Two new studies have been released showing that federal investment in a "smart grid" could provide hundreds of thousands of new jobs for Americans. The first study, by the Gridwise Alliance trade group, concludes that with a $16 billion federal investment in smart grid incentives, $64 billion in smart grid-related energy projects would be produced, yielding 280,000 new jobs,150,000 by the end of this year.
IBM also released a study on the issue, this one … Read the rest
Global Energy Systems, a subsidiary of Global Energy Holdings Group, Inc, has signed a contract with AGL Services Company, a major Georgia power company. Under the agreement, Global Energy Systems will help the utility find ways to conserve energy and increase its renewable energy offerings for customers.
Global Energy Systems’ President, Mike Ellis, commented on the agreement:
… Read the rest“This agreement with AGL Resources opens up a number of opportunities for Global Energy in the stable gas
Xcel Energy started the new year off by unveiling an ambitious energy efficiency plan that could save the same amount of energy that a new coal-fired plant would produce. According to MSNBC, in 2009 Xcel plans to invest $63 million in programs aimed at promoting energy efficiency. The company plans to continue the effort by spending $80 million on the programs in 2010.
According to Xcel Energy spokesman Mark Stutz, the investment should result … Read the rest
For the second year in a row, NJBiz has selected Comverge as one of the 50 fastest growing companies in New Jersey. The award was based on increases in sales, both as a dollar amount and as a percentage.
Comverge’s president and CEO Robert M Chiste commented on the award:
… Read the rest“With today’s challenging business climate, it is a significant milestone to be awarded for such an achievement two-years running. We continue to grow our employment
Itron (ITRI) and Nighthawk (OTCBB:NIHK) have announced a partnership that allows ITRI to promote, market and sell Nighthawk wireless power control products to its utility customers. Nighthawk’s products will complement ITRI’s automated meter reading product, ChoiceConnect which provides utilities with the ability to connect, disconnect or reduce power to customers based on meter readings remotely.
“Itron certainly recognizes the potential value of combining Nighthawk’s growing wireless control capabilities with our ChoiceConnect suite,” said Philip Mezey, … Read the rest
It’s 3rd quarter earnings report time again, and we have some good news to report. If you own shares in Itron, a company that makes smart meters, you’ll be pleased to see that they are now turning a profit and are exceeding analyst’s expectations for the third quarter.
This time last year, Itron reported a net loss of $3.4 million, or .11 per share. Yesterday, it reported a net income of $7.7 million or $0.21 … Read the rest
Badger Meters reported that its third-quarter income rose by 1.3 percent yesterday, as noted by the Business Journal. According to Badger Meter chairman, president and CEO Richard Meeusen, the disappointing result was caused by increased demands for Badger’s utility products and commercial water meters being balanced out by a slowing of demand for its industrial products.
According to the Business Journal,
… Read the restBadger Meter (NYSE: BMI), based in Brown Deer, reported Wednesday that net
In addition to the investment tax credits for alternative energy, the bailout bill also included new tax breaks for utilities installing smart meters. "Smart meters," which allow utility companies to more effectively price power according to demand and thus encourage more efficient use of power by consumer, cost $120-$200 each, and that cost has been an obstacle to large utilities who want to implement them over their customer base.
The tax credits are worth $915 … Read the rest
American Superconductor Company announced today that it has shipped approximately 56,000 feet of its second generation(2G) high-temperature superconductor (HTS) wire for use in Project HYDRA. Project HYDRA focuses on upgrading Manhattan’s power grid using AMSC’s Secure Super Grids(TM). The project heavily funded by the Department of Homeland Security, and AMSC is the prime contractor and the wire supplier.
Benefits of upgrading New York’s grid using AMSC’s technology are expected to include more efficient power delivery … Read the rest
Southern California Edison applied for a patent on smart meters last year. While it is a little nerve-wracking to have one company patent business use of a technology that’s crucial to helping Americans use energy more efficiently, Southern California Edison appears to be acting with good intentions. According to Earth2tech.com, the utility says that it requested the patent as a protective measure, to keep other companies from patenting business use of the smart meter … Read the rest