Sun Belt Utilities Eye AI Upside: Dominion, NextEra, Southern
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Source: Fool
- AI Potential in Utilities: Motley Fool contributors Jason Hall and Tyler Crowe highlight the AI potential of Dominion Energy, NextEra Energy, and Southern Co, which is expected to drive future growth amid rising electricity demand.
- Market Performance Analysis: As of January 22, 2026, Dominion Energy's stock was priced at 0.55%, NextEra Energy at 0.22%, and Southern Co at 0.06%, indicating stable performance in the utility sector that may attract more investor interest.
- Investor Focus: With the continuous advancement of AI technology, these utility companies could enhance market competitiveness by optimizing operations and improving service efficiency, thereby creating higher returns for shareholders.
- Industry Outlook: Driven by increasing electricity demand and technological innovation, Sun Belt utilities are poised for significant business growth in the coming years, making them a focal point for investors.
Analyst Views on D
Wall Street analysts forecast D stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for D is 64.36 USD with a low forecast of 59.00 USD and a high forecast of 70.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
12 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 59.930
Low
59.00
Averages
64.36
High
70.00
Current: 59.930
Low
59.00
Averages
64.36
High
70.00
About D
Dominion Energy, Inc. provides regulated electricity service to about 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina. It is a developer and operator of regulated offshore wind and solar power and the producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. Its Dominion Energy Virginia segment is composed of Virginia Power’s regulated electric transmission, distribution, and generation operations, which serve homes and businesses in Virginia and North Carolina. Its Dominion Energy South Carolina segment consists of DESC’s generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to customers in the central, southern and southwestern portions of South Carolina and the distribution of natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers in South Carolina. Its Contracted Energy segment includes non-regulated electric generation fleet and renewable natural gas operations.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
