For AT&T, Verizon, it's slow and steady Earnings Outlook - MarketWatch

For AT&T, Verizon, it's slow and steady Earnings Outlook - MarketWatch:

By Jeffry Bartash, MarketWatch

"AT&T's long-declining wireline business is expected to report another large drop of about 10% in the number of homes that still subscribe to traditional phone service. Revenue in that segment is likely to fall slightly, to around $15.35 billion.

New York-based Verizon reports results on Friday, the day after AT&T. The nation's largest wireless carrier is expected to earn 54 cents a share on revenue of $27 billion, according to FactSet."

Mayor, Duke CEO launch bid - Charlotte Business Journal

Mayor, Duke CEO launch bid - Charlotte Business Journal:

Erik Spanberg

"Mayor Anthony Foxx and Duke Energy Corp. CEO Jim Rogers, co-chairs for the local bid, billed the city’s role as a possible convention site as something that could transform the city. Rogers stressed the city’s — and North Carolina’s — knack for reinvention as the perfect backdrop for a region and nation recovering from a lengthy economic slump. From leaving behind a history of tobacco and textile to bidding to become an energy hub, North Carolina stands as an example of how tough times can be transformed into future success, Rogers said."

Charleston Regional Business Journal | Charleston, SC

Charleston Regional Business Journal | Charleston, SC:

By Daniel Brock ,dbrock@scbiznews.com
Published July 16, 2010

"Santee Cooper raised rates 3.4% in November and, like other utilities in the state, experienced service outages during a historically cold winter. Those factors led to slightly lower numbers across the board, officials with the study said."

Mignon Clyburn's Trip to Alaska

Blog of Commissioner Clyburn - Reboot.FCC.gov:

"I’m back in the Washington, D.C. heat after staying cool for almost a week in Alaska. Senator Mark Begich and his staff ensured that I experienced urban, rural and extreme rural Alaska with visits to Anchorage, Cordova, Kotzebue and Kiana.At each stop, Alaskans proved to me that Southerners do not have a monopoly on hospitality. They welcomed me with friendly smiles and full plates of Copper River Red Salmon that melted in my mouth, fresh Alaskan King Crab legs (for breakfast!) and even corned beef hash (my childhood morning obsession)! While I enjoyed every bite, I also benefited from an earful of feedback about the National Broadband Plan and proposed or current FCC policies."

"Rural Star" Legislation Heads to House Floor

WWW.WPCVA.COM: "

Today, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture successfully passed H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act-known as 'Rural Star'-clearing it for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The bill, which Congressman Tom Perriello originally cosponsored and is championing in Congress, would establish a loan program to create an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 jobs a year while saving Virginia families and businesses money on their electric bills. Today, Perriello called on his colleagues in Congress to pass the bill into law before the August recess."

Washington Post - BP says it has capped the well!

"BREAKING NEWS
BP: New cap on well fully closed and oil has stopped flowing"

Ex Parte Briefing on Electricity Regulation Shoals Park

The briefing will cover the regulatory process in South Carolina.

Friday, July 16, 2010

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Saluda Shoals Park

River Center

5605 Bush River Road

Columbia, SC 29212

(803)213-2000

House Agriculture Committee passes legislation to encourage energy efficiency projects in rural communities

North Texas e-News: "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Rural Energy Savings Program Act (H.R. 4785) to encourage energy efficiency projects in rural communities.

The bipartisan bill, introduced by House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., and Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., passed the Committee by a voice vote."

PSC Elects Officers, Appoints Chief Clerk

Welcome to Public Service Commission of South Carolina: "Commmission Elects New Officers

The Public Service Commission recently elected new officers. Commissioner John E. 'Butch' Howard (r) was elected as the new chairman and Commissioner David A. Wright (l) as the new vice chairman.

In addition, the Commission appointed Jocelyn G. Boyd as the Chief Clerk and Administrator. Ms. Boyd was previously serving as the agency's interim chief clerk"

Coal tar found in Congaree River, SCE&G pledges cleanup - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

Coal tar found in Congaree River, SCE&G pledges cleanup - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |:

"At least two manufactured gas plants operated in the vicinity during the early 1900s, including one that belonged to a corporate predecessor to South Carolina Electric & Gas Company. 'Although manufactured gas production in Columbia occurred between 55 and 100 years ago, we've just learned about this situation,' said SCE&G President Kevin Marsh."

Boil water notice for Hollywood Hills repealed - Breaking News - TheState.com

Boil water notice for Hollywood Hills repealed - Breaking News - TheState.com:

"The City of Columbia Water Works advises the water customers of the Hollywood Hills Subdivision: Green Tree Drive, Green Tree Circle, Old Oak Drive and the 400 Block of Woodcrest Drive, located in Richland County, that they no longer need to boil their water prior to drinking or cooking."

Calif. AG sues feds over renewable energy loans - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

Calif. AG sues feds over renewable energy loans - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |:

By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press Writer

"Brown's lawsuit argues that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's opposition is forcing California counties to halt plans to provide the incentives. He sued the buyers and their regulatory agency, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, in Oakland U.S. District Court."

[Florida] Mayo column: After outrageous purge at Public Service Commission, it's time for consumer revolt - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Mayo column: After outrageous purge at Public Service Commission, it's time for consumer revolt - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com:  Message seems clear: Kowtow to FPL, or else

Michael MayoNews Columnist

 "'Now I understand why some people say that sometimes revolutions are necessary,' said Argenziano. 'What this should tell people is that things have gotten so tilted, and so blatant, and the leadership doesn't think anyone cares. The arrogance is stunning, because they own the process.'

Argenziano and Nathan Skop didn't even get the courtesy of interviews with the legislative-controlled PSC nominating council to keep their seats. Instead, a slate of fresh finalists, many with ties to utilities, will be sent to Gov. Charlie Crist for appointment.

Argenziano said Crist should make a statement by refusing to select anyone from the list. Crist originally appointed Argenziano and Skop, an engineer, for terms that started in 2007."

Progress Energy Inc. Attracting Bullish Investors; PGN, SO, VE

Progress Energy Inc. Attracting Bullish Investors; PGN, SO, VE:

"Progress Energy Inc. (PGN) [Chart - Analysis - News] established a new 52-week high yesterday at $40.44. Clearly investors are enthusiastic about the firm's prospects. The rally was accompanied by higher than average volume, which adds to the momentum behind yesterday's move."

Solar PV Now Cheaper Than Nuclear Power in North Carolina, Report Says

Solar PV Now Cheaper Than Nuclear Power in North Carolina, Report Says:

"The report, titled 'Solar and Nuclear Costs – the Historic Crossover,' says that falling costs for producing solar electricity and rising costs for constructing new nuclear power plants, after accounting for government subsidies for both energy sources, recently reached a crossover point at about 16 cents per kilowatt-hour."

Shaw Power Group sees big jump in quarterly profits - Charlotte Business Journal

Shaw Power Group sees big jump in quarterly profits - Charlotte Business Journal:

Charlotte Business Journal - by John Downey Senior Staff Writer
"Shaw Chief Executive Jim Bernhard Jr. says his company is beginning to get a lift from construction of nuclear plants.

“We continue to make progress on our nuclear projects, with four units simultaneously under construction in China and additional AP1000 units planned for the future,” he says in a prepared statement. “Our quarterly earnings also have begun to show an impact from the four nuclear units we currently are building in the United States.”

Those include two nuclear reactors under construction in South Carolina. Charlotte-based Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE:DUK) intends to use the AP1000 for its proposed Lee Nuclear Station near Gaffney, S.C."

Merkley & Welch: Bill Creates Jobs and Helps the Environment - Roll Call

Merkley & Welch: Bill Creates Jobs and Helps the Environment - Roll Call:

"To address this challenge, we have offered legislation to implement the Building Star program. Building Star would allow building owners to use low-cost loans to help pay for the upfront costs of renovations with those loans to be paid back through savings on monthly energy bills. The program would also provide rebates for some retrofit equipment such as high-efficiency furnaces; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; water heaters; and insulation."

Historic oil spill fails to produce gains for U.S. environmentalists

Historic oil spill fails to produce gains for U.S. environmentalists:

By David A. Fahrenthold and Juliet Eilperin

Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, July 12, 2010

"this year, the worst oil spill in U.S. history -- and, before that, the worst coal-mining disaster in 40 years -- haven't put the same kind of drive into the debate over climate change and fossil-fuel energy.

The Senate is still gridlocked. Opinion polls haven't budged much. Gasoline demand is going up, not down."

T-minus three weeks on energy bill - Coral Davenport - POLITICO.com

T-minus three weeks on energy bill - Coral Davenport - POLITICO.com:

By CORAL DAVENPORT | 7/12/10 4:39 AM ED
"The majority leader is set to meet this week with the five Senate committee leaders who hold jurisdiction over slices of energy and climate legislation. He will give them a scaled-down menu of options prepared by his staff and tell them to assemble an energy package that could get 60 votes. The options will break down into three core elements, and the question will be how the leaders choose to combine them."

Reid faces balancing act crafting energy and climate legislation - The Hill's E2-Wire

Reid faces balancing act crafting energy and climate legislation - The Hill's E2-Wire:

By Darren Goode and Ben Geman - 07/12/10 06:00 AM ET

"The most aggressive option to putting a price on carbon would focus on the electric utility sector and potentially later on manufacturing and other stationary sources of pollution.

Kerry and Lieberman had been trying for a three-sector carbon pricing approach but that option does not appear feasible. They had floated the idea of doing a “utility plus” approach – where power plants would be targeted first and followed later by manufacturers and perhaps other stationary sources – but may be merely one of several options.

A third is a further scaled-back “utility only” option but even that has its detractors."