Investing Topics: Renewable Energy

Yieldcos Reboot

By Roger S. Conrad on Feb. 17, 2018

The Lifelong Income Portfolio has migrated to sister-product Deep Dive Investing’s Idea Vault. For our Portfolio readers, we run through additional Idea Vault members that may be of interest.

Two Reasonable Values Even in a Bull, Bull World

By Roger S. Conrad on Jan. 10, 2018

Even in a bull market that’s gone this high for this long, value and opportunity can be found. Here are two energy companies that offer strong businesses but haven’t yet convinced other investors of their full worth.

The New Faith in Renewables

By Roger S. Conrad on Aug. 15, 2017

Renewable energy uses to be seen as a threat to the existing utility sector. But now solar investments have filtered into utilities’ regulated service territories. But which part of the renewable market and how those markets are played can make a significant difference in a given company’s outcome.

Under Pressure: Coal and Nuclear Power

By Roger S. Conrad on Jul. 28, 2017

Challenging economics have prompted operators to shut down a number of nuclear power plants. Dozens of closures will follow in coming years, unless lobbying efforts convince states to subsidize these facilities with zero-emission credits.

Green Bonds And Utilities

By Roger S. Conrad on Apr. 24, 2017

The growing popularity of green bonds creates opportunities for savvy investors and can help utilities to reduce their cost of capital.

Big Tech and Electric Utilities Go a Courtin’

By Roger S. Conrad on Dec. 1, 2016

What does the utility sector’s budding relationship with big tech mean for investors?

A Preview of the Most Important Conference for Utility Investors

By Roger S. Conrad on Nov. 7, 2016

The Edison Electric Institute's annual financial conference takes place this week. Here's a quick preview of some of the themes we'll dig into at this year's event.

The More Things Change, the More Some Utilities Profit

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 14, 2016

Critics who dismiss utilities as dinosaurs doomed for extinction aren’t paying attention to the forward-looking moves made by Edison International and some of its peers.

International Flavor

By Roger S. Conrad on Sep. 27, 2016

Income-seeking investors looking for bargains should set their sights on international markets.

Energy Storage: Ignore the Hype and Follow the Profits

By Roger S. Conrad on Aug. 30, 2016

The boring way to profit from advances in energy storage yields 3.7 percent and, unlike SolarCity and Tesla Motors, actually generates positive earnings.