Inflation spike won’t last, Bernanke says

A recent increase in U.S. inflation is driven primarily by rising commodity prices globally, and is unlikely to persist, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Monday. The comments stood in sharp contrast to a string of U.S. central bank officials, some of whom have argued the time is coming for the Fed to begin tightening monetary policy. Earlier... 

Obama’s Visit to Brazil Yields ‘Encouraging’ Renewable Fuels Cooperation, According to Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association

Two important announcements involving renewable energy made on the opening day of U.S. President Barack Obama’s official visit to Brazil, both directly relevant to Brazil’s successful sugarcane ethanol industry, are encouraging signs that Brazil and the U.S. are on a path to achieve free, unobstructed trade for clean, renewable biofuels.... 

Wall Street up on energy shares after Japan quake

Stocks rose on Friday, led by gains in energy shares after Japan’s biggest earthquake on record hurt the country’s oil refining capacity, but trade was choppy as investors tried to weigh the quake’s economic impact. The 8.9 magnitude quake that struck the northeast coast of Japan, the world’s third largest economy, triggered... 

Analysis: Stocks-oil relation looks as it did in 2008 recession

The trading pattern of the prices of stocks and crude oil looks worryingly like it did just before the last recession. Oil and equity prices rise and fall more or less in tandem when demand and economic growth expectations dictate prices. But the short-term relationship has been turned on its head in recent weeks with investors worried that political... 

CMS Energy’s Utility Unit, Consumers Energy, Declares Quarterly Dividends on Preferred Stock

The Board of Directors of Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, has declared regular quarterly dividends on both series of the utility’s preferred stock. The following dividends are payable April 1, 2011 to shareholders of record March 4, 2011: $1.04 per share on the $4.16 stock (NYSE:CMS_pa – News), and $1.125 per... 

Homeowners Need Incentives for Energy Improvements

If a recent national poll is any indication, home energy improvements stand to take a big hit in the coming year. The survey released last week by the Shelton Group, indicates federal energy saving incentives and rebates were the primary motivating factor behind Americans decisions to make energy efficiency changes to their homes. This news comes just... 

Support for Online Service Programs Growing

In today’s fast-paced high-tech world many companies are looking to use technology to make life simpler and more convenient for their customers. If MXenergy’s new online customer service programs are any indication, customers are highly appreciative. MXenergy, one of the nation’s leading independent energy providers, now offers multiple... 

Viridian Energy Brings Affordable Clean Energy to the Big Apple

Viridian Energy, a leading provider of affordable, green retail energy, today announced the launch of its services in New York City and the surrounding area. Viridian’s NYC launch is the most recent expansion in the company’s rapid growth and development, which includes ten markets in five states in just 17 months. Entrance into the nation’s single... 

Progress Energy CEO Johnson Urges Flexibility and Customer Protection in Implementing EPA Rules

The U.S. electric utility industry faces an “unprecedented convergence of new federal environmental rules – unprecedented in scope of change and compression of deadlines,” Progress Energy Chairman, President and CEO Bill Johnson told utility regulators Monday in Washington. And the “current fragmented approach, coupled with rapid-compliance... 

Egypt unrest may push oil above $110: Kuwait official

Global oil prices could exceed $110 a barrel if political unrest in Egypt continues, a member of Kuwait’s Supreme Petroleum Council said on Sunday. Oil prices have spiked due to tension in Egypt. Brent crude hit $100 per barrel for the first time since 2008 on fears instability could spread through the Middle East, which together with North Africa...