Eversource Energy (2.4%) (NYSE:ES) (ES – $58.34 – NYSE) is New England’s largest electric and gas distribution utility and delivery system. ES, formerly known as Northeast Utilities (NU), is the product of the April 2012 merger between Northeast Utilities, headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, and NSTAR, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, creating a premier New England distribution utility. ES serves 3.6 million customers in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. We consider ES to be one of the better long term growth stories, driven by transmission investment, cost cutting opportunities, and oil-to-gas heat conversions in the Northeast. The company targets a 5%–7% long term earnings growth rate. ES formed a JV with Spectra Energy (SE) and National Grid (NG-LN) (0.1%) to construct Access Northeast, a $3 billion gas pipeline to supply the region’s electric generators with natural gas. Construction is expected to begin in 2017, with an in service date by the winter of 2018. In addition, ES expects its 180-mile, $1.6 billion Northern Pass electric transmission line to be completed in mid-2019, with construction to begin in late-2016/2017 following a final environmental impact statement and New Hampshire siting approval. The company expects further transmission development as aging nuclear and coal facilities are replaced.
From Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio)'s Gabelli Utilities Fund first quarter 2016 commentary.