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Buyer Activity Continued Its Late-Season Surge Across The U.S., Led By Denver, Colorado Springs And Three Utah Cities

CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ShowingTime, the residential real estate industry’s leading showing management and market stats technology provider, found that December’s usual seasonal slowdown was reversed in 2020, with showing traffic across the country surging 63.5 percent year-over-year as buyers had more on their minds than just shopping for gifts.

«Of the 20 cities recording the heaviest showing traffic, all but three also had month-over-month increases. This is not what anyone…

«Of the 20 cities recording the heaviest showing traffic, all but three also had month-over-month increases. This is not what anyone expected, but 2020 was anything but normal,» said ShowingTime President Michael Lane. «In December, Ogden and Provo were up 122 percent and 123 percent, respectively, compared to 2019. Denver had more than twice the average number of showings per listing, as did Colorado Springs.

«While the year was a challenge for everyone, we’ve seen consumers in many markets make up for lost time shopping for homes. The industry adapted quickly, with the data suggesting the positive momentum will continue, so we’re excited to help clients respond to the sustained demand.»

For the second consecutive month the West Region saw the most significant year-over-year increase in showing activity, with a jump of 82.1 percent. The South followed with a 69.7 percent increase, with the Midwest’s 61.1 percent uptick and Northeast’s 60.4 percent climb rounding out the gains.

«2020 proved to be a tumultuous year, yet so far across the U.S. we continue to see increased levels of demand concentrated on a dwindling set of available listings,» said ShowingTime Chief Analytics Officer Daniil Cherkasskiy. «Year-over-year increases are at historically high levels, especially on the West Coast, and although December’s stats are more likely to be distorted by weather and other factors, the trajectory we’ve seen in 2020 points to continued upward pressure on prices in the next few months.»

The ShowingTime Showing Index is compiled using data from more than six million property showings scheduled across the country each month on listings using ShowingTime products and services. The Showing Index tracks the average number of appointments received on active listings during the month.

About ShowingTime
ShowingTime is the residential real estate industry’s leading showing management and market stats technology provider, with more than 1.5 million active listings subscribed to its services. Its products are used in 370 MLSs representing 1.4 million real estate professionals across the U.S. and Canada. Contact us at research@showingtime.com.

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SOURCE ShowingTime

KiloVault Unveils New 1200 Watt-Hour Deep-Cycle Batteries

BOXBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — KiloVault, a provider of innovative and affordable residential and commercial renewable energy solutions, this week unveiled the new 1200 HLX and 1200 CHLX heavy-duty deep-cycle lithium batteries. These 1,200 Watt-hour-capacity batteries complement KiloVault’s existing 1,800 Wh and 3,600 Wh models, and handle 80A of continuous charging current and 100A of continuous discharging current. The smaller capacity and reduced weight of the 1200 HLX and 1200 CHLX make them ideally suited for applications such as marine and RV/camper use, golf carts, medical devices, and off-grid solar energy storage.

Like all HLX/CHLX batteries, the new 1,200 Watt-hour models can be used in 12V, 24V, or 48V configurations and feature Bluetooth communication for easy health and performance monitoring. This flexibility – combined with a 5,000-cycle lifespan (at 80% depth of discharge) and low cost/kWh cycle – offers customers exceptional value for their energy storage needs. Even after 2,000 cycles at 100% depth of discharge, a 1200 HLX or 1200 CHLX battery will retain 80% or more of its original 1,200 Watt-hour storage capacity.

KiloVault’s HLX and CHLX series batteries do not require active cooling, as the the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry used in their cells isn’t subject to the thermal runaway issues that other lithium technologies may experience. These batteries do not require regular watering, desulphating, or equalizing and do not produce dangerous off-gassing like lead-acid batteries do – making them safe for use in your garage or even inside your home. HLXs and CHLXs are incredibly safe and low-maintenance batteries, and outperform comparable lead-acid batteries by storing and discharging energy more efficiently to yield 12% more usable stored energy.

The 1200 CHLX features the same internal heating technology as KiloVault’s other CHLX batteries, which allows it to continue charging at subzero temperatures. As the ambient temperature dips below freezing (32ºF/0°C), the charging current is rerouted through a heating film in the battery, allowing it to maintain an internal temperature above freezing. Once this is accomplished, the battery can resume normal charging.

