Must-know: The top US electric utility companies
The top electric utility companies in the U.S. include Duke Energy, Exelon Corporation, Southern Company, NextEra Energy, and Dominion Resources. These companies are largest in terms of market cap.
Sept. 5 2014, Updated 5:34 p.m. ET
Top electric utility companies in the U.S.
The top electric utility companies in the U.S. include Duke Energy, Exelon Corporation, Southern Company, NextEra Energy, and Dominion Resources. These companies are largest in terms of market cap.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (DUK) is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It owns 58,200 megawatts (or MW) of base-load and peak generation in the United States. It distributes the electricity to 7.2 million customers. Duke Energy’s service territory covers 104,000 square miles. It has 250,200 miles of distribution lines. Duke Energy also has more than 4,300 MW of electric generation in Latin America.
Exelon Corporation
Exelon Corporation (EXC) is an energy producer, trader, and distributor. It operates in 47 states in the U.S. It also operates in Columbia and Canada. Exelon is one of the largest competitive U.S. power generators. It has ~35,000 MW of owned capacity.
Southern Company
Southern Company (SO) is an electric utility holding company. It’s based in the southern part of the U.S. The company is 16th largest utility company in the world. It’s the fourth largest company in the U.S. Through its subsidiaries, SO owns and operates more than 42,000 MW of generation capacity. It serves 4.3 million customers in four states—Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. SO’s regional electric utilities are regulated. They serve a 120,000 square-mile territory with 27,000 miles of distribution lines.
NextEra Energy
NextEra Energy (NEE) is North America’s largest owner and operator of wind and solar electricity generating assets. The company has 85 wind facilities in 17 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. It also co-owns and operates Solar Energy Generating Systems (or SEGS)—the world’s largest solar power generating facility. In addition to wind and solar, NextEra Energy owns and operates generating plants. The plants are powered by natural gas, nuclear fuel, and oil. NextEra’s facilities have a combined capacity of 42,500 MW.
Dominion Resources
Dominion Resources is one of the largest energy producers and transporters in the U.S. It has a portfolio of ~23,600 MW of generation. It has 10,900 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering, and storage pipeline. It also has 6,400 miles of electric transmission lines.
These companies form the top five holdings in the Utilities Select Sector SPDR (XLU).