Investing Topics: Renewable energy

Fear-mongering pundits often point to Germany's energy policy to illustrate the risk that the boom in renewable-energy development poses to the US. Australia provides a better analogue for the US experience, though investors should understand the American energy landscape's unique features before placing their bets.

NextEra Energy Partners LP (NYSE: NEP)--a publicly traded partnership that specializes in renewable energy--has been a slam dunk since its initial public offering (IPO) on June 26. But at these levels, there are better plays in this industry.

At last count, more than half our Portfolio holdings traded above my buy targets. These are all great companies that will continue to build wealth for investors, but now is the time for discipline.

Thanks to the rapid development of renewable energy and the support of state regulators, this utility has moved to break its addiction to imported oil, setting the stage for higher profits over the long term and lower bills for consumers.

The Dow Jones Utility Average has lost ground in 17 of the 30 Januarys since 1984. Happily, only 5 of those declines led to a losing year. And in 13 winning Januarys, the average total return was 24.8 percent—the only losing year 1987.

US electric utilities have enthusiastically embraced renewable energy the past few years. That includes companies that have traditionally relied heavily on fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Australia is blessed with immense resources wealth, geographic proximity to emerging Asia, a pro-business government in rough fiscal balance, conservative banking policies, a corporate ethos for paying generous dividends and a currency that keeps pace with global inflation pressures over the long haul.

In short, it’s ripe with high-income opportunities for discriminating investors. And with the US dollar up 14 percent against the Australian dollar this year, great companies are selling at a discount.