( MENAFN - ForPressRelease) Maxvolt energy Industries Ltd., a pioneer in innovative lithium battery technology, made a resounding impact at the 21st EVExpo 2024 by unveiling its cutting-edge Eco Series Lithium Batteries for electric scooters. Inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road transport & Highways, government of India, this prestigious event, themed“Join the Initiative Towards Pollution Free India,” took place from December 20-22, 2024, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The Eco Series, designed as a game-changing alternative to traditional lead-acid batteries, promises a transformative e-scooter experience for consumers. These lightweight, high-performance batteries are engineered to ensure a hassle-free switch to lithium power, offering benefits such as rapid charging and a remarkable 4-5 years reliable lifespan. To further enhance consumer confidence, Maxvolt provides a robust 15-month replacement warranty. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Satendra Shukla, Chief Business Officer of Maxvolt Energy, stated,“The Eco Series embodies our commitment to innovation and sustainability. By addressing the growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly battery solutions, we aim to empower consumers and contribute to India's journey towards a pollution-free future. Besides, the Maxvolt Eco Series provides superior performance, longer lifespan, and greater safety, all at a competitive price” Available in multiple variants – 48V 25Ah, 60V 25Ah, 74V 25Ah, 48V 29Ah, 60V 29Ah, and 74V 29Ah, Maxvolt's lithium batteries under the Eco Series are suitable for diverse range of e-scooter models. Keeping Safety First aspect as the USP of Eco Series, these batteries have features such as vibration control, water resistance, air release vent, high-temperature protection, overcurrent, overcharge, discharge protections, and short circuit protection. In addition, their lightweight and rapid charging capabilities ensure seamless adoption and improved performance for e-scooter users. Industry stakeholders at EVExpo 2024 also engaged in insightful discussions at the conference titled“Unfolding Opportunities in EV Sector.” The event spotlighted India's evolving EV ecosystem, highlighting the crucial role of sustainable solutions like the Eco Series in achieving a pollution-free future. About Maxvolt Energy Industries Ltd Maxvolt Energy Industries Ltd, established in 2019, is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of lithium battery packs for Electric Vehicles (EVs), Energy Storage Systems, and Medical Device Batteries. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a dedicated team, Maxvolt ensures high reliability and efficiency in every lithium battery pack. The company's vision is to develop world-class lithium architecture that transcends industry norms, empowering electric bikes, scooters, and solar energy. About EVExpo 2024 EVExpo 2024 provides a dynamic platform for national and international stakeholders to explore the latest advancements in electric vehicles, components, and services. With its focus on eco-friendly transportation, the expo facilitated meaningful interactions and partnerships to drive the industry forward. Company :-The Yellow Coin Communication Pvt. Ltd User :- Riya Mehta Email :... MENAFN22122024003198003206ID1109022100 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Decision on Aaron Rodgers’ immediate future among top storylines left in disastrous Jets season
Joy of Six! Igamane stars as Rangers thrash Killie to ease pressure on boss Clement ahead of AGM Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By CALUM CROWE Published: 10:35 AEDT, 5 December 2024 | Updated: 10:38 AEDT, 5 December 2024 e-mail View comments Rangers 6 Kilmarnock 0 Whatever questions he faces from supporters and shareholders at today’s AGM, Philippe Clement will have far more credit in the bank when he addresses the floor at the Clyde Auditorium. Over the course of the past week, the Rangers manager has led his team to a thumping 4-1 win away in Nice which puts them on the brink of reaching the Europa League knockout stage. And a 1-0 victory away at St Johnstone at the weekend was then followed last night by a comprehensive dismantling of Kilmarnock at Ibrox. Scoring six goals in a stylish display of attacking football, this was Rangers’ most dynamic domestic performance of the season. There was a fluency to the team in attack, helped once again by the brilliance of Hamza Igamane, the Moroccan who is rapidly emerging as Rangers’ most important player in forward areas. Striker Hamza Igamane celebrates after scoring to make it 3-0 to Rangers Igamane fires home the third goal as Rangers put Killie to the sword at Ibrox Rangers' emphatic victory eases the pressure on manager Philippe Clement James Tavernier got the rout under way in the first half when he scored his first league goal of the season. From that moment, the sense of confidence in the Rangers team was clear. Their football flowed in a way it hasn’t done at pretty much any point this season. More goals followed from Danilo, Igamane and Vaclav Cerny before two from substitute Cyriel Dessers as Killie were blown away. Clement is not out of the woods just yet. With two games against Celtic on the horizon over the next few weeks, one of which being a cup final, there could yet be some major speedbumps on the road. But the prospect of the Rangers manager being grilled at a fiery AGM today now seems far less likely than it would have done a week ago. Clement has found some shelter from the storm — and just in the nick of time. His team turned on the style last night and it came not a moment too soon for the previously under-fire manager. After the win at St Johnstone last Sunday, Clement had demanded more goals from his team and expressed a desire to see a ‘sexier’ brand of football. This wasn’t a bad response from the players. Rangers certainly found their six appeal. Rangers substitute Cyriel Dessers celebrates after scoring the first of his double Danilo celebrates his goal, Rangers' second, with captain James Tavernier Clement made three changes from the 1-0 win at St Johnstone in what was a fairly attacking line-up. Danilo came in to make his first league start of the season, with Igamane also keeping his place in the line-up after his fine run of recent form. Mohamed Diomande and Leon Balogun also came into the side, with Connor Barron and Robin Propper dropping to the bench. Barron had been due a rest due to the sheer volume of games he has played, whilst Propper’s demotion was reflective of his poor form. Killie, meanwhile, arrived at Ibrox out of sorts. With three defeats and a draw in their last four games, Derek McInnes’ side had slid down the table. However, they did beat Rangers 1-0 at Rugby Park back in October and they knew they would have to replicate that kind of performance in order to pose a threat last night. McInnes also made three changes, with Danny Armstrong, David Watson and Oliver Bainbridge coming into the team from last weekend’s 1-1 home draw with Dundee. The torrential downpours witnessed across Glasgow yesterday afternoon made for an extremely slick playing surface by the time kick-off arrived. Igamane was heavily involved in much of Rangers’ best play in the early exchanges, twice firing just wide of the target in the opening ten minutes. Dessers clips the ball beyond Killie goalkeeper Robby McCrorie for Rangers' fifth James Tavernier got the ball rolling at Ibrox by knocking in Rangers' first goal From a corner kick on 15 minutes, Igamane also flicked the ball on towards John Souttar at the back post. It looked for all the world that Souttar would burst the net. But, unmarked inside the six-yard box, he ballooned his effort well over the crossbar. Danilo was operating primarily as the central striker, with Igamane playing out wide and Ianis Hagi playing in behind in the No 10 role. But there was a fluidity to Rangers, with Danilo and Igamane frequently interchanging and switching positions. Given the one-way direction of traffic, the only real surprise was that the opening goal didn’t arrive until eight minutes before half-time. Hagi was the architect, firing a wicked inswinging cross towards the back post. Tavernier snuck round the back of Bainbridge and dispatched the ball high into the net. Bombing forward from right-back and getting into a scoring position, it was vintage Tavernier, in many respects. Having been rotated out of the team over the past month or so, the Rangers captain spoke earlier this week about how he is far from finished at Ibrox. Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport Advertisement Still with 18 months left on his contract, Tavernier is determined to nail down a regular starting spot again, particularly with loan signing Nana Kasanwirjo likely to miss the rest of the season after knee surgery. Killie were threatening from set-plays, with Watson’s delivery consistently on the money and allowing them to attack the ball. But, shortly after half-time, two goals in little more than 60 seconds killed the game and put it beyond the visitors. Hagi claimed his second assist of the night when he drilled a low ball across the face of goal, with Danilo converting past Robby McCrorie for 2-0. Before Killie had a chance to catch their breath, Igamane then scored the best goal of the night when he thumped a brilliant finish low into the bottom corner from just outside the box. Following on from his fine performance in the 4-1 win in Nice last week, Igamane has been a breath of fresh air. He was once again Rangers’ best player last night, leaving the field to a standing ovation shortly after the hour. It was 4-0 by that point, with Cerny drilling a low finish into the bottom corner after good play from Nico Raskin. Having come off the bench as part of a triple substitution, Cyriel Dessers got on the end of a cross from Jefte to poke home and take the scoreline to 5-0. Still with 20 minutes left to play, Rangers were turning on the style. Killie, meanwhile, could barely get out of their own half. Dessers helped himself to a second when he steered Tavernier’s cross into the bottom corner for 6-0 on 77 minutes. The only slight downside to the night for Rangers was the fact that Celtic struck a late winner at Aberdeen to stay well clear at the top of the Premiership table. But even that couldn’t take the shine off what had been a thoroughly impressive night’s work for Clement and his players. Rangers Celtic Share or comment on this article: Joy of Six! Igamane stars as Rangers thrash Killie to ease pressure on boss Clement ahead of AGM e-mail Add commentWoman suffers serious injuries after falling through ice in Stittsville
The last time President-elect Donald Trump used tariffs to wage the US-China trade war, it upended US ports. Suppliers rushed to frontload inventory ahead of implementation dates, straining infrastructure ill-equipped to handle the volume surge. The COVID pandemic only accelerated the untangling of global supply chains. Logistics firms say the lessons from those experiences and the changes implemented since may help cushion the blow if Trump makes good on promises to hike tariffs on US imports. “What I think people learned was not to make huge volume rash decisions,” said Paul Brashier, vice president of global supply chain for ITS Logistics, referring to the 2018 trade war. “[There was] a lot of knowledge and infrastructure that was put in place to be able to handle situations like this that still exists so it mutes the overall effect when there are these changes in booking behavior.” To be clear, some businesses are rushing to get ahead of any tariff hikes. At the country’s largest port, cargo volume was up 16% year on year in November, according to Port of Los Angeles director Gene Seroka, although he attributed much of that spike to geopolitical issues and a strong economy. But as firms dust off their 2018 tariff playbooks, many are confronting a very different global trade landscape that is more diversified to withstand potential shocks. For example, while China’s share of US imports amounted to 20% in 2017, today that share has declined to a 20-year low of 13.5%, according to research by Goldman Sachs. That shift has been especially pronounced in sectors like technology, where firms have increasingly distributed manufacturing outside of China to regional hubs like Southeast Asia and Mexico. Earlier this year, Mexico overtook China as America’s largest trading partner for the first time in decades. Brashier has witnessed theses supply chain changes firsthand at ITS Logistics. Since 2018, the firm has opened new distribution facilities in Indianapolis, Reno, Nev., and Fort Worth, Texas. It expanded operations to 4 million square feet and added 3,500 additional transportation assets, including tractors, trailers, and chassis. “There’s a lot more infrastructure now that allows folks to ebb and flow and respond to what’s going on with these kinds of headwinds that we see almost, it seems like, regularly,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing that came out of 2018 and post-COVID.” Those reinforcements are sure to be tested as US ports brace for what could be the perfect storm. In addition to the impact of potential tariff hikes, companies are bracing for disruptions that could stem from possible dockworker strikes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports and the annual surge ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in Asia. Seroka said front-loading started in the third quarter of the year, but unlike in 2018, many businesses are taking a wait-and-see approach. “We know there’s a long way from the campaign trail to the implementation of public policy,” he said. “What we need now is a clear line of sight as to where and when this policy may take shape.” US policy concerns only add to the long list of challenges shippers have had to navigate this year, particularly in response to disruptions in the Red Sea, where 12% of global trade used to pass through. Companies have spent much of the year building inventories in the face of frequent delays and service reconfigurations, even as demand for container shipping remained strong. Container volumes for November are projected to be up 14.4% year on year, according to Global Port Tracker. The Port of Los Angeles is on track to process 10 million container units for only the second time in its history, Seroka said. Brashier has already begun mapping out contingency plans with importers for additional disruptions that are likely to emerge. That includes finding alternative points of entry into the US and monitoring the traffic flow. The ability to track freight the minute it hits water overseas gives imports a four- to six-week buffer, he said. Brashier said other firms have begun seeking out additional warehouse space to store inventory. Overseas suppliers are also weighing their options and negotiating lower prices for goods ahead of additional tariffs. They are concerned about losing business like they did in 2018. One New Jersey-based home goods importer, who did not want his name used, said US firms are in a stronger position to “hit suppliers,” particularly in China, since growth in the world’s second-largest economy has stagnated. He has no plans to reroute his supply chain, even if it means passing down higher costs to consumers. “There [are] certain commodities that the infrastructure of China cannot be beat on, whether it’s the raw material, access to ports, access to ships, access to transportation, access to a labor force,” he said. “We’re not selling products at a loss. We’re a for-profit entity.” Source: Yahoo FinanceThese ChatGPT-ready glasses could be perfect for Advanced Voice ModeToo Hot to Handle star Harry Jowsey shared a heartfelt message on social media announcing his late father ’s passing. In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday (December 4), the 27-year-old Perfect Match alum shared the heartbreaking news with his 4.4 million followers. The reality star uploaded a carousel of nostalgic photos celebrating his dad’s memory, accompanied by a heartfelt caption. “I love you Dad, I miss you,” Jowsey wrote. “I’ll catch you on the other side.” The photo series began with a snapshot of a young Jowsey alongside his brother and four sisters, with their father smiling proudly at the center. Several other images captured touching moments, including Jowsey and his brother hugging their dad by a water fountain, a candid shot of the father and son sitting side-by-side on a log, and a final black-and-white close-up of Jowsey holding what appeared to be his father’s hand. He also took to his Instagram Story to thank fans for their outpouring of support. “Thanks for all the lovely messages,” he wrote, accompanied by a heart emoji. “Love you all, hug your parents.” Although the Australian native refrained from sharing details about his father’s passing, he had hinted at experiencing loss one day prior when he posted a cryptic broken heart and dove emoji on a black background to his Instagram Story. In the past, Jowsey has candidly reflected on his complex relationship with his father. In a 2021 appearance on the Almost Adulting Podcast , the reality star described growing up with a “crazy, crazy alcoholic” parent, but acknowledged his father’s good qualities. “I love my dad and I know he’s trying to be better,” Jowsey explained at the time. “Regardless of anything, that’s my old man, and I still love him.” Despite the challenges he experienced growing up on a farm in Queensland, Australia, Jowsey has often spoken fondly of his family’s unwavering support and the close bond they share. He once expressed his heartfelt goal to deposit $1 million into his mother Melanie Jowsey’s bank account, highlighting his gratitude for her support over the years. Jowsey shared insights into his personal growth during a 2023 interview with Swagger Magazine . He emphasized the importance of self-love and offered advice to his younger self. “Stop stressing and believe in the future because it’s all going to work out,” he said. Jowsey first burst onto the reality TV scene in 2018 when he appeared on the New Zealand dating show Heartbreak Island , where he quickly became a fan favorite. He ultimately won the show, which came with a cash prize. It wasn’t until 2020 when he joined Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle that Jowsey achieved international fame. The show, which challenged contestants to form deeper connections without physical intimacy, showcased his playful personality and knack for stirring up drama, making him one of the show’s most memorable cast members.
Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Qatar University (QU) and HyperThink Systems have announced the opening of applications for the third edition of the Qatar Entrepreneurship Awards (QEA). Entrepreneurs and startups from Qatar and the region are invited to submit their applications across 11 award categories. The QEA serves as a national platform celebrating excellence and innovation within Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem startups. Hosted by the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Organisational Excellence (CEOE) at QU’s College of Business and Economics, in collaboration with the regional consulting and technology firm HyperThink Systems, the QEAs reflect a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovation in Qatar. Commenting on the awards, Dr Said Elbanna, director of the CEOE at QU, stated, “The QEAs underline our dedication to creating a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. We are empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to contribute to Qatar’s economic transformation.” Awdesh Chetal, CEO of HyperThink Systems, remarked, “We are proud to continue with QU in hosting the QEAs. This platform is a testament to Qatar’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital age.” The 2023 edition of the QEA achieved outstanding success, with more than 500 applications submitted. The event honoured exceptional startups and entrepreneurs across various categories, including Entrepreneur of the Year, Khalifa Al-Haroon, CEO of ILoveQatar.net and owner of Store 974, a leading computer gaming store in Qatar. Other distinguished winners included At Home Doc, recognised as the Best Health Tech Startup of the Year for its leadership in telemedicine and home healthcare solutions, and Bonocle, which won Best Startup of the Year for revolutionising accessibility for the visually impaired. C Wallet Services was awarded Best fintech startup of the year for its efforts in promoting financial inclusion and cashless society solutions. Dr Kholoud Mohamed Abdullah, founder of GeneDose and a pioneer in pharmacogenomic testing, was honoured as Best Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, while Torba Market, which promotes organic farming and sustainability, was recognised as the Best Green Tech/Sustainability Startup of the Year. These winners and many others exemplify the spirit of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship thriving in Qatar. The 2024 edition will once again honour outstanding achievements in categories such as Best Innovative Technology, Best Green Startup, Women in Entrepreneurship, and more. Startups and entrepreneurs from Qatar and the region are encouraged to seize this opportunity to showcase their accomplishments. Applications can be submitted via the official Qatar Entrepreneurship Awards website: https://qatarentrepreneurshipawards.com/ The Qatar Entrepreneurship Awards is more than an event; it is a movement to inspire and support entrepreneurial excellence. For inquiries, contact: Email: [email protected] , Phone: +974 44654622 Copy 23/12/2024 10Kwara restates commitment to food safety, security
The Latest: UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect contests his extradition back to New York
