Utility stocks were the top performers in the first half of this year rising 21%. However they have declined substantially since June 20th with a loss of 10%. Overall the Dow Jones Utility Average Index-is up only 12.01% year-to-date.

Fear of rising interest rates led investors to dump income stocks such as utilities.While short-term volatility is understandable investors willing to take a long-term approach of 5 years or more can consider adding them in a phased manner. Even when interest rates increase, yield hungry investors will continue to look for income producing equities and utilities fit the bill. Unlike the chaotic European utility industry, US utilities are highly regulated and many are a monopoly in the markets they operate.

The following are ten US electric utilities with their current dividend yields:

1.Company: Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)
Current Dividend Yield: 4.51%

2.Company: NextEra Energy Inc (NEE)
Current Dividend Yield: 2.87%

3.Company: Dominion Resources, Inc. (D)
Current Dividend Yield: 3.91%

4.Company: Southern Company (SO)
Current Dividend Yield: 4.53%

5.Company: Exelon Corporation (EXC)
Current Dividend Yield: 3.96%

6.Company: American Electric Power Co. (AEP)
Current Dividend Yield: 3.65%

7.Company: PG&E Corporation (PCG)
Current Dividend Yield: 3.33%

8.Company: PPL Corporation (PPL)
Current Dividend Yield: 4.72%

9.Company: Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PEG)
Current Dividend Yield: 4.04%

10.Company: Edison International (EIX)
Current Dividend Yield: 2.77%

Note: Dividend yields noted above are as of Oct 12, 2016. Data is known to be accurate from sources used.Please use your own due diligence before making any investment decisions.

Disclosure: Long NEE