Oct 28 (Reuters) - Utility firm NextEra Energy

said on Monday it intends to raise $1.5 billion through the sale

of equity units to fund new projects.

Utility firms across the United States are ramping up

investments in power projects to meet an expected spike in

demand, fueled by artificial intelligence data centers.

The fund raise would be the second such initiative by the

company this year, primarily to invest in its energy and power

projects.

NextEra, which owns the world's largest renewables business

and one of the biggest U.S. regulated electric utilities,

reported a backlog of 24 gigawatts (GW) in the third quarter for

its renewable arm.

The company said on Monday that each equity unit, issued in

a stated amount of $50, will consist of a contract to buy

NextEra's common stock in three years in cash and based on a

range from zero to 25% premium, compared to the closing price of

Oct. 28.

NextEra shares closed up 1.8% at $82.87 on Monday but

dropped 2.4% after the bell.

The unit offering would also include 5% undivided beneficial

ownership interest in a NextEra Energy Capital Holdings ( NEE/PN ) debt,

due on Nov. 1, 2029, to be issued in the principal amount of

$1,000, the company added.