With built-in Bluetooth and the convenient HLX iT app for iOS and Android devices, monitoring your HLX and CHLX batteries’ health and performance is easier than ever. For more information, including the data sheets, manuals, and warranty information, visit KiloVault’s website at https://kilovault.com/ .

ABOUT KILOVAULT

KiloVault® is dedicated to providing innovative and affordable renewable energy solutions for residential and commercial applications, storing the sun, and saving the planet. They design, market, and sell energy storage based on leading-edge technologies that reduce the cost of entry for homeowners and help reduce the impact of humanity on the environment. KiloVault’s headquarters is located at 330 Codman Hill Road in Boxborough, Massachusetts. For more information visit their website at https://kilovault.com/.

Media Contact

Seth Lockman, altE Store, 8778784060, seth.lockman@altestore.com

SOURCE KiloVault

Bemis Associates Partners with DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products to Launch First Sewfree® Product Made From Renewable Material

SHIRLEY, Mass., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Bemis Associates, a leading manufacturer of thermoplastic films, tapes, and adhesives for bonding, in partnership with DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, is announcing the launch of its first Sewfree® product made using renewable material.

Biobased Sewfree® 3700 has been developed utilizing 25% bio-based Susterra® propanediol from DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, a renewably sourced, plant-based building block that delivers high…

Biobased Sewfree® 3700 has been developed utilizing 25% bio-based Susterra® propanediol from DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, a renewably sourced, plant-based building block that delivers high performance across a wide variety of polymer applications. Susterra® propanediol is a molecular building block that forms a key part of the polyurethane structure, resulting in a direct beneficial impact to carbon footprint as compared to standard petro-chemical polyurethane building blocks.

«Susterra® based materials excel in high-performance product applications, so we were thrilled that we could help Bemis Associates maintain the demanding standards of Sewfree® products» said Ben Roth, business development director, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products. «In addition, Susterra® propanediol, a USDA Certified 100 percent bio-based product, enables a lower carbon footprint compared to petroleum-derived materials, meaning that brands and consumers no longer have to make tradeoffs for sustainability and performance.»

«We were excited to work with Susterra® based materials in the development of this film. This initiative is in direct response to our customers’ requests for more sustainable options in our core markets. We continue to improve not just our operational environmental performance as a manufacturer, but also deliver products that allow our customers to meet their impact objectives» said Alyssa Caddle, director of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Bemis. «This product offers an opportunity to explore new ways to expand the portfolio of environmentally preferable adhesive options as we work towards our aspiration that all products demonstrate a measurable environmental benefit as compared to their predecessor by 2025.»

Bio-Based Sewfree® 3700 adhesive is engineered to replace elastics and bulky sewn seams in garments. It allows for sleeker lines, softer corners and stronger seams. Bio-Based Sewfree® adhesive features a low modulus and better recovery and is designed to be used where soft hand, high bond strength and ability to mold are required. It is designed to meet the Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management (AFIRM) group Restricted Substance List, is a USDA Certified Bio-based product, and is manufactured at the Bemis facility in Shirley MA that purchases renewable energy to match 100% of the facilities’ annual electricity load.

About Bemis Associates, Inc.
Bemis Associates Inc. is a manufacturer of thermoplastic adhesives, coatings, tapes and specialty film products for bonding. Headquartered in Shirley, MA, the company manufactures single and multilayered films, adhesive coatings, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyolefins, nylons and vinyl coated products. It also maintains an Asia headquarters in Hong Kong and branches in Portland, OR, Sri Lanka, China (Dongguan and Shanghai), Taiwan, and Vietnam. The company caters to multiple industries including apparel, athletic, performance outerwear, wearable electronics, intimates, handbags, automotive, outdoor, consumer electronics, and aerospace.

About DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products
DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products is a joint venture between DuPont, a global science company, and Tate & Lyle, a world-leading renewable food and industrial ingredients company. DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products provides natural and renewably sourced ingredients that enhance product performance. For more information on Susterra® propanediol, visit http://www.duponttateandlyle.com to see the solutions we offer across a wide variety of markets and applications.

DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.
01/27/21

For further information contact:

DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products
Chip Stockman
302-358-9427

Bemis Associates, Inc.
Scott Wood
603-540-4698

Media Contact

Chip Stockman, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products, 302-358-9427, james.stockman@dupont.com

SOURCE DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products

NORD State Report Card Grades States on Policy Issues Critical to Rare Disease Patients

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) and its Rare Action Network (RAN™) published the 6^th Edition of the State Report Card, the annual report rating each state and Washington, DC on the most important issues directly affecting more than 25 million Americans living with rare diseases. Despite a year marked by devastating impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Report Card demonstrates that progress was made in many states on newborn screening, step therapy, Rare Disease Advisory Councils and other key policies. The report also notes the need for states to take additional steps to address out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for rare disease patients and to protect patient access to affordable, comprehensive health care services.

«The State Report Card provides insight into the advances being made at the state level in supporting Americans living with rare diseases, and identifies where we still need to focus attention,» said NORD President and CEO, Peter L. Saltonstall. «For almost 40 years, NORD has served as the voice of the rare disease community, and we are committed to fighting for rare disease patients and policy changes that will make a difference in their lives. Our hope is that patients, advocates and policymakers find the new State Report Card site a useful tool in their work on policies to best meet the needs of rare patients and families.»

The 6th Edition of the State Report Card, compiled using data current as of November 2020, is presented in a new digital format, giving improved accessibility to the information contained in previous editions, as well as additional resources. The report provides detailed analysis across eight major policies, grading each state on its performance in those areas. Takeaways from the new report include:

Newborn screening: Many states increased the number of heritable conditions for which they screen in 2020. Across the country, more families were able to receive a diagnosis for their child as early as possible and grant other families peace of mind about their child’s health. NORD advocates for robust, well-funded newborn screening programs in every state.
Rare Disease Advisory Councils (RDACs): Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia successfully enacted Rare Disease Advisory Council legislation to elevate the rare disease community’s voice in state government, bringing the total number of RDACs to 16. NORD launched Project RDAC in November 2020 with a goal of optimizing the existing 16 RDACs and helping more states to enact RDAC legislation.
Medicaid: In 2020, Oklahoma and Missouri moved to expand eligibility for their state Medicaid programs, joining 39 states (including Washington DC) that have opted to extend access to this vital safety net. However, several states also pursued harmful policies that could inhibit the ability of rare disease patients to access care, such as the elimination of retroactive eligibility or limits to prescription drug coverage. NORD supports the ability of eligible rare disease patients to receive Medicaid services without unnecessary and harmful barriers.
Step Therapy: Louisiana, North Carolina and South Dakota passed new patient protections for step therapy protocols in 2020, adding to the growing list of 31 states with comprehensive step therapy protections. NORD supports policies to reform step therapy and protect patients by requiring that protocols are based on clinical criteria, clear exceptions processes exist, and certain automatic exceptions are outlined and respected.
Out-of-Pockets Costs: Two states took action in 2020 to help protect patients from rising out-of-pocket costs. New Jersey successfully capped out-of- pocket costs for patients at $150 per month per drug and Georgia banned copay accumulator programs. Still, more than half of states received a failing grade in this crucial policy area. NORD recognizes the direct impact high drug costs have on patients and advocates for policies to lower patient out-of-pocket expenses and maximize access to needed therapies.

For more information and to view the state-by-state report cards, maps, patient stories, resources and to download a full copy of the State Report Card, visit: http://bit.ly/State-Report-Cards. To learn more about NORD’s policy work, visit: http://bit.ly/Policy-Issues.

About the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD^®)

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is the leading independent advocacy organization representing all patients and families affected by rare diseases in the United States. NORD began as a small group of patient advocates that formed a coalition to unify and mobilize support to pass the Orphan Drug Act of 1983. Since then, the organization has led the way in voicing the needs of the rare disease community, driving supportive policies, furthering education, advancing medical research and providing patient and family services for those who need them most. Together with over 330 disease-specific member organizations, more than 15,000 Rare Action Network advocates across all 50 states, and national and global partners, NORD delivers on its mission to improve the lives of those impacted by rare diseases. Visit rarediseases.org.

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SOURCE National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Georg Bauer Joins Scott Painter in Launching NextCar (NXCR) and Driving the Next Generation of Vehicle Subscriptions

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Georg Bauer, global automotive financial services innovator, joins NextCar (NXCR) as Co-Founder, President, and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors.

…

Bauer brings to NXCR over four decades of global auto financial services experience. He served as the CEO of Mercedes Credit Corp and CEO of BMW Global Financial Services. At Tesla he built the financial services businesses in Europe and Asia. Bauer is also credited as being one of the early designers and pioneers of vehicle leasing, which was the first mainstream alternative to a traditional car loan. Most recently, he Co-Founded Fair.com, the first direct-to-consumer used vehicle subscription platform.

«Subscriptions offer an all-digital experience and flexible access to mobility without going into debt,» said Scott Painter, Founder and CEO of NXCR and co-founder of Fair, CarsDirect and TrueCar. Painter announced the launch of NextCar last October, since then the company has established a range of strategic partnerships, most notably with Westlake Financial, which will provide a $400 Million debt facility.

«The automotive industry is the last major sector of the economy to digitize its retail experience for the consumer,» said Bauer. «The ability to secure a vehicle from your phone, then simply pay-as-you-go for as long as that vehicle serves your needs is logical given our pandemic driven priorities.»

Commenting on the changes happening in the highly dynamic automotive space, Bauer explained, «vehicle subscriptions are the new frontier for automotive finance solutions. I believe that by 2025 at least 20% of all new and used car retail sales will be in the form of subscriptions. In essence, they are today what leasing was 40 years ago.»

Bauer further explained how subscriptions benefit the entire automotive ecosystem, «It’s clear that vehicle subscriptions strongly resonate with today’s modern consumer, but they also benefit car dealers by expanding their market size through velocity.»

Bauer will leverage his deep experience and relationships with automakers, their captive finance arms, independent auto lenders, and dealers to create a subscription ecosystem that enables a profitable and scalable business.

«Georg and I have a shared passion and vision, which is why I’m energized to build NextCar and to build it with him,» said Scott Painter, Co-Founder and CEO of NXCR.

About NXCR
NextCar Holding Company (NextCar/NXCR) is on a mission to create a platform that enables vehicle subscriptions to scale profitably. NextCar is innovating through technology, finance and insurance. NextCar will power car buying subscriptions for the used vehicle sector, as well as the burgeoning green and electric vehicle sector.

Media Contact:
press@nxcr.com

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SOURCE NXCR

PSE&G Gains Approval to Jump-Start Electric Vehicle Charging in New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities today approved a settlement that will enable PSE&G to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure in New Jersey. With this approval, the state’s largest utility is expected to invest $166 million over an expected six years and create about 270 direct clean energy jobs while helping to build out the state’s EV charging infrastructure.

…

PSE&G’s investments are designed to increase the availability of vehicle charging and ease «range anxiety,» the fear that an electric vehicle will run out of power before reaching a place to plug in. Many drivers cite the lack of convenient charging options as the top reason they are reluctant to switch to electric vehicles. Cars, trucks and buses are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state, and the New Jersey Energy Master Plan prioritizes electrifying the transportation sector as a key strategy to improve the state’s air quality and reduce health care costs. PSE&G’s program is expected to avoid 14 million metric tons of carbon emissions through 2035.

«EV adoption is critical to meeting New Jersey’s clean energy goals,» said Karen Reif, vice president of PSE&G’s Renewables and Energy Solutions group. «The scarcity of public and private charging infrastructure discourages more people from driving electric vehicles. PSE&G’s program will address those concerns and is designed to encourage people to make the switch to clean-running EVs and to help New Jersey enjoy the environmental and health benefits that will result from electrifying the transportation sector.»

«Electrifying transportation is an important component of PSEG’s Powering Progress vision for a future in which we help our customers use less energy, ensure that the energy they use is cleaner, and that energy is delivered more reliably than ever,» Reif said.

Making it easier to charge and drive electric vehicles is another step toward achieving Gov. Phil Murphy’s clean energy vision for New Jersey. PSE&G’s EV investment program includes supporting the infrastructure for residential charging equipment, EV chargers at multifamily buildings, government facilities and at public parking lots, as well as fast charging infrastructure along high-traffic corridors such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. The program also includes provisions for discounted charging during off-peak hours.

