$AEP

West Virginia Public Service Commission members questioned the necessity of the $1.17B MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) project, a 500-kilovolt transmission line proposed by NextEra Energy Transmission. The project, aimed at supporting data centers in Virginia and reducing grid strain, faces scrutiny over local benefits and potential rate impacts. PJM Interconnection's Sami Abdulsalam defended the project, citing long-range planning and future grid needs.

Amazon is funding a 960-MW nuclear plant in Indiana with 12 SMRs from X-energy, operated by American Electric Power (AEP). The plant, planned for a former coal site, will supply power to the grid and Amazon's data centers. Amazon previously invested $700M in X-energy and aims to add 5 GW of nuclear capacity by 2039. X-energy's stock rose 10% premarket after the announcement.

American Electric Power (AEP) raised its dividend by 2% and increased its full-year operating EPS guidance to $6.25-$6.55. The company is investing in nuclear and fuel cell projects with partners like Amazon (AMZN) and Google (GOOGL). Analysts expect Q3 EPS of $2.04 and FY2026 EPS of $6.40, with a consensus 'Moderate Buy' rating and $139.68 average price target.

AEP, Quanta, and Dominion are set to report earnings this week. AEP expects revenue of $6.60B and EPS of $2.04, up from last year. Quanta anticipates revenue of $10.91B and EPS of $5. Dominion's focus is on its $66.8B deal with NEE. All five stocks fell in Q3 but are up year-to-date, led by Quanta's 25% gain.

Amazon, X-energy, and AEP proposed a 960 MW nuclear project in Indiana, with Amazon funding and purchasing power. AtkinsRéalis and Hoosier Energy plan to study up to eight CANDU reactors. The U.S. Navy selected Radiant Nuclear for a microreactor at Naval Weapons Station Crane. Indiana offers incentives for nuclear development, including tax credits and cost recovery for utilities.

Multiple nuclear reactor developers are exploring projects in Indiana and Kentucky, targeting operations by the mid-to-late 2030s. X-Energy, Amazon, and AEP plan 12 SMRs in Indiana, while AtkinsRéalis plans up to eight CANDU units. Radiant secured a deal to power a Naval Weapons Station in Indiana. The Nuclear Company will build six AP1000s in Kentucky. These developments highlight growing interest in nuclear energy for both military and commercial uses.

Rabobank projects U.S. electricity demand to rise 20% by 2030, driven by AI, EV adoption, and manufacturing. Utilities like Dominion (D), Southern (SO), and AEP (AEP) may benefit from infrastructure investments. Independent producers like Constellation (CEG), Vistra (VST), and Talen (TLN) could see more upside from long-term power agreements. Equipment manufacturers GE Vernova (GEV) and Bloom Energy (BE) are also positioned to gain.

Kentucky awarded $10M in nuclear grants to six organizations, including American Electric Power (AEP) for $1M to identify sites for small modular reactors. General Matter, Global Laser Enrichment, and others received undisclosed amounts. SOAR got $1.56M for workforce development. The state is also considering Senate Bill 57 to fund nuclear project permits.

Two nuclear projects in Indiana aim to repurpose retired fossil fuel sites. AtkinsRéalis, Indiana, and Hoosier Energy plan up to 8 CANDU reactors (6 GW). AEP and X-energy, funded by Amazon, target 960 MW of SMRs at a former coal plant. Both projects seek to address growing power demand and grid strain.

Ladenburg Thalmann raised its price target on American Electric Power (AEP) to $142.50, citing increased capital expenditure plans. AEP plans to spend $10B+ on transmission and generation projects, including data center support. Analysts have mixed views, with some raising earnings estimates and others lowering price targets. AEP's stock currently trades at $130.64, with a market cap of $69.35B.