Internet of Things

By Roger S. Conrad on Jan. 2, 2018

Access to relatively inexpensive sensor content, data storage, processing power and high-capacity telecom networks has enabled a new era of machine-to-machine communication that can unlock significant efficiencies for industries rooted in the physical world. The rollout of 5G communications networks over the next few years will enhance remote monitoring and other long-distance IOT functionalities.

Politics vs Economics: Wholesale Changes?

By Roger S. Conrad on Nov. 20, 2017

Utilities and regulators in many states have reached a consensus that coal is yesterday’s fuel. Operators will keep these power plants running as long as they remain economic, but NextEra Energy’s decision to close the St. John’s River facility suggests that their time may be short.

EEI Conference Preview: Electricity Markets and the War for Coal

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 18, 2017

The Trump administration has clearly gone all-in on turning the supposed war on coal into a war for coal, but the outcome will depend on electric utilities and power companies. We'll focus on the risks and opportunities associated with government intervention when we attend the Edison Electric Institute's financial conference in November.

A New Trend in Utility M&A?

By Roger S. Conrad on Jun. 23, 2017

Does Eversource Energy's recently announced acquisition of Aquarion Water mark the start of a new trend in utility mergers and acquisitions?

Green Bonds And Utilities

By Roger S. Conrad on Apr. 24, 2017

The growing popularity of green bonds creates opportunities for savvy investors and can help utilities to reduce their cost of capital.

Big Tech and Electric Utilities Go a Courtin’

By Roger S. Conrad on Dec. 1, 2016

What does the utility sector’s budding relationship with big tech mean for investors?

A Preview of the Most Important Conference for Utility Investors

By Roger S. Conrad on Nov. 7, 2016

The Edison Electric Institute's annual financial conference takes place this week. Here's a quick preview of some of the themes we'll dig into at this year's event.

History’s Take on Current Valuations of Utility Stocks

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 28, 2016

On average, the previous 17 corrections in “Utility Sector’s Post-War Swoons” ended after roughly 14 months and involved a decline of 23 percent, excluding dividends paid. What does that mean for today?

Utility M&A Update

By Roger S. Conrad on Sep. 8, 2016

Consolidation continues apace in the utility sector, as operators seek to take advantage of frothy stock prices to improve their economies of scale and increase their exposure to growing demand for natural gas. We update our takes on the various pending acquisitions involving the more than 200 essential-services stocks that we cover in our Utility Report Card.

Barron’s Bashes Utility Stocks for All the Wrong Reasons

By Roger S. Conrad on Aug. 2, 2016

Last month, Barron's published a sensationalist article warning of a looming death spiral for US electric utilities and traditional power generators. Although stretched valuations may mean that utility stocks are overdue for a pullback in the near term, the sector's future prospects remain undiminished.