The sector's tepid performance reflects lingering uncertainty regarding legislative progress. Market participants remain skeptical that the newly elected Democratic Congress will deliver meaningful reforms for data-center development, a key growth driver for energy providers.

Despite the broader sector stagnation, solar-power technology firms stood out. Shares of Array Technologies and Shoals Technologies rallied sharply after the two rivals announced a definitive merger agreement, providing a localized boost to the renewable energy landscape amidst the wider market churn.