US power demand to beat record highs in 2026 and 2027 as AI use surges, EIA says

US electricity ‌consumption will rise to record highs in 2026 and 2027 due to power-hungry AI data centers and electrification, the US Energy Information Administration said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) on Tuesday.

Reuters • Nov 10, 2026

5 Defensive Dividend Stocks Yielding Up to 8.7% for Retirement Income

Recessions punish shaky payouts, but some companies keep collecting cash anyway. From power lines to pipelines to pill bottles, five low-beta names promise income, yet one of them runs coverage tighter than the rest.

24/7 Wall Street • Nov 9, 2026

5 Dividend Stocks With Ex-Dividend Deadlines This Week. The First Is Today

One utility's payout window slams shut at today's closing bell, and four more follow before Friday.

24/7 Wall Street • Nov 9, 2026

3 Defensive Utility Dividend Stocks for Income-Focused Investors

Three regulated utilities go ex-dividend within days of each other, and only one of them funds its growth without leaning on new shares.

24/7 Wall Street • Nov 6, 2026

American Electric Power's Dividend Has a Data Center Tailwind. How Safe Is It?

AEP just unveiled a $100 billion spending plan built around data centers, and income investors are asking who gets paid first. One Texas deadline in December could decide whether shareholders or new share issuance absorb the pressure.

24/7 Wall Street • Nov 5, 2026

AI Data Center Backlash Is Real. The Blue Wave Takes Out Energy Stocks.

Newly elected governors in states like Texas are promising to pause data center development.

Barrons • Nov 4, 2026

AEP Creates Infrastructure Business Unit to Support Growing Energy Demand

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has created AEP Infrastructure, a new business unit focused on investing in, building and operating energy infrastructure to meet growing electricity demand. Greg Hall will lead the organization as president and will continue to report to Bill Fehrman, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer.

PRNewsWire • Nov 3, 2026

AI Data Centers Are on the Ballot. 7 Stocks That Are at Risk.

Polls have found that Americans think data centers inflate home energy costs and are bad for the environment.

Barrons • Nov 2, 2026

American Electric Power: Texas Could Make It Even Bigger

American Electric Power is rated Buy at ~$130, driven by a $100B investment plan targeting surging data center demand, especially in Texas and Ohio. AEP expects 10% annual EPS growth through 2031, underpinned by regulated transmission and generation investments, with upside potential from further Texas expansion. Execution risk is material: project delays or financing challenges could impact earnings, as $44B in net debt and $14B equity financing are required.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 31, 2026

Emerson Among 14 Dividend Growth Companies To Announce Annual Dividend Increases In First Half Of November

Emerson is set to extend its dividend growth streak to 70 years, with a predicted 6.3–8.1% increase driven by a business transformation. EMR's shift to higher-margin Intelligent Devices and Software & Control segments supports a rebound in adjusted EPS, forecasted to grow 19% this year. Dividend growth across the broader group of long-term payers remains mostly mid-single digits, but several—including ADP, Assurant, and Atmos—are expected to announce 10%+ increases.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 1, 2026