Elon Musk’s Powerwall Might Hurt Long-Run Profitability of Utilities

Tesla Motors Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) and its new Powerwall might take as much as a third of existing utility customers in the future, according to Elon Musk.

| More on:

There’s no question that utilities have been a safe haven for retirees for many years, and the news that I’m about to share with you may come across as alarming, but it’s important to consider all of the facts before making an investment. I believe that in five years from now there may be a disruption to the utilities market thanks to a new product put forth by a man named Elon Musk.

Going off the grid is becoming a more practical reality by the day

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Motors Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA), recently revealed the Tesla Powerwall 2 and a variety of different solar panels that homeowners can now install in order to power their home and go completely off the grid. He claimed that in the future, when it becomes more affordable and practical to install solar panels on rooftops to store energy for home consumption, we may see utilities lose about a third of their business.

Losing a third of consumers is a huge concern for utilities such as Fortis Inc. and Canadian Utilities Ltd., which were thought to have a moat to keep competition out, so that prices could be controlled and regulated. I have no doubt in my mind that Elon Musk’s plan will eventually roll out, as he’s very determined to reduce costs in order to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.

Should you sell your utilities stocks?

I wouldn’t make a drastic move by selling all of my utilities stocks, as it could still take many years before the mainstream shifts to installing solar panels in order to go off the grid. In five years from now, we might start seeing utilities customers slowly leaving, which will affect the bottom line. But investors can feel comfortable knowing that even when some customers go off the grid, there will always be a need for people to use utility companies for their energy.

With consumers going off the grid, we can expect the margins of the utility companies to suffer as well, especially considering how efficient, easy-to-use, and cheap the Tesla Powerwalls are becoming with every iteration. In five years this is a possibility, and in 10 years it will be a reality.

How badly will utility stocks get hit from the Powerwall?

In the worst-case scenario, we could see customer losses accelerate as time goes on, especially considering the fact that Elon Musk doesn’t have profit as his number one goal. His focus is on transitioning everyone to use sustainable energy and to be self-sustaining. It may seem far-fetched, but this future might soon become a reality.

If you’re a long-term utility investor, then you might want to slowly liquidate some of your utility holdings for other high yielders, such as banks or telecoms, which have a significantly stronger moat for the next decade.

Utilities are a great investment for now, but the future will change that, and it’s always important to consider market disruptors such as Elon Musk’s Powerwall.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette has no position in any stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Tesla Motors. Tom Gardner owns shares of Tesla Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of Tesla Motors.

More on Investing

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Alamos Gold Jumped 7% on Wednesday

Alamos (TSX:AGI) stock and Argonaut Gold (TSX:AR) surged after the companies announced a friendly acquisition for $325 million.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: Why Record-Breaking Rally Could Extend on Thursday, March 28

The main TSX index closed above the 22,000 level for the first time yesterday and remains on track to post…

Read more »

Nuclear power station cooling tower
Metals and Mining Stocks

If You’d Invested $1,000 in Cameco Stock 5 Years Ago, This Is How Much You’d Have Now

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock still looks undervalued, despite a 258% rally. Can the uranium miner deliver more capital gains to shareholders?

Read more »

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Stocks for Beginners

3 Growth Stocks I’m Buying in April

These three growth stocks are up in the last year, and that is likely to continue on as we keep…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

clock time
Tech Stocks

Long-Term Investing: 3 Top Canadian Stocks You Can Buy for Under $20 a Share

These three under-$20 stocks offer excellent buying opportunities for long-term investors.

Read more »

Arrowings ascending on a chalkboard
Energy Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Cash-Gushing Dividend Stock

Canadian Natural Resources stock is well set up to beat the TSX as it continues to generate strong cash flows…

Read more »