‘I wasn’t done’: Bash spars with GOP Senator over Hegseth pickBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in downtown Barcelona on Saturday to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living" and “The people without homes uphold their rights.” The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States . Organizers said that over 100,000 had turned out, while Barcelona’s police said they estimated some 22,000 marched. Either way, the throngs of people clogging the streets recalled the massive separatist rallies at the heigh of the previous decade’s Catalan independence movement. Now, social concerns led by housing have displaced political crusades. That is because the average rent for Spain has doubled in last 10 years. The price per square meter has risen from 7.2 euros ($7.5) in 2014 to 13 euros this year, according to the popular online real estate website Idealista. The growth is even more acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Incomes meanwhile have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Protestor Samuel Saintot said he is “frustrated and scared” after being told by the owners of the apartment he has rented for the past 15 years in Barcelona’s city center that he must vacate the premises. He suspects that the owners want him out so they can renovate it and boost the price. “Even looking in a 20- or 30-kilometer radius outside town, I can’t even find anything within the price range I can afford,” he told The Associated Press. “And I consider myself a very fortunate person, because I earn a decent salary. And even in my case, I may be forced to leave town.” A report by the Bank of Spain indicates that nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities, compared to the European Union average of 27% of renters who do so. “We are talking about a housing emergency. It means people having many difficulties both in accessing and staying in their homes,” said Ignasi Martí, professor for Esade business school and head of its Dignified Housing Observatory. The rise in rents is causing significant pain in Spain, where traditionally people seek to own their homes. Rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Many migrants to Spain are also disproportionately hit by the high rents because they often do not have enough savings. Spain is near the bottom end of OECD countries with under 2% of all housing available being public housing for rent. The OECD average is 7%. Spain is far behind France, with 14%, Britain with 16%, and the Netherlands with 34%. Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for Barcelona’s Tenants Union which helped organize the protest, said that renters should consider a “rent strike” and cease paying their monthly rents in a mass protest movement. “I think we the tenants have understood that this depends on us. That we can’t keep asking and making demands to the authorities and waiting for an answer. We must take the reins of the situation,” Arcarazo told the AP. “So, if they (the owners) won’t lower the rent, then we will force them to do it." The Barcelona protest came a month after tens of thousands rallied against high rents in Madrid. The rising discontent over housing is putting pressure on Spain’s governing Socialist party, which leads a coalition on the national level and is in charge of Catalonia’s regional government and Barcelona’s city hall. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presided over what the government termed a “housing summit” including government officials and real estate developers last month. But the Barcelona’s Tenants Union boycotted the event, saying it was like calling a summit for curing cancer and inviting tobacco companies to participate. The leading government measure has been a rent cap mechanism that the central government has offered to regional authorities based on a price index established by the housing ministry. Rent controls can be applied to areas deemed to be “highly stressed” by high rental prices. Catalonia was the first region to apply those caps, which are in place in downtown Barcelona. Many locals blame the million of tourists who visit Barcelona, and the rest of Spain, each year for the high prices. Barcelona’s town hall has pledged to completely eliminate the city’s 10,000 so called “tourist apartments,” or dwellings with permits for short-term rents, by 2028.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday constituted a committee to ensure cooperation in political and other matters, and to resolve the issues between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Nov, 2024) Muhammad on Friday constituted a committee to ensure cooperation in political and other matters, and to resolve the issues between League-Nawaz ( ) and ( ). The members of the committee include Deputy and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad , Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahmad Khan Cheema. Other members include Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Engineer , ’s Advisor , Speaker of the Malik Ahmad Khan, Senior Minister of , , Jaffer Khan Mandokhel, and Bashir Ahmed Memon. According to a press release issued by the PM Office, the has tasked the committee with the responsibility of political cooperation and resolving issues after detailed consultations with the . The committee will engage in discussions with the members designated by the to determine the future course of action.
China's getting a big electric car battery swapping boost in 2025. Would that work across the globe?
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Production tax credits to 'level the playing field'President ICCI calls for national dialogue to address economic challengesFirstEnergy customers' monthly bills will rise beginning with the new year, same with those of Columbia Gas, but the respective increases are far less than the utilities sought. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to approve a $225 million rate increase and binding commitments to improve FirstEnergy’s reliability and customer assistance and hardship programs. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania Inc. was unanimously approved separately for a $74 million annual increase, which is 40% less than the $124.1 million it proposed. FirstEnergy serves an estimated 2.1 million customers in 56 counties through four rate districts: Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power. It had initially sought an annual rate increase of $503.8 million. The settlement represents a 55% negotiated reduction. Residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours will see the following average monthly increases beginning Jan. 1, 2025 (proposed rates in parentheses): $3.49 ($17.30), Met-Ed; $8.33 ($19.79), Pennelec; $8.13 ($21.29), Penn Power; $9.71 ($16.62), West Penn. The PUC Board wrote in its order that FirstEnergy’s proposed rates were “found to be unjust, unreasonable, and therefore unlawful.” Story continues below video By Dec. 21, 2024, FirstEnergy must refund $13.6 million to its residential and commercial customers as one-time bill credits. FirstEnergy can’t pursue another rate hike until the second quarter of 2026, with the earliest implementation by Jan. 1, 2027. Columbia Gas has 445,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 26 counties in western and southcentral Pennsylvania. Residential customers using an average of 70 therms of natural gas each month will see bills rise from $118.16 to $128.06. Columbia’s proposal would have increased the average to $136.92. The new rates take effect Dec. 14, 2024. The settlement also calls for Columbia to increase its annual budget for the Low Income Usage Reduction Program by $800,000 and create “plain language notifications” to customers in arrears and eligible for forgiveness, payment negotiations and more hardship supports. Settlement terms require FirstEnergy to make it easier to enroll and remain in its customer assistance programs and within six months, make it automatic. FirstEnergy will seek approval to automatically enroll recipients of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in company programs designed to help customers avoid falling behind on their bills and connect with social agencies. FirstEnergy must increase its annual budget for the Low Income Usage Reduction Program proportionate to the residential base distribution rate hike. It must also increase its hardship support fund by $2 million in additional annual shareholder contributions for the next three years, plus $500,000 in additional annual shareholder matching funds for grant assistance, according to PUC. System reliability improvements include 3.5% and 2.5% reductions, respectively, in electric outage duration and frequency, hiring more field workers, identifying opportunities by the end of 2025 to move facilities below ground as part of proposed updates to a long-term improvement plan, and performing annual audits on call center operations, billing, meter reading and response to customer complaints.
'The people have spoken,' Esther Rantzen says as polls show public backs assisted dyingNov 21 (Reuters) - Intuit (INTU.O) , opens new tab projected second-quarter revenue and profit below market estimates on Thursday, hampered by sluggish demand for its financial management services and a planned change in the timing of its promotions. Shares of the Mountain View, California-based company were down nearly 7% in extended trading. The company's consumer group, which caters to individuals, is expected to see a single-digit revenue decline in the second quarter due to the delay in promotions for the desktop offering of TurboTax, its software widely used by Americans to file their taxes. Intuit said the delay only impacts revenue timing and reiterated its annual forecast for double-digit revenue growth. The company offers financial products, including personal finance portal Credit Karma, marketing platform Mailchimp and accounting software suite QuickBooks that help small businesses manage their finances. Its shares had declined 5.1% on Tuesday after a Washington Post report that President-elect Donald Trump’s government efficiency team was considering creating a free tax-filing app. "I am personally engaging with the incoming leaders and new administration," CEO Sasan Goodarzi told Reuters. "They're looking for an opportunity to make the tax code in general just simpler. And as we've always said, another free tax software is not going to make any impact because free (software) is already available to all Americans," he added. Intuit competes with firms such as H & R Block (HRB.N) , opens new tab , Oracle's (ORCL.N) , opens new tab NetSuite and Microsoft's (MSFT.O) , opens new tab Dynamics 365 Platform, which all offer similar financial services. It expects revenue to be between $3.81 billion and $3.84 billion for the second quarter ending Jan. 31, below analysts' average estimate of $3.87 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company forecast quarterly adjusted profit per share of $2.55 to $2.61, below average estimate of $3.20. Revenue for the first quarter, ended Oct.31, grew about 10% to $3.28 billion, beating estimates of $3.14 billion. Excluding items, it earned $2.50 per share, compared with an estimated $2.35 per share. Sign up here. Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab