The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, May 16, edition that utility stocks usually provide stability and cash flow, which is a combination that appeals to many investors in uncertain times. The Globe's regular columnist Gordon Pape writes that last year was an exception. Although the dividends continued to flow, the rapid run-up in interest rates by the central banks hit utility stocks hard. Mr. Pape says, however, that the utilities pendulum swung too far to the downside last year, but is now correcting to the positive. Although other utility stocks have higher yields, Mr. Pape says his go-to choice in the sector is Fortis. In early March, Fortis shares were yielding 4.2 per cent. Canadian Utilities was paying 5.1 per cent. Emera was yielding 5.2 per cent. Fortis shares touched a 52-week low of $48.45 in mid-October but have been gradually rebounding since. After a setback in early March, the price took off and the shares are now trading at over $61. Fortis's $22.3-billion five-year capital plan is expected to increase the midyear rate base from $34.1-billion in 2022 to $46.1-billion by 2027. This translates into a five-year compound annual growth rate of 6.2 per cent.