Mergers and acquisitions
PBS&J acquires Durham: Engineering and consulting firm PBS&J has acquired Durham Technologies Inc., a firm specializing in the development of analytical methodologies for risk measurement, modeling and management.
MDU to purchase facility: MDU Resources Group Inc. announced that its Centennial Power Inc. subsidiary has entered into an agreement to purchase the 66.6 MW Mountain View wind-powered electric generation facility from San Gorgonio Power Corp., an affiliate of PG&E National Energy Group, for $102.5 million cash, subject to certain closing adjustments. The Mountain View project is located in the San Gorgonio pass, northwest of Palm Springs, Calif.
Legal and regulatory
MPSC grants rate increase: The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved Upper Peninsula Power Co.'s request to increase base rates for its retail customers by approximately 8.95 percent. This is the first base rate increase for the company in 10 years. The average residential customer using 500 kWh of electricity per month will see a monthly increase of approximately $4.76.
Unitil files for rate decrease: Unitil Corp.'s wholly owned subsidiary, Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Co., filed for a decrease in its electric rates for its standard offer customers with the Massachusetts Dept. of Telecommunications and Energy. If approved, the proposed rates will go into effect this month. The price for standard offer service will drop from its current level of $0.05626 per kWh to $0.05360 per kWh.
Executive appointments
Great Plains Energy: The company will retain Greg Orman as a company advisor, but he will resign as executive vice president.
Avista Corp.: Dr. Lura Powell has been appointed to the board of directors.
Exelon Corp.: Elizabeth Moler has been promoted to executive vice president, government and environmental affairs, and public policy.
Hawaiian Electric Industries & Hawaiian Electric Co.: Shirley J. Daniel has been elected to the board of directors.
Westar Energy: William B. Moore is chief operating officer and executive vice president.
