Utilities ETFs May Surge as Polar Vortex Poses Risk of Grid Freeze
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 10 2025
0mins
Should l Buy SO?
Source: Benzinga
Colder Forecasts and Energy Demand: The Northern Hemisphere is expected to experience colder weather, potentially increasing heating demand and electricity prices due to a weakening polar vortex, particularly affecting the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Utilities ETFs as Investment Opportunities: Investors are looking at utilities-focused ETFs, such as the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and Vanguard Utilities Index Fund ETF (VPU), which could benefit from seasonal demand spikes and provide stability amid market volatility.
Renewable Energy ETFs: The iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) may attract interest due to its focus on renewable energy sources, especially if severe weather highlights the fragility of energy grids.
Defensive and Opportunistic Trade: Utilities ETFs present a combination of defensive investment and potential for growth, as rising power demand from AI infrastructure and cold weather could lead to significant performance during the winter season.
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Analyst Views on SO
Wall Street analysts forecast SO stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for SO is 92.34 USD with a low forecast of 45.00 USD and a high forecast of 109.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
17 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
11 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 91.080
Low
45.00
Averages
92.34
High
109.00
Current: 91.080
Low
45.00
Averages
92.34
High
109.00
About SO
The Southern Company is an energy provider. The Company owns three traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power Company and Southern Company Gas. The traditional electric operating companies-Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power-are operating public utility companies providing electric service to retail customers in three Southeastern states in addition to wholesale customers in the Southeast. The Southern Power Company develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects, and sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market. The Southern Company Gas is an energy services holding company whose primary business is the distribution of natural gas in four states - Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, through the natural gas distribution utilities. Southern Company Gas is also involved in several other businesses that are complementary to the distribution of natural gas.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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