Freddie Mac’s September U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook Report showed that consumers and businesses have become more energy-efficient, thereby dampening the negative impact of recent fuel-price spikes on the economy. In addition, monetary policy is unlikely to be affected by short-term fuel-price inflation, allowing for an extended and favorable interest-rate environment. READ MORE
Mike Breslin
Freelance Writer
Mike Breslin is a freelance writer based in New Jersey. He has 30-years experience writing for newspapers, magazines, multimedia and video production companies with concentration on business, energy, environmental and technical subjects. Mike is author of the sea adventure novels Found At Sea, Mystery of the Fjord Tide and Riddle of the Atlantis Moon. His short stories are posted on AmazonShorts.com.
Articles by Mike Breslin
November 2011
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U.S. photovoltaic (PV) installations in 2011 will rise 166 percent to a total of 2.4 gigawatts (GW), with California leading the country in the amount of power derived from renewable solar energy, according to a new IHS iSuppli Photovoltaic Market Tracker report. The number of U.S. PV installations this year is projected to climb to approximately 49,000, up from 39,000 in 2010. READ MORE
November 2011
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A new report by Cambridge Energy Research Associates predicts that America’s power generation industry may default to shale-gas as the preferred fuel for the next generation of Americans. READ MORE
October 2011
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Tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, unprecedented rainfalls and record-high 500-year flooding levels in 2011 have all together caused massive damage to the grid, homes, businesses and public infrastructure and billions in damage costs. In the wake of recent disasters, the response of utility workers and electrical contractors has been nothing short of heroic. READ MORE
October 2011
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In the first quarter of next year, SAE International plans to establish a standard, integrated coupler that would allow electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to be charged from either a conventional, 15-amp alternating current (AC) wall outlet or a direct current (DC) connector of up to 90 kilowatts. READ MORE
September 2011
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The expected growth in vehicle electrification poses a challenge: What will happen to the battery systems after they reach the end of useful life in a vehicle? READ MORE
September 2011
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Nuclear power lobbyists may have influence in Washington, D.C., but they seem to be getting knocked out at the state legislative level. So far in 2011, the nuclear power industry has a record of zero wins and six losses in Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina and Wisconsin. READ MORE
September 2011
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In mid-July, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) placed the last two transmission lines, both from Widows Creek Fossil Plant, back in service 74 days after sustaining unprecedented damage due to severe storms and tornadoes in April on its power transmission system. In addition to many TVA crews, a number of private electrical contractors, including Dillard Smith Construction Co. READ MORE
August 2011
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Editor's Note: for more pictures from Joplin, click here. On May 22, 2011, one of the deadliest tornadoes in our nation’s history ripped through the city of Joplin, Mo. Winds faster than 200 mph tore a path of devastation nearly a half-mile wide and 10 miles long. Approximately one-third of the city of 50,000 was either destroyed or severely damaged. At press time, the death toll stood at 159. READ MORE