Stocks in the utilities sector fell amid a market rotation away from defensive plays and back into growth and technology.
An increase in Treasury yields also weighed on the sector in early trade, before losing steam in the afternoon.
Utility names typically pay dividends, which makes the sector a usual competitor to bonds in some portfolios.
Shares of Solaris Energy Infrastructure rose after the company said it had acquired power generation service provider Global Energy Services Alliance.
U.S. natural gas futures rose slightly, supported by summer weather and abundant supply.
