The biggest tax break they got is a loss carryforward. This is a one time event due to losses incurred by GE Capital, and is almost certainly not something they did on purpose.
In contrast, GE's green energy and paying for employee health insurance are done directly to avoid paying taxes.
GE's windmills are profitable primarily because of the tax benefits. And there is no business reason whatsoever why a company should pay for employee health insurance, or car insurance, or cable TV. Companies pay for health insurance because it reduces the tax bill, and they generally don't pay for car insurance (which doesn't reduce the tax bill).
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/losscarryforward.asp#axz...
In contrast, GE's green energy and paying for employee health insurance are done directly to avoid paying taxes.
GE's windmills are profitable primarily because of the tax benefits. And there is no business reason whatsoever why a company should pay for employee health insurance, or car insurance, or cable TV. Companies pay for health insurance because it reduces the tax bill, and they generally don't pay for car insurance (which doesn't reduce the tax bill).