• Live Feeds
    • Press Releases
    • Insider Trading
    • FDA Approvals
    • Analyst Ratings
    • Insider Trading
    • SEC filings
    • Market insights
  • Analyst Ratings
  • Alerts
  • Subscriptions
  • Settings
  • RSS Feeds
Quantisnow Logo
  • Live Feeds
    • Press Releases
    • Insider Trading
    • FDA Approvals
    • Analyst Ratings
    • Insider Trading
    • SEC filings
    • Market insights
  • Analyst Ratings
  • Alerts
  • Subscriptions
  • Settings
  • RSS Feeds
Dashboard
    Quantisnow Logo

    © 2025 quantisnow.com
    Democratizing insights since 2022

    Services
    Live news feedsRSS FeedsAlerts
    Company
    AboutQuantisnow PlusContactJobs
    Legal
    Terms of usePrivacy policyCookie policy

    SEC Form S-8 filed by Xcel Energy Inc.

    2/28/25 5:13:47 PM ET
    $XEL
    Power Generation
    Utilities
    Get the next $XEL alert in real time by email
    S-8 1 forms-8401ksavingsplan.htm S-8 Document
    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2025
    Registration No. 333-
    UNITED STATES
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
    Washington, D.C. 20549
    _________________________
    FORM S-8
    REGISTRATION STATEMENT
    UNDER
    THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    ________________________
    Xcel Energy Inc.
    (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
    Minnesota41-0448030
    (State or other jurisdiction of(IRS Employer Identification No.)
    incorporation or organization)
    414 Nicollet MallMinneapolisMinnesota55401
    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
    (Zip Code)

    Xcel Energy Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan
    (Full title of the plan)
    BRIAN VAN ABEL
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    Xcel Energy Inc.
    414 Nicollet Mall
    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
    612330-5500
    (Name and address and telephone number,
    including area code, of agent for service)
    Copy to:
    ROB BERNTSEN
    Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
    Xcel Energy Inc.
    414 Nicollet Mall
    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
    (612) 330-5500
    _________________________
    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
    Large accelerated filer☒Accelerated filer☐
    Non-accelerated filer☐Smaller reporting company☐
    Emerging growth company☐
    If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐






    PART I
    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
    The information called for in Part I of Form S-8 is not being filed with or included in this registration statement (by incorporation by reference or otherwise) in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
    PART II
    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
    Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
    The following documents, which have been filed with the SEC by Xcel Energy Inc. (“we,” “us,” "our" or “Xcel Energy”) or the Xcel Energy Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the "Plan"), are incorporated by reference in this registration statement:
    (a)Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025;
    (b)Report on Form 11-K for the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on June 6, 2024;
    (c)Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2025, February 6, 2025 and February 21, 2025; and
    (d)The description of our Common Stock contained in our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 13, 2002, as updated by the description of our Common Stock contained in Exhibit 4.01 to our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2019, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
    All documents filed by us or the Plan pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) subsequent to the date hereof and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered by this registration statement have been sold or which deregisters all securities remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part of this registration statement from the respective dates of filing of such documents.
    Any statement contained in a document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this registration statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or incorporated herein by reference or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this registration statement shall be deemed to incorporate any information from Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Form 8-K, or that is otherwise furnished under applicable SEC rules rather than filed, or any exhibits to the extent furnished in connection with such items.
    Item 4. Description of Securities
    Not applicable
    Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
    Not applicable
    Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
    Section 521 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act provides that a company shall, subject to certain limitations, indemnify officers and directors made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding by reason of that officer or director’s former or present official capacity with the company. As required, we will indemnify that person against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses if the officer or director:
    •has not been indemnified by another organization;
    •acted in good faith;
    •has not received an improper personal benefit and Section 255 regarding director conflicts of interests, if applicable, has been satisfied;
    •assuming the case is a criminal proceeding, the person had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful; and
    •reasonably believed that the conduct was in the best interests of the company or, in the case of an officer or director who is or was serving at the request of the company as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another organization or employee benefit plan, reasonably believed that the conduct was not opposed to the best interests of the company.
    Article 4 of our Bylaws, as amended and restated, contains provisions for indemnification of our directors and officers consistent with the provisions described above.



