Essential Utilities Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG) has appointed Daniel Ramirez-Cisneros as the new President of Aqua Texas, succeeding retiring Craig Blanchette. Ramirez-Cisneros, previously Director of Operations for Aqua Texas, brings nearly a decade of industry experience and will oversee water and wastewater operations across Texas.

His prior experience includes serving as Utilities Manager for the Puerto Rico Financial Oversight Board, where he managed a $1 billion infrastructure budget and developed a $5 billion recovery plan. The appointment comes as Aqua Texas plans significant capital investments focusing on operational optimization, including SCADA implementation, plant expansion, and PFAS mitigation.

Aqua Illinois (NYSE:WTRG), a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, has launched its new Customer Assistance Program (CAP) offering a 70% discount on water and wastewater usage for income-eligible customers. The year-round program, administered in partnership with Dollar Energy Fund (DEF), aims to support Illinois customers facing financial challenges.

The program's eligibility is based on household income, with specific guidelines ranging from $23,475 annual income for single-person households to $82,225 for eight-person households. Customers can apply through Aqua's website, DEF's website, or by phone. The initiative was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission as a low-income tariff.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has been recognized as a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and Point of Light. The recognition highlights the company's commitment to community engagement across four key dimensions.

Through the Essential Foundation, the company invests approximately $2 million annually in the Greater Philadelphia region. The company's community engagement initiatives include environmental protection programs, a paid volunteer program, and a matching gift program. Essential Utilities' efforts focus on environmental protection, food insecurity, and water safety.

WATT Fuel Cell has successfully installed its next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory, in partnership with Essential Utilities (WTRG). The WATT HOME system converts natural gas into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.

The system provides backup power during grid outages, addressing the growing concern of power disruptions, as U.S. customers experience approximately 5.5 hours of electricity interruptions annually. As part of the rollout, Pennsylvania's largest natural gas utility, Peoples, plans pilot installations in multiple company field offices to define installation and operational processes before a public rollout.

WATT Fuel Cell, in partnership with Essential Utilities (WTRG), has successfully installed its next-generation WATT HOME solid oxide fuel cell system in Peoples Natural Gas' Western Pennsylvania service territory. The innovative system converts natural gas into electricity through a combustion-free electrochemical process, serving as a reliable backup power source for homes.

The WATT HOME system offers key advantages including increased efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a smaller footprint compared to traditional backup generators. With U.S. electricity customers experiencing approximately 5.5 hours of annual power interruptions, this technology provides a silent, pollution-free alternative to standard backup generators. As part of the rollout, Peoples Natural Gas plans pilot installations in multiple company field offices to evaluate installation and operational processes before a public launch.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) reported strong Q1 2025 results with earnings per share of $1.03, up from $0.97 in Q1 2024. Net income reached $283.8 million, while revenues increased 28% to $783.6 million. The company invested $270.5 million in infrastructure during Q1 and affirmed its 2025 guidance of $2.07-$2.11 EPS. Essential plans to invest $1.4-$1.5 billion in 2025 and approximately $7.8 billion through 2029 in infrastructure improvements. The company completed acquisitions in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with five additional wastewater system purchases pending. Essential maintains its long-term growth targets, including 5-7% EPS growth through 2027 and an 8% combined regulated utility rate base growth through 2029. The company has raised approximately $210 million in equity via its ATM program in 2025.

Aqua Pennsylvania (WTRG) has secured $17.3 million in PENNVEST funding to enhance water infrastructure. The package includes $15.05 million for PFAS treatment installation projects across 6 community well sites in Bucks, Chester, and Luzerne Counties, benefiting over 5,800 customers. Construction is expected to complete by fall 2026, ahead of EPA's 2029 compliance deadline for PFAS regulations.

Additionally, $2.3 million will support the replacement of over 200 customer-owned lead and galvanized service lines in Bristol Borough, Bucks County. This project, starting June 2025 with completion expected in early 2026, will be executed at no direct cost to customers and includes a warranty.

Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG) has been named to USA TODAY's America's Climate Leaders 2025 list for the third consecutive year, recognizing the company's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company has achieved a 25% reduction in emissions through 2023, advancing toward its goal of 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from 2019 baseline levels.

The company's emissions reduction strategy focuses on modernizing natural gas infrastructure, addressing methane leaks, and investing in renewable energy. Essential's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan includes replacing 3,000 miles of aging pipelines with advanced infrastructure less prone to corrosion and leaks. The company is also increasing renewable energy procurement for its water and wastewater treatment operations.

Aqua Pennsylvania confirms it's on track to meet the EPA's 2029 compliance deadline for PFAS regulations, following the agency's national standard setting for six PFAS compounds in drinking water. The company has been proactively addressing PFAS removal since 2016, well before federal or state guidelines were established.

Key achievements include:

• Building a state-of-the-art lab with high-tech PFAS testing equipment
• Setting an industry-leading standard of 13 parts per trillion in 2020
• Making PFAS test results publicly available
• Installing advanced filters in systems with high PFAS levels

The company secured nearly $100 million in PENNVEST low-interest loans and grants in 2024 for critical projects. Aqua Pennsylvania is also pursuing legal action against chemical manufacturers responsible for PFAS contamination while working to meet DEP drinking water standards by 2025 and EPA compliance by 2029.