January 2025 – Mazor'sEdge

Battery Storage and Solar Expansion at the Heart of NV Energy’s Growth Plan

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

NV Energy, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) for its comprehensive plan to meet the state’s growing energy demands and support economic development. The decision ensures the delivery of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy while aligning with Nevada’s renewable energy goals.

“With Nevada’s growth comes the need for expanded infrastructure,” said NV Energy President and CEO Doug Cannon. “This balanced plan supports economic growth, job creation, and energy reliability, all while keeping costs significantly below the national average and over 50% lower than California’s energy rates.”

Key elements of the approved plan include the addition of over 1,000 megawatts of solar power and 1,000 megawatts of battery storage. It also includes approximately 400 megawatts of natural-gas peaking units to handle high summer energy demand, reducing reliance on costly and unreliable market purchases. These natural-gas units are designed to integrate hydrogen as a fuel source in the future.

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Why Stocks Outshine Gold Over Time

Gold is often touted as a reliable inflation hedge and a valuable investment, but should it be part of your portfolio? Legendary investor Warren Buffett remains skeptical, favoring productive assets like stocks over commodities such as gold.

In 2012, Buffett compared the performance of gold to Berkshire Hathaway, highlighting a stark contrast. When Berkshire was first acquired, gold was priced at $20 per ounce, while Berkshire shares were $15 each. By 2012, gold had risen to $1,600, but Berkshire’s A shares soared to $120,000. Nearly a decade later, gold stood at $1,798, while Berkshire shares surpassed $443,000.

For Buffett, the distinction lies in earning power. “It’s very hard for an unproductive investment to beat productive investments over any period of time,” he said at Berkshire Hathaway’s 2012 Annual Meeting. He predicted that over 50 years, not only would Berkshire outperform gold, but common stocks and even farmland would likely generate better returns.

Buffett’s insights suggest that productive, income-generating assets typically offer greater long-term growth than commodities that rely purely on price action.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series