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Duke $DUK<\/a> Energy DUK<\/a> is modernizing its long-standing power network by integrating advanced technologies to create a more reliable, efficient, and resilient grid system.<\/p>\n The company currently anticipates spending capital worth $200-$220 billion over the next decade. Of this, it currently expects to spend nearly $103 billion during 2026-2030. This investment is focused on transforming its 320,000 miles of power lines \u2014 the largest transmission and distribution system in the United States, upgrading existing infrastructure and building new power generation to support growth, and investing in its natural gas local distribution companies.<\/p>\n Duke Energy is using grid modernization as a core growth driver, developing scalable and repeatable infrastructure solutions to support rising demand from AI and economic expansion. Further modernization of the electric grid, including smart meters, storm hardening, self-healing and targeted undergrounding, also helps ensure the system is better prepared for severe weather conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2025, advanced self-healing technology prevented nearly 2.2 million customer outages across Duke Energy\u2019s six-state service area, saving approximately 5.2 million hours of total outage time. About one-third of these gains occurred during major storms, underscoring its value as a critical tool for field crews restoring power after severe weather. As of Dec. 31, 2025, nearly 75% of the company\u2019s electric customers were supported by self-healing technology on primary distribution lines \u2014 more than double the level achieved three years earlier.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In addition to Duke Energy, other utility companies focused on grid modernization to enhance service reliability are discussed below.<\/p>\n American Electric Power $AEP<\/a> AEP<\/a> aims to invest $36 billion in its transmission and distribution business during the 2026-2030 period to construct a more efficient grid and deliver customized energy solutions to its customers.<\/p>\n Public Service Enterprise $PEG<\/a> Group PEG<\/a> is deploying automated switching and smart grid upgrades. The company benefits from its focus on reliability improvements in densely populated regions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings per share indicates an increase of 6.34% and 6.46%, respectively, year over year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Image Source: Zacks Investment Research<\/p>\n<\/div>\n DUK is trading at a premium relative to the industry, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings of 19.32X compared with the industry average of 16.96X.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Image Source: Zacks Investment Research<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In the past three months, the company\u2019s shares have risen 12.3% compared with the industry<\/a>\u2019s 12.4% growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Image Source: Zacks Investment Research<\/p>\n<\/div>\n From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.<\/p>\n This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren\u2019t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks\u2019 Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X $TWTR<\/a> Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.<\/p>\n Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up<\/a><\/div>\n Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nUtilities Accelerate Grid Modernization Efforts<\/h2>\n
DUK\u2019s Earnings Estimates<\/h2>\n
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DUK Stock Trading at a Premium<\/h2>\n
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DUK Stock Price Performance<\/h2>\n
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Research Chief Names “Single Best Pick to Double”<\/h2>\n