    We maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance which covers certain liabilities and expenses of our directors and officers and covers Xcel Energy for reimbursement of payments to our directors and officers in respect of such liabilities and expenses.
    Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
    Not applicable
    Item 8. Exhibits
    Exhibit NumberDescription
    4.01
    Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Xcel Energy Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to Xcel Energy’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2012).
    4.02
    Bylaws of Xcel Energy Inc., as Amended and Restated on August 23, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.02 to Xcel Energy’s Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2023).
    5.01
    Determination Letter from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to qualification of the Xcel Energy, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
    23.01
    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
    24.01
    Power of Attorney.
    107
    Filing Fee Table.
    Item 9. Undertakings
    (a)The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
    (1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
    (i)To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”);
    (ii)To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Filing Fee Tables” in the effective registration statement; and
    (iii)To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
    provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1) (ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
    (2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
    (3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
    (b)The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
    (c)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for the indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by the director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether the indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.



    SIGNATURES
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis, State of Minnesota, on the 28th day of February, 2025.
    Xcel Energy Inc.
    By:/s/ Brian J. Van Abel
    Brian J. Van Abel
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date listed above:
    /s/ Robert C. FrenzelChairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
    Robert C. Frenzel(Principal Executive Officer)
    /s/ Brian J. Van AbelExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    Brian J. Van Abel(Principal Financial Officer)
    /s/ Melissa L. OstromSenior Vice President, Controller
    Melissa L. Ostrom(Principal Accounting Officer)
    *
    Megan BurkhartDirector
    *
    Lynn CaseyDirector
    *
    Netha JohnsonDirector
    *
    Patricia L. KamplingDirector
    *
    George J. KehlDirector
    *
    Richard T. O’BrienDirector
    *
    Charles PardeeDirector
    *
    Christopher J. PolicinskiDirector
    *
    James ProkopankoDirector
    Devin StockfishDirector
    *
    Tim WelshDirector
    *
    Kim WilliamsDirector
    *
    Daniel YohannesDirector
    *By:/s/ Brian J. Van Abel
    Brian J. Van AbelAttorney-in-Fact







    The undersigned is a member of the committee having responsibility for the administration of the Xcel Energy Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 401(k) Plan has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis, State of Minnesota, on the 28th day of February, 2025.

    Xcel Energy Inc. 401(K) Savings Plan
    By:/s/ Brian J. Van Abel
    Brian J. Van Abel
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    Get the next $XEL alert in real time by email

    Chat with this insight

    Save time and jump to the most important pieces.

    Recent Analyst Ratings for
    $XEL

    DatePrice TargetRatingAnalyst
    1/13/2025$70.00 → $72.00Equal Weight → Overweight
    Wells Fargo
    12/12/2024$69.00 → $80.00Neutral → Overweight
    Analyst
    11/1/2024$71.00 → $76.00Hold → Buy
    Jefferies
    9/20/2024$70.00Hold
    Jefferies
    8/26/2024$68.00Hold → Buy
    Argus
    3/11/2024$58.00Peer Perform → Outperform
    Wolfe Research
    3/11/2024$61.00 → $54.00Equal Weight → Overweight
    Barclays
    10/6/2023$58.00 → $66.00Neutral → Buy
    BofA Securities
    More analyst ratings

    $XEL
    Insider Trading

    Insider transactions reveal critical sentiment about the company from key stakeholders. See them live in this feed.

    See more
    • EVP, Chief Generation Officer Sharp Scott was granted 2,770 shares, increasing direct ownership by 14% to 22,629 units (SEC Form 4)

      4 - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Issuer)

      5/5/25 4:46:29 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • EVP, Chief Delivery Officer Lamb Michael G. was granted 1,897 shares, increasing direct ownership by 6% to 31,983 units (SEC Form 4)

      4 - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Issuer)

      5/5/25 4:44:33 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • New insider Lamb Michael G. claimed ownership of 32,066 shares (SEC Form 3)

      3 - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Issuer)

      5/5/25 4:39:58 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities

    $XEL
    SEC Filings

    See more
    • SEC Form 10-Q filed by Xcel Energy Inc.

      10-Q - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Filer)

      4/24/25 1:08:42 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • SEC Form DEFA14A filed by Xcel Energy Inc.

