Home Picks Investors Groups Discuss! Research

Search

Sign Up   |   Log In   |   What is SocialPicks?

Joseph Lazzaro Return Risk +4.14% MID Tracked Blogger Profile & Performance Subscribe to author

Symbol Sentiment Start Return Closed AEP n/a DUK n/a XEL n/a Via BloggingStocks:   Filed under: Other issues, Duke Energy (DUK) The latest trend in the utilities sector could deliver an unpleasant 'jolt' (pun intended) to electric power generation companies, if it continues. U.S. electricity consumption unexpectedly dropped in Q2 and Q3, on a year-over-year basis, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday (subscription required), although The Journal cautioned that the data is early and incomplete. Major electric power suppliers Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL), Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) and American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) all reported declines in residential electricity use in recent quarters, compared to the previous year, The Journal reported. An electric puzzle Economist David H. Wang told BloggingStocks Friday electricity demand is a function of more factors than one might assume. The economic cycle, seasons, weather extremes, demographics, household formation, increased efficiency, technological change, and even popular culture trends are among the major factors affecting electricity demand. Wang believes the major factor in the recent dip is the current U.S. recession. "I will defer to more-comprehensive U.S. Energy Department and power association data later, but I think without question the economic downturn is a major factor. When people lose jobs, many tend to give up housing and live with roommates or relatives. This decreases electricity use. Also, home foreclosures result in empty homes, which obviously use less energy than occupied homes." Continue reading U.S. utilities encounter a shocker: A dip in power demand U.S. utilities encounter a shocker: A dip in power demand originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments   Read the rest of original post »

Be the first to comment on this story and earn 2 points.

IN THE PRESS

About  |   RSS  |   Feedback  |   Contact Us  |   Terms of Service  |   Privacy

© 2009 FinancialContent Services, Inc.

Data powered by FinancialContent.  All Rights Reserved.   Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes unless otherwise indicated.

None of the information contained on SocialPicks.com constitutes a recommendation by SocialPicks or its users that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. SocialPicks is not responsible for the posts, discussions, and recommendations of the users on the Site. SocialPicks does not provide investment advice. You must make your own independent decisions regarding any security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy mentioned on the website. SocialPicks' users' past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Neither SocialPicks nor any of its users guarantees any specific outcome or profit, and you should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investments discussed on the website. You understand and agree that you use the Site and Services at your own discretion and risk and that you will be solely responsible for any damages that arise from such use. Before acting on any information contained on the website, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser.