MGE reaches compromise with shareholder groups

MGE Energy Inc. in Madison has vowed to explore the addition of more renewable energy sources to its mix under a compromise agreement it has made with shareholder groups that called for the Madison-based energy company to use more renewable power sources.

With the agreement, shareholders will withdraw their resolutions that called for the parent of Madison Gas and Electric to increase its use of renewable energy to 25 percent by 2025 while tying executive compensation in part to those sustainability…

Solar gains traction, and utilities scramble to adapt

Increased affordability and favorable tax credits are turning more home and business owners to solar power in New Mexico and nationwide, and it’s changing the game for centralized utilities, according to a report in the Santa Fe New Mexican.

The trend in customer-owned, distributed power generation has the utility industry — and companies like Public Service Company of New Mexico — scrambling to adjust business models and grid operations across the United States.

PNM and other utilities in…

3 reasons Gaithersburg's OpGen sees a major market as hospitals battle ‘superbugs’

Hospitals see a serious problem when it comes to handling antibiotic-resistant “superbug” outbreaks. Gaithersburg’s OpGen Inc. sees dollar signs.

Company officials revealed last week they hope to raise as much as $37.4 million in an initial public offering. A big reason is what OpGen estimates to be an $800 million U.S. market for hospital-acquired infections screening.

“OpGen intends to transform infectious disease management,” executives said in the company’s S-1 filing with the Securities and…

How a Sacramento manufacturer used technology to cut energy expenses

Tri Tool Inc. makes custom-designed, precision portable machine tools for clients in the U.S. and around the world. That means the Rancho Cordova-based firm faces all the competitive challenges of a globalized economy — and needs every advantage it can find.

The company found one by adopting new technologies to cut power costs.

Tri Tool, an internationally-recognized manufacturing firm, was already benefiting from SMUD’s reliable electricity delivery and low rates. But their facilities team,…

Crowell & Moring elects new chairwoman

Government contracts lawyer Angela Styles is the new chairwoman of D.C.-based law firm Crowell & Moring LLP, according to a statement.

She succeeds Kent Gardiner as chair, who has served for three consecutive terms.

Styles has been with Crowell & Moring since 2007, and has served as chair of its executive committee. Prior to joining the firm, she served in the White House as Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy within the Office of Management and Budget.