Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED), Duke Energy Corp (DUK), Edison International (EIX) – This Week in Utilities: Bigger Dividends and Climate Change Costs

The utility will lay off 600 non-union workers this summer, with 500 more gone by next year. Non-union workers will be the first to go, as Edison International (NYSE:EIX) works out transition plans for unionized employees.

Is it hot in here?
After President Obama announced his latest climate change policy, utilities responded with an open letter via the Edison Electric Institute. Although the association of shareholder-owned electric companies agreed with many of the president’s points, it stressed its concern over Obama’s inclusion of existing power plants in future regulations. EEI President Tom Kuhn made clear that environmental policies geared toward existing plants should contain “achievable compliance limits and deadlines,” should “minimize costs to customers,” and should be “consistent with the industry’s ongoing investments to transition to a cleaner generating fleet and enhanced electric grid.”

Stay current on electricity
The world of utilities is changing fast, and dividend stocks aren’t the stable stalwarts they once were. Be sure to check back weekly for the latest on your portfolio’s moves, and you’ll be well on your way to electrifying earnings.

The article This Week in Utilities: Bigger Dividends and Climate Change Costs originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Justin Loiseau.

Fool contributor Justin Loiseau has no position in any stocks mentioned, but he does use electricity. You can follow him on Twitter, @TMFJLo, and on Motley Fool CAPS, @TMFJLo.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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