Utilities Stocks Outlook 2026: AI Data Centers, Fed Rate Cuts and Rising Power Bills Put the Sector Back in Focus
U.S. utilities stocks end 2025 under scrutiny as electricity bills rise and grid operators warn of supply shortfalls. The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) shows a forward P/E of about 19.6 and yield near 2.7%, with NextEra Energy as its largest holding. Power demand is set to hit record highs in 2025 and 2026, fueled by data centers and electrification. Investors are watching which companies can grow without sparking political backlash.