SNL Energy presents the most read stories for the week ended Feb. 23.

1. TVA CEO defends private plane, helicopter use

The Tennessee Valley Authority's CEO defended his agency's use of private planes and a luxury helicopter, arguing they facilitated economic development and enhanced business efficiency.

2. Tax reform to stunt Duke Energy earnings, growth rate in 2018, CFO says

Duke Energy Corp. will issue $2 billion in equity this year as it compensates for the near-term hit to earnings and its EPS growth rate caused by federal tax reform.

3. 11 of Vectren's power plants valued at $523M amid potential sale

Vectren Corp. launched a sale process following months of reported takeover interest. The company, headquartered in Evansville, Ind., has both gas and electric utility segments, with the gas segment accounting for a third of total company revenue and its electric utility segment providing 25% of revenue, according to an S&P Global Market Intelligence research report.

4. Miners in largest US coal basin signal production pullback in face of headwinds

Top producers in the largest U.S. coal basin are guiding investors to further declines in coal volumes from the region in 2018.

5. Top US gas producer to spin off its midstream businesses

EQT Corp., the country's top natural gas producer by volume, is separating its natural gas upstream and midstream businesses by creating a new stand-alone company for its pipeline operations.