How Big is Berkshire Hathaway Energy? A Comprehensive Guide to an Energy Titan
Have you ever wondered about the sheer scale of the companies that power our lives? From the electricity that lights our homes to the natural gas that heats them, a massive, complex network of infrastructure and businesses is at work. At the heart of one of the largest and most influential of these networks is Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE).
But just how big is it? The answer is more than just a number. It's a story of vast infrastructure, millions of customers, and a diversified portfolio that makes it a true powerhouse in the global energy sector. In this lengthy, step-by-step guide, we'll delve into the various facets of BHE's size, helping you understand its colossal footprint.
 |
| How Big Is Berkshire Hathaway Energy |
Step 1: Let's Start with a Simple Question... What's Your First Guess?
Before we dive into the details, take a moment to think about it. What comes to mind when you hear "Berkshire Hathaway Energy"? Do you think of a local utility company, or a global giant? A billion-dollar company, or a multi-trillion-dollar one?
You might be surprised to learn that BHE is a bit of both—a collection of locally managed businesses that, when combined, create an energy titan with a truly global reach. Let's start with the basics and build our understanding from there.
Step 2: Unpacking the Financial Might
To understand the size of any company, we must first look at its financials. Berkshire Hathaway Energy is a privately held subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which means it doesn't have its own separate stock market capitalization. However, we can still gauge its size through its assets, revenue, and earnings.
Sub-heading 2.1: Assets - The Foundation of Its Power
Think of assets as the physical and financial backbone of the company. These are the power plants, transmission lines, pipelines, and other infrastructure that make the business run. And when it comes to assets, BHE is a heavyweight.
$$133.8 billion portfolio of locally managed businesses (as of a recent overview).
This is a massive portfolio of hard assets, a key part of Warren Buffett's investment philosophy, which prioritizes tangible, durable infrastructure.
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Sub-heading 2.2: Revenue and Earnings - The Flow of Power
Revenue represents the total money generated from its operations, and earnings are the profits. BHE's financial performance demonstrates its strong operational efficiency and strategic investments.
In 2024, BHE's net earnings attributable to Berkshire shareholders increased significantly, soaring by $1.1 billion, a staggering 116.4% increase compared to 2023.
The company's performance is a key driver of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s overall financial health. For instance, in Q3 2024, BHE's earnings rose to $1,629 million from $498 million in Q3 2023.
Step 3: Measuring Its Physical Footprint
Financial figures are one thing, but the sheer physical size of BHE is what truly sets it apart. Imagine all the infrastructure required to power millions of homes and businesses—that's the scale we're talking about.
Sub-heading 3.1: Customers and Service Area - Powering Millions
BHE's reach is impressive. Its subsidiaries deliver low-cost, safe, and reliable energy services to a vast customer base.
More than 13 million customers and end-users are served daily across the U.S., Great Britain, and Alberta, Canada.
The company's regulated energy businesses serve customers and end-users in 28 states in the US and Great Britain.
This translates to a massive responsibility to keep the lights on and the gas flowing for a significant portion of the population.
Sub-heading 3.2: The Grid - A Web of Wires and Pipes
The electric transmission and natural gas distribution network is the lifeblood of BHE's operations.
215,200 circuit miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.
49,700 pipeline miles of natural gas transmission and distribution lines.
To put that in perspective, 215,200 miles is enough to circle the Earth more than eight and a half times! This is a testament to the extensive infrastructure owned and operated by BHE.
BHE, through its subsidiaries PacifiCorp and NV Energy, owns and operates one of the largest privately held transmission systems in the Western U.S., including 17,500 miles of transmission lines in 10 western states and 6,100 miles in Nevada.
Step 4: The People and the Power
A company is only as big as the people who run it and the power it generates. BHE's scale is reflected in its workforce and its commitment to renewable energy.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Sub-heading 4.1: The Workforce - A Global Team
It takes a lot of people to manage and maintain such a vast network.
BHE employs approximately 23,800 people across its various businesses.
In June 2025, the company had approximately 10,000 employees across four continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia. This figure can fluctuate based on the source and specific subsidiaries included, but it highlights the large-scale nature of its workforce.
Sub-heading 4.2: Renewable Energy Leadership - A Green Giant
BHE is not just big in traditional energy; it's also a major player in the transition to clean energy.
BHE has invested approximately $26 billion in owned wind energy resources through 2024.
Through its subsidiaries, it is a top-ranked investor-owned utility in the U.S. for wind power.
Approximately 52% of its owned and contracted generating capacity comes from renewable and non-carbon sources like wind, water, solar, and geothermal.
Its commitment to renewable energy is a significant part of its long-term strategy and a key factor in its growth.
Step 5: The Family of Businesses - A Diversified Portfolio
Berkshire Hathaway Energy is a holding company with a diverse portfolio of locally managed businesses. This is where the true scale and diversification of the company become clear.
Sub-heading 5.1: Key Subsidiaries
BHE's holdings include a wide range of companies, from electric and gas utilities to real estate brokerage.
PacifiCorp: Serves customers across six Western U.S. states.
MidAmerican Energy Company: Provides energy to customers in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
NV Energy: The electric and natural gas utility in Nevada.
Northern Powergrid: A major electricity distribution company in Great Britain.
BHE GT&S: Operates interstate natural gas pipelines and storage systems.
BHE Renewables: Focuses on renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and geothermal.
HomeServices of America: The nation's largest residential real estate brokerage company. This is a good example of the diversification within BHE's portfolio.
This structure allows each business to operate autonomously while benefiting from the financial strength and strategic guidance of the parent company, Berkshire Hathaway.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to measure the size of Berkshire Hathaway Energy?
You can measure BHE's size through various metrics, including its total assets, annual revenue, number of employees, customer base, and the physical extent of its infrastructure (like transmission lines and pipelines).
How to find Berkshire Hathaway Energy's market capitalization?
Berkshire Hathaway Energy is a private subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., so it does not have its own public stock and therefore no separate market capitalization. Its value is embedded within the overall valuation of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
How to know the revenue of Berkshire Hathaway Energy?
While BHE is a private company, its financial performance is disclosed within Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s public filings. For instance, in Q3 2024, its earnings increased to $1,629 million.
How to determine the number of customers served by BHE?
BHE serves over 13 million customers and end-users through its regulated energy businesses in the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
How to understand BHE's investment in renewable energy?
BHE has a significant focus on renewable energy, with over $26 billion invested in wind resources alone and more than half of its generating capacity coming from renewable sources.
How to see BHE's subsidiaries?
BHE's portfolio of businesses includes companies like PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, NV Energy, Northern Powergrid, and BHE Renewables, among others. You can find a list of its businesses on the official Berkshire Hathaway Energy website.
How to find the number of employees at Berkshire Hathaway Energy?
The company employs approximately 23,800 people across its businesses, with some sources listing around 10,000 employees globally in 2025.
How to learn about BHE's transmission system?
BHE owns and operates a vast transmission and distribution network, including over 215,000 circuit miles of electric lines and over 49,000 miles of natural gas pipelines.
How to access BHE's financial reports?
As a subsidiary, BHE's financial information is included in the quarterly and annual reports of its parent company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which are available on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.
How to see BHE's commitment to sustainability?
BHE's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through its substantial investments in renewable energy, its efforts to minimize environmental impact, and its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
 |