PSE&G is committed to universal access to EV charging and to serving all markets. The utility will not own EV chargers, but instead will support the infrastructure needed to place chargers throughout its service territory.

PSE&G’s program recognizes the widespread benefits of electric vehicles, including cleaner air, by displacing internal combustion engines. According to the American Lung Association, the widespread transition to zero-emission transportation technologies, including EVs, could lead to emissions reductions that could help New Jersey avoid premature deaths, prevent asthma attacks and lost work days, and yield close to $2 billion in avoided health costs in 2050.

Today’s BPU action follows its approval in September of PSE&G’s $1 billion investment in energy efficiency, and its decision earlier this month to allow PSE&G to invest approximately $700 million to provide its 2.3 million electric customers with smart meters. Each of these programs will advance PSE&G’s landmark Clean Energy Future proposal, an initiative designed to lower energy costs, reduce air pollution, create jobs and help make New Jersey a leader in clean energy.

For more details, visit psegpoweringprogress.com/electric-vehicles/

The remaining vehicle innovation portion of our EV proposal to support medium- and heavy-duty vehicles such as school buses, as well as our energy storage proposal, are pending before the BPU.

More information about PSEG’s commitment to environmental leadership can be found in its Sustainability Report and ESG Performance Report.

PSE&G
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, serving three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2020, PSE&G was named the most trusted combined gas & electric utility in the East Region, by the Cogent Syndicated Brand Trust Index. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company. PSEG has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 13 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

Visit PSEG at:
www.pseg.com
PSEG on Facebook
PSEG on Twitter
PSEG on LinkedIn
PSEG Energize!

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SOURCE Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G)

Alexandre Family Farm Becomes The First Certified Regenerative Organic Dairy Farm In The United States

CRESCENT CITY, Calif., Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Alexandre Family Farm has become the Regenerative Organic Alliance’s first and only Regenerative Organic Certified™ dairy farm in the United States. The Alexandre Family Farm is also the first dairy to obtain Ecological Outcome Verification certification by the Savory Institute. These certifications acknowledge that the farm’s practices go far beyond sustainability to continuously improve soil biology as well as the entire ecosystem – water, land, air and animals.

The Alexandre Family Farm A2/A2 dairy exemplifies how regenerative farming can help save the Earth and family farms.

«When we began farming this way 30 years ago, we weren’t intentionally trying to have an impact on climate change,» says founder Blake Alexandre. «We were focused on the health of the soil and manage our pasture by having our animals graze our land. When you increase organic matter in soil, you also capture carbon. We soon came to realize that healthy soil not only has positive effects on our pasture, our cows and their milk, but it has a profound effect on our planet as well. Over the years, we’ve become increasingly proud of producing food that’s not only good for your body but good for the earth.»

The Savory Institute’s Land to Market Program tracks outcomes in soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function through the Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) protocol, which collects scientific data over time to prove regenerative outcomes.

«We strongly believe that regeneration must be measured. By using empirical data, the Alexandres show foresight and initiative in managing land with an ecological approach,» says David Rizzo, COO, Land to Market. «This is a major step forward for dairy, and we are excited to see these verified products in the marketplace that meet the consumers desire to know their purchase is supporting the shift to regenerative agriculture.»

The Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC™) program is based on strict standards for soil health and land management in addition to animal welfare and farmworker fairness. Alexandre Family Farm was one of only 21 farms selected globally to be a part of the ROC Pilot Program, and joins leading brands Patagonia, Dr. Bronner’s and Nature’s Path in attaining certification.

«Dairies face unique challenges to earning a certification as rigorous as ROC. The Alexandres’ achievement of this high-bar seal is a true testament to their commitment to ecological, humane and ethical practices across the board,» says Elizabeth Whitlow, Executive Director of the ROA. «We are so proud to welcome them into the ROC family!»

Regenerative Organic A2/A2 Milk Becomes Available Nationwide On February 1st, 2021

Milk is an efficient superfood and a great source of energy, vitamins, electrolytes and protein. Milk protein is made up of whey and casein. Traditionally, the beta casein in cow’s milk was the same as the primary protein in human milk called A2/A2. This protein is easily digestible and is similar to breast milk, sheep and goat milk. However, over time, a genetic mutation resulted in the introduction of the A1 protein –which is difficult for humans to digest and linked to stomach upset and inflammation.

