Why Vistra and Constellation Energy Shares Are Jumping Today

Vistra Corp. VST and Constellation Energy Corporation CEG shares are trading higher today after the release of results of the annual power market auction by PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. electrical grid operator.

Yesterday, PJM Interconnection disclosed the results of its 2025-2026 capacity auction, with prices for power plants reaching $269.92 per megawatt-day, up from $28.92 per megawatt-day in the previous year’s auction.

The 2025/2026 RPM Base Residual Auction cleared 135,684 MW of capacity from non-energy efficiency resources for annual, summer, and winter periods, resulting in an 18.6% reserve margin.

Guggenheim analysts said the decision was “directionally positive” for utilities such as Constellation and Vistra, and would provide a boost to their assets powered by fossil fuel, reported Reuters.

The report cited Jon Gordon, director at Advanced Energy United, a trade body, who added, “With transmission planning improvements on the docket and further interconnection reforms urgently needed, these auction results should send a clear message that change can’t come too soon.”

As per the report, the price increase in PJM’s service area, including states like New Jersey, Illinois, and Virginia, will take effect in June 2025.

Also, yesterday, Vistra disclosed that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved extending the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant’s operation through 2053, adding 20 years to its original license.

Investors can gain exposure to VST via Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF UTES and Series Portfolios Trust Adaptiv Select ETF ADPV and to CEG via EA Series Trust Strive FAANG 2.0 ETF FTWO.

Price Action: CEG shares are up 10.9% at $187.01 and VST rose by 14.3% at $78.83 at the last check Wednesday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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