The utilities sector is experiencing a shift in demand as data center electricity use in the United States is expected to quadruple by 2030, leading to more than 450 additional terawatt-hours of power. AI data centers currently make up 4.4% of total U.S. electricity consumption, but that share is projected to rise to between 12% and 20% by 2030. Constellation Energy (CEG) and NextEra Energy (NEE) are two energy stocks to watch in 2026, with CEG offering a 0.42% dividend yield and NEE offering a 2.8% yield. Both companies are closely involved in clean energy initiatives and large-scale power generation.

Constellation Energy Group (CEG) is a power producer with a market cap of $114.4 billion and an annual dividend yield of 0.42%. The stock has been performing well, with third-quarter 2025 earnings showing growth. CEG recently secured a $1 billion loan to support the Crane Clean Energy Center restart, adding 835 megawatts of power to the grid. The company is also working on AI-powered demand response programs to enhance grid flexibility. Analysts have a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating on CEG, with a price target suggesting potential upside of about 21%.

NextEra Energy (NEE) is a utility and infrastructure company with a focus on renewables and energy storage. NEE offers a dividend yield of 2.8% and has raised its dividend for 30 years. The company reported strong profitability in the third quarter of 2025 and has expanded partnerships to support data center growth. NEE has also acquired Symmetry Energy Solutions to strengthen its natural gas capabilities. Analysts rate NEE as a “Moderate Buy,” with a price target indicating potential upside of about 14%. Both CEG and NEE offer opportunities for income investors in a changing power market in 2026.

Read more at Barchart: These 2 Dividend Payers Are Some of the Best Stocks to Buy for 2026