In fact, many people who believe they are lactose intolerant are actually A1 intolerant. After Blake and Stephanie Alexandre learned about this genetic mutation, they started to carefully crossbreed their cows to remove the A1 protein from their gene pool. After two decades, they now have the only regenerative dairy herd of 100% A2/A2 cows in the U.S.

Starting February 1^st, Alexandre Family Farm milk will become the first 100% A2/A2 regenerative organic milk to be distributed nationwide. Alexandre cartons (59 oz) will be available at Whole Foods and other retailers throughout the country.

About Alexandre Family Farm
As fourth generation dairy farmers with over 40 years of experience, Blake and Stephanie Alexandre founded Alexandre Family Farm in Crescent City, California in 1988, and began bottling under their brand in 2017. Along with their five grown children and spouses, they operate the only certified regenerative organic and 100% A2 dairy and mobile coop egg ranch in the United States. Their products include 59 oz. eco-carton milks, distributed nationwide, and eggs, bottled milks and yogurts available west of the Rockies.

Contact: Sharon Egan

sharon@alexandrefamilyfarm.com

208.309.3069

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SOURCE Alexandre Family Farm

Hunt Perovskite Technologies Announces Publication Of Peer-Review Journal Article In ACS Energy Letters

DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Hunt Perovskite Technologies (HPT) today announced the publication of its scientific article, «Improving Photostability of Caesium-Doped Formamidinium Lead Triiodide Perovskite,» in the American Chemical Society (ACS) Energy Letters, a leading publisher of scientific journals. The article can be found online at <a target="_blank"…

This article was jointly written by HPT in collaboration with Colorado School of Mines and with the United States Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, both located in Golden, CO.

«This paper clearly demonstrates our early strategic decision to address the most critical issue to perovskite PV commercialization: fundamental durability,» said Dr. Michael D. Irwin, chief technology officer for HPT. «We are excited to share this peer-reviewed publication with the scientific community and are especially proud to have done it in cooperation with our co-authors.»

In the article, HPT and its co-authors identify and analyze the importance of perovskite thin film stoichiometry to its durability and the possible mechanisms that lead to rapid degradation of certain perovskite materials designed for use in the manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. Their results provide key insights into ways to improve the fundamental durability and stability of perovskite PV modules.

«It was teamwork that made this discovery possible. The expertise and know-how from the Hunt team led by Chief Technology Officer Michael Irwin and the broad knowledge provided by NREL’s Joseph Berry, director of the US Manufacturing Advanced Perovskites Consortium, gave us direction to follow our early suspicions as we screened materials for photostability,» said K. Xerxes Steirer, research assistant professor of physics at Colorado School of Mines.

HPT has been engaged in metal halide perovskite solar cell development since 2013. HPT currently owns the largest perovskite PV patent portfolio in the United States and one of the largest in the world, with 22 patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and over 45 additional patents by international patent offices.

HPT is the only known ink-based perovskite solar technology developer that has succeeded in demonstrating high durability under accelerated lifetime testing for non-hermetically sealed devices and unprotected perovskite materials, while maintaining respectable light-to-power conversion efficiencies.

About Hunt Perovskite Technologies
Hunt Perovskite Technologies specializes in the development of highly-stable and efficient metal halide perovskite materials for use in single-junction PV solar panels for the utility-scale market. It is part of a larger privately-owned group of companies managed by the Ray L. Hunt family that engages in oil and gas exploration, refining, power, real estate, ranching and private equity investments. For more information, please visit www.huntperovskite.com.

Contact: Paul Schulze
(214) 978-8534

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SOURCE Hunt Perovskite Technologies

Con Edison Outlines Pathway To Climate Resiliency And Adaptation

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con Edison is enhancing how it plans and designs its energy delivery systems to make New York City and Westchester County more resilient against the intensifying effects of climate change.

In a <a target="_blank"…

In a report issued today, Con Edison details how it will incorporate climate change into its planning, design, operations, and emergency response. The company has taken a more proactive and forward-looking approach to climate resiliency in recent years, building on its energy industry leadership on the issue.

