Would you buy shares in an energy company?

[Lenny]

Just bear in mind that wind and solar are very expensive and only viable at the moment with government assistance.
Unfortunately the cost of electricity is rising and the consumers are aghast at the cost - and this is using 'cheap' fossil fuels.
I also think that many of the electricity companies are already exploring renewable sources at the same time.

[Trillian]

I also think that many of the electricity companies are already exploring renewable sources at the same time.

That is what I am finding out too. It is in their best interest to do it really before they start losing money.

[mummydreamer]

if i had money to buy shares, i think the energy companies would be the ones to buy into! it sucks that energy prices are going to go up, but it's a fact of life i guess, and better you get some money out of it

[LionsandBears]

Personally, I don't buy one company or another. I purchase shares in an index fund, which spreads the risk across the market and usually gets a better return over the long run. For me, buying shares in an individual company is a bit much of a gamble, as you're dependent on one set of books and one set of managers and board members doing their job properly (Enron anyone?). Unless you're Warren Buffett. But then, if I had the money, I'd buy shares in Berkshire Hathaway and let Mr Buffett do my investing for me

On a side note, you can usually get a better return on your money buying shares in a bank than putting your money in the same bank's savings account.