LONDON, April 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Utilities are expected to see a sharp increase in costs this year as they boost capital spending to improve their existing infrastructure. Utilities are also required to meet new environmental regulations, which will further increase costs. Meanwhile, utilities will be hoping for a return to more normal weather pattern in 2013. Electric utilities, however, will continue to benefit from a sharp drop in natural gas prices. Natural gas prices dropped to record low levels in 2012, thanks to the shale boom in the U.S. The sharp decline in prices led several electric utilities to switch from coal to natural gas for power generation. Utilities ended mostly higher on Thursday even as the broad market struggled. Among the major movers were Ameren Corp. (NYSE: AEE), Just Energy Group Inc. (NYSE: JE), Great Plains Energy Incorporated (NYSE: GXP), and DTE Energy Co. (NYSE: DTE). StockCall reviewed the Utilities sector and chose AEE, JE, GXP, and DTE for its technical coverage. These free reports can be seen for free at

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Ameren Corp.'s shares were among the major gainers in the utilities sector yesterday. The stock closed 0.89% higher at $35.05 on volume of 1.42 million after touching an intra-day high of $35.09. Shares of AEE are currently trading close to their 52-week high of $35.49. The stock has had an excellent run so far in 2013, seeing a series of highs since the start of this year. Year-to-date, the company's shares have now gained nearly 15.50%. The stock currently has a dividend yield of 4.56%. Download the free research on AEE by signing up now at

http://www.StockCall.com/AEE041913.pdf

Just Energy Group Inc.'s shares fell sharply on Thursday. The stock closed 1.42% lower at $6.23 on volume of 398,100. Shares of JE have struggled thus far this year, falling more than 33.80%, compared to a gain of more than 8% for the S&P 500. The stock is currently trading 49.19% below its 52-week high. Just Energy's shares are also trading below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is a bearish signal. The negative trend is further confirmed by the stock's MACD chart. Register for today's free analysis on JE at

http://www.StockCall.com/JE041913.pdf

Shares of Great Plains Energy Inc. rose in yesterday's trading session; however, the gains were limited. The stock closed 0.22% higher at $23.24 on volume of 838,300. The company's shares are currently trading close to their 52-week high of $23.32. The stock has seen a series of highs since the start of this year. However, the stock's MACD has just slipped below the signal line, which suggests that market sentiment has turned bearish. Year-to-date, shares of GXP have gained more than 15.50%, outperforming the S&P 500. Free report on GXP can be accessed by registering at

http://www.StockCall.com/GXP041913.pdf

Shares of DTE Energy Co. posted modest gains on Thursday. The stock touched a 52-week high of $72.48 before finishing the day 0.14% higher at $72.05 on above average volume of 1.41 million. DTE Energy's shares have gained more than 2.30% in the last three trading sessions even as the broad market has struggled. The stock is currently trading well above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is a bullish signal. The upbeat trend is further confirmed by recent volume activity, and the stock's MACD chart. Register with StockCall and download the research on DTE for free at

http://www.StockCall.com/DTE041913.pdf

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