«The New York City region will continue to thrive in a climate-impacted 21^st century, but keeping ahead of climate change requires new ways of thinking and acting,» said Nelson Yip, director of Strategic Planning, Con Edison. «The changes we are making today will help Con Edison maintain safe, reliable and resilient operations for our customers in the decades ahead.»

Con Edison’s energy infrastructure is vulnerable to climate change, and the company recognizes the global scientific consensus that these changes are accelerating.

The company’s announced pathways prepare for the upper end of potential climate change, beyond the goals set out in the Paris Agreement.

Con Edison is already using its climate change projections for decision making in areas such as power supply forecasting, and will integrate climate considerations into other processes beginning in 2021. In addition, the company will form a new executive-level committee focused on climate risk and resilience.

Con Edison analyzed climate vulnerabilities across its energy delivery systems, culminating in a landmark study released in 2019. The Climate Change Implementation Plan, filed recently with the New York State Department of Public Service, represents the next step in the journey toward climate resilience.

The plan reflects not only the experience of experts across Con Edison, but also the feedback, input and experience of more than 50 stakeholders, including New York State Department of Public Service staff, municipal representatives and environmental advocacy organizations.

«The work by Con Edison to anticipate and prepare for extreme events caused or worsened by climate change advances the global state of the art,» said Michael Gerrard, director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School. «It represents the innovative application of advanced climate science to the highly technical details of utility system management. It will benefit not only Con Edison’s customers but also utility companies around the world that are looking for models on how to cope with climate change.»

Climate change affects nearly every aspect of Con Edison’s operations. It is accelerating the need to fortify key infrastructure, putting additional heat stress on field workers, and shifting energy consumption patterns.

The number of days when the average 24-hour temperature in Central Park is higher than 86 degrees could reach 21 per year by 2050 and 45 by 2080, compared to three such days historically.

Hotter temperatures will mean sharper spikes in summer energy consumption. That summer peak could be up to 900 megawatts higher by 2050, according to the company’s projections.

At the same time, extreme storms are becoming more frequent. Con Edison’s updated flood-design standard requires that new facilities built for 80 years of operation be able to accommodate an additional three feet of sea level rise – reflecting what is likely to be a much-altered planet by the end of the century.

While staying ahead of climate change will require additional investments, proactive efforts will bring immediate benefits by improving the «blue-sky» performance of New York’s energy grid and paving the way for more renewable energy.

As part of its Clean Energy Commitment, Con Edison, Inc. has pledged to offer its customers the chance to buy 100 percent clean electricity by 2040, accelerate the move toward electric vehicles, and invest even more aggressively in energy efficiency. The company, through its Clean Energy Businesses, is North America’s second largest generator of solar energy. Con Edison recently announced a landmark battery storage development in New York City.

While the Climate Change Implementation Plan provides a strong foundation for action, Con Edison will evolve its adaptation efforts over time based on new science and its customers’ needs. It will review its climate projections annually and update them at least every five years. The company will provide regular public reporting on its progress through its annual Sustainability Report and other disclosures.

Con Edison supports New York’s ambitious climate and clean energy goals and will do its part to help the state build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comments of participants/stakeholders:

Jainey Bavishi, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Resiliency:
«As the climate crisis worsens, we must continually adapt our systems to ensure that New York City remains a global center of innovation and opportunity. Con Edison’s efforts to harden its infrastructure and prepare for more severe extreme weather will strengthen resiliency citywide while increasing the reliability of the electric grid. We look forward to continuing to partner closely with them and our other local utilities to address climate vulnerabilities and fortify the critical infrastructure that all New Yorkers depend on.»

Elizabeth B. Stein, Lead Counsel, Energy Transition Strategy at Environmental Defense Fund:
«Con Edison’s work to build climate risk into its long-term planning puts it at the forefront of utilities preparing to meet the demands of electrification. This is good news for New Yorkers who are poised to rely more and more on the electric grid as a source of clean energy – including the growing population of electric vehicle drivers.»

Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters:
«Con Edison is leading on climate action by integrating climate change projections into everyday planning, design, and decision making. The step will make Con Edison more resilient to the effects of climate change and advance the green energy economy. We commend them on their bold environmental vision.»