      DEFA14A - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Filer)

      4/8/25 4:52:14 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • SEC Form DEF 14A filed by Xcel Energy Inc.

      DEF 14A - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Filer)

      4/8/25 4:50:02 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities

    $XEL
    Large Ownership Changes

    This live feed shows all institutional transactions in real time.

    See more
    • SEC Form SC 13G/A filed by Xcel Energy Inc. (Amendment)

      SC 13G/A - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Subject)

      2/13/24 4:55:55 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • SEC Form SC 13G/A filed by Xcel Energy Inc. (Amendment)

      SC 13G/A - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Subject)

      12/7/23 2:45:25 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • SEC Form SC 13G/A filed by Xcel Energy Inc. (Amendment)

      SC 13G/A - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Subject)

      5/10/23 9:49:12 AM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities

    $XEL
    Insider Purchases

    Insider purchases reveal critical bullish sentiment about the company from key stakeholders. See them live in this feed.

    See more
    • Director Stockfish Devin W bought $149,578 worth of shares (2,170 units at $68.93), increasing direct ownership by 259% to 3,007 units (SEC Form 4)

      4 - XCEL ENERGY INC (0000072903) (Issuer)

      3/12/25 4:07:01 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities

    $XEL
    Leadership Updates

    Live Leadership Updates

    See more

    $XEL
    Press Releases

    Fastest customizable press release news feed in the world

    See more
    • Homer City Redevelopment Appoints Corey Hessen as CEO

      Brings 25+ Years of Energy Sector Experience, Including in Power Generation Will Lead Development of Country's Largest Natural Gas-Powered Data Center Campus, Poised to Bring Unprecedented Level of Economic Opportunity to Region Homer City Redevelopment LLC ("HCR") today announced it has appointed Corey Hessen as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Hessen replaces William A. Wexler who will transition into the role of Chairman of the Board of HCR's parent company. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250421362202/en/Corey Hessen, Chief Executive Officer of Homer City Redevelopment Hessen will be responsibl

      4/21/25 1:00:00 PM ET
      $CEG
      $EXC
      $GEV
      $TRP
      Electric Utilities: Central
      Utilities
      Power Generation
      Natural Gas Distribution
    • Xcel Energy Announces Investor Relations Leadership Transition

      Xcel Energy today announced that Roopesh Aggarwal has been named vice president of Investor Relations, succeeding Paul Johnson, who is retiring from the company after more than 40 years of service, most recently as vice president, Treasury and Investor Relations. "Strong, trusted relationships with the investment community are critical to achieving our strategic priorities and capital growth plans," said Brian Van Abel, executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer. "Paul is recognized across our industry for his longstanding connections with our investors, analysts, credit rating agencies and other external and internal stakeholders. At the same time, we have been mindful to build

      1/13/25 4:00:00 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • Starboard Value Nominates Three Highly Qualified and Independent Candidates for Election to Algonquin Power's Board of Directors

      Starboard Value LP (together with its affiliates, "Starboard" or "we") is the largest shareholder of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (NYSE:AQN) (TSE: AQN) ("Algonquin" or the "Company") with an ownership stake of approximately 9.0%. Today, Starboard announced that it has nominated three highly qualified candidates (the "Starboard Nominees") for election to the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting"), which has been scheduled for June 4, 2024. The Starboard Nominees are Brett Carter, Chris Lopez and Rob Schriesheim. In connection with its nominations, Starboard sent the below letter to the members of the Board.

      3/21/24 5:09:00 PM ET
      $AQN
      $BAC
      $DUK
      $FYBR
      Electric Utilities: Central
      Utilities
      Major Banks
      Finance
    • Xcel Energy First Quarter 2025 Earnings Report

      First quarter GAAP and ongoing earnings per share were $0.84 in 2025 compared with $0.88 in 2024. Xcel Energy reaffirms its 2025 ongoing EPS guidance of $3.75 to $3.85. Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) today reported 2025 first quarter GAAP earnings of $483 million, or $0.84 per share, compared with $488 million, or $0.88 per share in the same period in 2024. First quarter ongoing earnings reflect higher O&M expenses, depreciation and interest charges, partially offset by increased recovery of infrastructure investments. "As we continue to advance our mission to make energy work better for our customers, we are building new generation, investing in system resilience and leading the ener

      4/24/25 6:10:00 AM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • Homer City Redevelopment Appoints Corey Hessen as CEO

      Brings 25+ Years of Energy Sector Experience, Including in Power Generation Will Lead Development of Country's Largest Natural Gas-Powered Data Center Campus, Poised to Bring Unprecedented Level of Economic Opportunity to Region Homer City Redevelopment LLC ("HCR") today announced it has appointed Corey Hessen as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Hessen replaces William A. Wexler who will transition into the role of Chairman of the Board of HCR's parent company. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250421362202/en/Corey Hessen, Chief Executive Officer of Homer City Redevelopment Hessen will be responsibl

      4/21/25 1:00:00 PM ET
      $CEG
      $EXC
      $GEV
      $TRP
      Electric Utilities: Central
      Utilities
      Power Generation
      Natural Gas Distribution
    • Xcel Energy First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call

      On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL) will host a conference call to review first quarter 2025 financial results. The earnings report will be released prior to the market open on the same date. The call will begin at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. To participate in the conference call, please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start and follow the operator's instructions. You will be asked for the conference password. US Dial-In: 1-866-580-3963 International Dial-In: 400-120-0558 Conference Password: 2629857 The conference call will be simultaneously webcast and archived on our website at the following location: www.xcelenergy.com Under Company, select: Investo

      4/3/25 4:30:00 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities

    $XEL
    Analyst Ratings

    Analyst ratings in real time. Analyst ratings have a very high impact on the underlying stock. See them live in this feed.

    See more
    • Xcel Energy upgraded by Wells Fargo with a new price target

      Wells Fargo upgraded Xcel Energy from Equal Weight to Overweight and set a new price target of $72.00 from $70.00 previously

      1/13/25 8:43:59 AM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • Xcel Energy upgraded by Analyst with a new price target

      Analyst upgraded Xcel Energy from Neutral to Overweight and set a new price target of $80.00 from $69.00 previously

      12/12/24 8:18:21 AM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • Xcel Energy upgraded by Jefferies with a new price target

      Jefferies upgraded Xcel Energy from Hold to Buy and set a new price target of $76.00 from $71.00 previously

      11/1/24 7:43:34 AM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities

    $XEL
    Financials

    Live finance-specific insights

    See more
    • Xcel Energy First Quarter 2025 Earnings Report

      First quarter GAAP and ongoing earnings per share were $0.84 in 2025 compared with $0.88 in 2024. Xcel Energy reaffirms its 2025 ongoing EPS guidance of $3.75 to $3.85. Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) today reported 2025 first quarter GAAP earnings of $483 million, or $0.84 per share, compared with $488 million, or $0.88 per share in the same period in 2024. First quarter ongoing earnings reflect higher O&M expenses, depreciation and interest charges, partially offset by increased recovery of infrastructure investments. "As we continue to advance our mission to make energy work better for our customers, we are building new generation, investing in system resilience and leading the ener

      4/24/25 6:10:00 AM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • Xcel Energy First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call

      On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL) will host a conference call to review first quarter 2025 financial results. The earnings report will be released prior to the market open on the same date. The call will begin at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. To participate in the conference call, please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start and follow the operator's instructions. You will be asked for the conference password. US Dial-In: 1-866-580-3963 International Dial-In: 400-120-0558 Conference Password: 2629857 The conference call will be simultaneously webcast and archived on our website at the following location: www.xcelenergy.com Under Company, select: Investo

      4/3/25 4:30:00 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities
    • Xcel Energy Inc. Board Increases 2025 Common Dividend 4.1%, Declares Dividend on Common Stock

      The Board of Directors of Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) today raised the quarterly dividend on the company's common stock from 54.75 cents per share to 57 cents per share, which is equivalent to an annual rate of $2.28 per share. The dividends are payable April 20, 2025, to shareholders of record on March 14, 2025. "Today's dividend increase of 4.1% marks the twenty second consecutive year that Xcel Energy has increased its dividend. It signals the Board of Directors' confidence in our long-term growth strategy, and is a result of continued operational excellence and financial strength," said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricit

      2/26/25 4:15:00 PM ET
      $XEL
      Power Generation
      Utilities