Utility and nuclear power generator Entergy Corporation (ETR), first discussed here on May 12, 2009, at a price of $74.31, is displaying a stock pattern that undoubtedly is frustrating to some investors.

The stock slid in bear hug-fashion from $80 to about $68, then rose to $75 before retreating back to about $70. The minor recovery could be interpreted as short covering in a long-term bearish pattern, or, if ETR holds support near the aforementioned $68, which is a short-term double-bottom, a bullish pattern. The view from here argues it's the latter, hence the trade remains in play.

The Southern Company's (SO) shares have meandered in the past three months -- running into resistance at $40, and now may be a good time to take some profits off the table, if you're in at the June 19, 2009, price of $30.61, and if SO's dividend is not a primary concern for you.

However, those who are seeking a decent dividend can maintain their full position in SO: a $1.82 annual dividend, good for a 4.77% yield at the current $38.32 share price offers an impressive income stream, along with SO's modest growth.

Readers of this space know that one preferred sector is the utilities sector, and utility American Electric Power (AEP), first discussed here on May 4, 2009, at a price $25.38, is a good example.

Look for American Electric's 2011 revenue to rise 3% to 5%, as the U.S. economic expansion gains momentum in 2011. Recent rate increases, and lower operating and maintenance expenses should also benefit the company's performance in 2011.

The shares of electric power/natural gas play Dominion Resources (D), first discussed on May 8, 2009 at a price of $31.87, pulled-back this fall after testing $45.

Even so, investors who can tolerate moderate risk should view that retreat as an opportunity to scoop-up shares: particularly in uncertain economic times, rare is the day you should lose faith in a utility play.

Shares of utility The Southern Company (SO), first discussed here on June 19, 2009 at a price of $30.61, have pulled-back roughly in-sync with the Dow's spring retreat, but just look on that dip as an opportunity to scoop-up shares at a decent price. Here's why:

The Southern Co. is likely to be top utility sector performer. The reason? Its Atlanta-area operations.

The stock of utility and nuclear power generator Entergy Corp (ETR), which I first wrote about on May 12, 2009, at a price of $74.31, has meandered over the past six months, but I still like the shares at this juncture. Here's why:

Although, Entergy's planned spin-off of its nonnuclear assets into a new company called Enexus Energy has been delayed, due to delays in regulatory approvals by New York State, earnings should increase 3% to 5% in 2010, excluding one-time charges.

Utility PPL Corp. (PPL), first written about on May 26, 2009 at a price of $32.15, is a utility I still like, for several reasons.

First and foremost, PPL's business model remains solid: steady, if unspectacular growth in its regulated Pennsylvania power market (1.4 million customer), coupled with stronger growth in unregulated (though more risky) power markets. PPL hopes the increased use of power supply contracts of varying duration will lessen that risk.

The solar energy movement, so promising, has hit a speed bump. Just as solar's cost per kilowatt hour starts to become attractive, from a U.S. residential use standpoint, sure enough another roadblock has appeared.

The problem? Environmental concern about destroyed or altered vistas -- essentially sight pollution -- but also pollution that physically harms the environment.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein's, D-California, stated opposition to building in the Mojave Desert has effectively ended 13 big solar energy plants and wind projects there, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

PPL Corp.'s (PPL) stock has continued to meander, following the buy recommendation on May 26, 2009 at a price of $32.15, but I'm reiterating the rating. Here's why:

PPL's business model remains solid: steady, if unspectacular growth in its regulated Pennsylvania power market (1.4 million customers), coupled with stronger growth in unregulated (though more risky) power markets. PPL hopes the increased use of power supply contracts of varying duration will lessen those unregulated market risks.

Southern Co.'s (NYSE: SO) stock has meandered over the past four months, but rare is the day one should sell an electric power generation play.

Hence, I'm reiterating my Buy rating for SO, first recommended on June 19, 2009 at a price of $30.61.

Rare is the day that one should sell an electric power generation play. And the reasons are compelling:

Electricity via wind, solar, and nuclear generation is likely to play a larger role in energy as climate change reduction, then elimination, becomes a societal goal. Electricity also remains a potential propulsion source for cars, given that oil has apparently resumed its climb to uncomfortable levels.

Hence, I'm Reiterating my Buy rating for electric utility Allegheny Energy, Inc. (NYSE: AYE), first recommended on May 30, 2009 at a price of $25.00.

Rare is the day I'll sell an electric power generation play, particularly nuclear power. Unlike France, the United States frittered away an opportunity to create a 21st century power generation system 30 years ago, and it will now play catch-up for 20 years, and nuclear will be a part of the solution.

Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR), the second largest nuclear power generator in the U.S., will be a part of that mix. It is performing as expected, which is why I'm reiterating my Buy rating for the company's shares, first recommended on May 12, 2009 at a price of $74.31.

Dominion Resources' stock has been in a mild uptrend since first recommend in May, but it's still undervalued, for those investors who missed the May call.

Hence, it goes without saying that I'm reiterating my Buy rating for Dominion Resources (NYSE: D), first recommended on May 8, 2009 at a price of $31.87.

Rare is the day I'll sell an electric power generation play. I'm reiterating my Buy rating for Northeast Utilities (NYSE: NU), first recommended on May 6, 2009 at a price of $21.48.

NU's business model is low-risk -- its electric unit primarily serves customers (1.9 million in all) in land-of-steady-habits Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and offers above-average total return, with only a modest downside risk. In this investing environment, that's impressive.

The U.S. electric power generating sector may be down, due to the recession and a cooler-than-normal summer across much of the U.S., but it's not out.

Hence, it goes without saying that I'm reiterating my Buy rating for American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), first recommended on May 4, 2009 at a price of $25.38.