Anne Choate, Senior Vice President for Energy, Environment and Infrastructure at ICF:
«By establishing a clear pathway of anticipated change and integrating forward-looking climate information into core aspects of its business, Con Edison has the right foundation to manage their risks from a changing climate. Armed with this adaptive and proactive plan, Con Edison can make better investment decisions, protect its assets and workers, and support the resilience of its customers. We are proud to partner with them to set a new standard for climate resilience not only in New York, but across the country.»

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $60 billion in assets. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam to 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/con-edison-outlines-pathway-to-climate-resiliency-and-adaptation-301216417.html

SOURCE Consolidated Edison, Inc.

True Rate of Unemployment: One-fourth of American Workers Remain ‘Functionally Unemployed’ as Racial and Gender Gaps Widen

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — More than one-fourth of American workers remain without a job that lifts them above the poverty level, presenting a major challenge for the new Congress and the Biden Administration, according to the latest analysis of the country’s unemployment rate released today by the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity (LISEP). At the same time, racial and gender gaps have widened, exacerbating economic inequity.

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«For any economic recovery to be sustainable, the rising tide must lift all boats,» said Gene Ludwig, LISEP chairman. «While we have seen some improvement in the government-reported unemployment rate since the pandemic began, many of these jobs are not sufficient to support a family. No economic recovery can succeed without the opportunity for all Americans to participate equally.»

In its monthly analysis of employment data, LISEP’s True Rate of Unemployment (TRU) – a measure of the «functionally unemployed,» defined as workers seeking but unable to secure full-time jobs that take them over the poverty level – came in at 25.1 percent for the month of December. This is a marginal improvement over the November TRU of 25.7 percent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) unemployment rate for December was unchanged at 6.7 percent.

While the overall TRU showed a slight overall improvement in living wage job growth, the improvements were not equal across all demographics. The slight decrease was fueled primarily by a 1.3 point improvement in the TRU for White Americans (now 22.7 percent), versus a 0.2 point improvement for Black workers, to 30.2 percent. The TRU rate for Hispanic Americans worsened, up 1.5 points to 31.6 percent.

Meanwhile, the TRU among workers with the highest education level (professional or advanced degrees) has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels at 11.5 percent, a full percentage point lower than in February 2020. Living-wage job prospects worsened, though, for those with only a high school education, increasing from 21.8 percent to 24.1 percent, and for those with less than a high school diploma, with a TRU of 49.3 percent, up 0.8 points since November.

The gender gap among the functionally unemployed continues to widen as well, based on the TRU data. While the TRU for women improved by 0.3 points, the rate for men improved by 0.9, widening an immense gap between men and women – 20.6 versus 30.4 percent, respectively.

Ludwig was cautious regarding the overall TRU improvement, noting that the widening gender and race gaps are reasons for concern. He also noted that recent proactive measures by policymakers represent steps in the right direction.

«We must address inequality on all levels – gender, racial, economic – if we are to succeed as a nation, and that begins with the opportunity to secure a stable, living-wage job,» Ludwig said. «These numbers underscore the scale of the economic crisis facing the country, and strengthen the case for bold, decisive action by policymakers.»

LISEP issued the white paper «Measuring Better: Development of ‘True Rate of Unemployment’ Data as the Basis for Social and Economic Policy» upon announcing the new statistical measure in October. The paper and methodology can be viewed here. LISEP issues TRU one to two weeks following the release of the BLS unemployment report, which occurs on the first Friday of each month. The TRU rate and supporting data are available on the LISEP website at www.lisep.org.

LISEP was created in 2019 by Ludwig and his wife, Dr. Carol Ludwig. The mission of LISEP is to improve the economic well-being of middle- and lower-income Americans through research and education, and seeks to advance the dialogue around policy solutions to improve the well-being of all Americans.

In addition to his role as LISEP chair, Gene Ludwig is founder of the Promontory family of companies and Canapi LLC, the nation’s largest financial technology venture fund. He is the CEO of Promontory Financial Group and chairman and CEO of Promontory MortgagePath, a technology-based mortgage fulfillment and solutions company. Ludwig is the former vice chairman and senior control officer of Bankers Trust New York Corp., and served as the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency from 1993 to 1998. He is also author of the book The Vanishing American Dream, which investigates the economic challenges facing low- and middle-income Americans. It was released in September by Disruption Books.

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SOURCE Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity