Duke Energy embraces cellular for smart grid — Cleantech News and Analysis

By Katie Fehrenbacher

In the white paper, Duke Energy’s Manager of Technology Development David Masters wrote that Duke plans to invest $1 billion into digital grid technologies, and the utility decided to rely heavily on already available networks like cellular connections for a variety of reasons.

Verizon workers to end walkout; no agreement on new contract - The Washington Post

Brady Dennis

Union leaders announced Saturday that 45,000 striking workers would end a walkout that began Aug. 7, even though there has been no agreement on the terms for a new contract.

Columbia Regional Business Report | Columbia, SC

“We are aware of the unusually high trading activity in SCANA common stock yesterday. We are also aware of the internet-based rumor that SCANA is considering a sale of the company,” said Bill Timmerman, SCANA’s chairman and CEO. “These rumors are false, and we know of no corporate developments to account for the unusual market activity in SCANA’s stock.”

Japan Finds First Case of Radioactive Contamination in Rice - NYTimes.com

Martin Fackler

Inspectors in Ibaraki Prefecture, just north of Tokyo, found radioactive cesium in a sample of rice from the city of Hokota, about 90 miles south of the radiation-spewing nuclear plant. The prefecture said the radiation was well within safe levels: It measured 52 becquerels per kilogram, about one-tenth of the government-set limit for grains.

Aiken Tech to grant nuclear certification | The Augusta Chronicle

Students in Aiken Technical College's radiation protection program are now eligible to receive certification from the National Academy for Nuclear Training through a partnership between the college and South Carolina Electric and Gas Company's V.C. Summer Nuclear Station, according to a news release.

‘Less volatile’ electric bills saved consumers $25 a month during heat wave - Business - TheState.com

Kristy Eppley Rupon

Here is how it works: When temperatures vary greatly from 15-year averages, SCE&G adjusts the cost of a kilowatt hour. That adjustment means electricity will cost less during extremely hot summers and cold winters, and will cost more when summers are cooler than normal and winters are milder.
Customers’ bills still will be higher than normal during extreme weather but not as high as they would have been without the adjustment. And bills will still be lower in milder weather, just not as low as they would have been without the adjustment.

Report: S.C. among nation’s worst at regulating coal ponds - Local / Metro - TheState.com

Six of 22 coal ash dams in South Carolina are rated as high hazards, but the state’s program overseeing the dams is deficient, the report says. The dams are not inspected enough, the report says.