Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) has come back from the brink of bankruptcy, recently earning a credit upgrade from S&P to A- with an "excellent" risk profile.

Frontier Communications' (NYSE: FTR) purchase of rural phone lines from Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) was met with skepticism and a 20 percent decline for its stock. But experienced management is poised to make the deal work for shareholders.

Steady Pembina Pipeline Income Fund (TSX: PIF-U, OTC: PMBIF) is the best way to play Canada's oil sands, the largest reserves on the planet outside Saudi Arabia.

Spain-based Telefonica (NYSE: TEF) is growing rapidly in Latin America. It's partnership with Brazil-based ViVo (NYSE: VIV) bodes well for dividend growth.

Windstream Corp (NYSE: WIN) is one of the highest-yielding, most stable rural telecoms out there. Management continues to add cash-generating assets that will support a healthy dividend for years to come.

No hole has proven too deep for regulated utilities to climb out of--provided they cut operating risk and debt and repair relations with regulators. That’s what NiSource (NYSE: NI) has done since falling from grace during the 2001-02 bear market.

The secrets to Enterprise Products Partners LP's (NYSE: EPD) success are a well-managed balance sheet and a core business that’s never failed to produce a rising stream of fee-based income.

Described by management as a “game-changer,” CIC’s cash will fund AES Corp's (NYSE: AES) estimated $4 billion project pipeline, including 6,600 megawatts of wind generation currently in development.

Atlantic Power Corp's (TSX: ATP-U, OTC: ATPWF) interests in 14 power plants and California’s Path 15 transmission line continue to generate steadily rising monthly disbursements.

Record-low borrowing costs have triggered hefty gains this year for investors in utility bonds. Among the handful of opportunities left is PNM Resources 9.25 Percent Note of 05/15/15 (CUSIP: 69349HAB3).