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☆ Amazon's AI data center dream runs into the reality of 'zombie' facilities, higher costs, and labor shortages
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-23 | by ( Eugene Kim | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Electricity and labor headwinds slow Amazon's data center buildout. AdvertisementAmazon is spending heavily on data centers to support booming AI workloads, putting it on pace to build 240 new facilities by 2040, one estimate found. David Cahn, a Sequoia Capital general partner, recently predicted data center delays across the sector. Bernstein Research recently estimated that electricity demand for AI data centers could exceed supply in just two years without action. An Amazon data center in Oregon.

Persons: —, It's, David Cahn, Marc Wulfraat, MWPVL, we've, Bernstein, Amazon's, Matt Garman, JOSH EDELSON, Garman, Manuel Pineda, Pineda, Owens Corning Organizations: Service, Sequoia Capital, Energy, Amazon, Boston Consulting Group, Bernstein Research, Business, Web, San Francisco 49ers, BI, AWS, Uptime Institute, Center, Survey Locations: AMER, Americas, Oregon , Ohio, Northern Virginia, Amazon's Portland, Arizona, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Silicon Valley, Santa Clara , California, Santa Clara, Levi's, City, Santa, Oregon

☆ Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway trouncing the market this year and near a record heading into shareholder meeting
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Berkshire Hathaway shares are near all-time highs ahead of the conglomerate's annual shareholder meeting, but a few worries are weighing on analysts' minds. BRK.B ALL mountain Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares But that doesn't mean the stock is without its problems. Berkshire Hathaway Energy Berkshire Hathaway has been contending with several high-profile lawsuits in recent months, including the settlement this year of a billion-dollar lawsuit with the Haslam family over how Berkshire valued Pilot Travel Centers, a truck-stop giant. Her 12-month price target of $472 implies Berkshire shares can climb roughly 18% from Thursday's closing price of $400.60 per share. "I think that the future is very bright for Berkshire Hathaway," Shanahan said.

Persons: Berkshire Hathaway, Cathy Seifert, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Berkshire Hathaway, Haslam, PacifiCorp, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett, Edward Jones, James Shanahan, CFRA's Seifert, Seifert, Shanahan, Bull Organizations: Berkshire, Berkshire Hathaway, CFRA Research, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Berkshire, Travel Centers, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Federal Reserve, CNBC Locations: Berkshire, Oregon, Northern California, Warren, Woodstock, Omaha , Nebraska

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon jury awarded $85 million Tuesday to nine victims of wildfires that ravaged the state in 2020, the latest verdict in a series of legal proceedings that are expected to put the utility PacifiCorp on the hook for billions of dollars over its liability for the deadly blazes. “The 2020 wildfires were undeniably tragic,” it said. “PacifiCorp has settled and will continue to settle all reasonable claims for actual damages under Oregon law. The damages awarded Tuesday were the first in cases brought by that broader class, with additional trials expected in February and April. PacifiCorp also agreed last month to pay $299 million to settle a lawsuit brought by 463 plaintiffs who were harmed by separate devastating wildfires in southern Oregon over Labor Day 2020.

Persons: ” Nick Rosinia, PacifiCorp, “ PacifiCorp, PacifCorp Organizations: Labor Locations: PORTLAND, An Oregon, Oregon

☆ Buffett's Berkshire posts bigger loss as stocks fall; operating profit sets record
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-04 | by ( Jonathan Stempel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Operating profit rose 41% to $10.76 billion, even as Berkshire's net loss more than quadrupled to $12.77 billion. "Against that backdrop it's not surprising that Berkshire's consumer and housing-related subsidiaries are seeing pressure," she said. "Berkshire is disciplined," said Tom Russo, a partner at Gardner Russo & Quinn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania who has owned Berkshire stock since 1982. Berkshire's net results swing widely because accounting rules require the company to report investment gains and losses even if it buys and sells nothing. His $117.5 billion net worth ranks fifth worldwide according to Forbes magazine.

Persons: Rick Wilking, Warren Buffett's, Jim Shanahan, Edward Jones, Cathy Seifert, extol, Buffett, Tom Russo, Gardner Russo, Quinn, Cash, Berkshire's, Ian, Geico, Shanahan, PACIFICORP, Haslam, Jonathan Stempel, Ira Iosebashvili, Jason Neely, Diane Craft Organizations: Berkshire Hathaway, REUTERS, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, Apple, Treasury, BNSF, Clayton Homes ., Berkshire, Forbes, . Berkshire, Thomson Locations: Omaha, U.S, Berkshire, Omaha , Nebraska, Lancaster , Pennsylvania, California, Florida , New Jersey, New York, United States, Israel

(AP) — Warren Buffett's company has reported a nearly $13 billion loss in the third quarter as the paper value of its investments fell, but the companies it owns — particularly the insurers — generally performed well. Berkshire Hathaway said Saturday that it lost $12.8 billion, or $8,824 per Class A share, in the quarter. That's significantly bigger than the $2.8 billion loss, or $1,907 per Class A share, that it reported a year ago. A year ago, the insurers reported a $1.1 billion loss in the third quarter. The biggest driver in that increase in expenses was a $1.3 billion loss related to wildfires at its PacifiCorp unit.

Persons: — Warren, Berkshire Hathaway, Berkshire didn't, Buffett, See's, hasn't, Josh Funk Organizations: Berkshire, Apple, Accounting, FactSet Research, BNSF, hathaway Locations: OMAHA, Neb, Berkshire, Omaha , Nebraska, berkshire

☆ America's electric grid is in shambles. Biden has made the largest federal investment ever to try and fix it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Matthew Daly | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Biden announced $3.5 billion for 58 projects across the country to strengthen the electric grid. This is the largest federal investment ever made in grid infrastructure, said US Energy Secretary. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said it was the largest federal investment ever in grid infrastructure, supporting projects that will harden electric systems and improve energy reliability and affordability. The federal spending, combined with money promised by private partners, could result in up to $8 billion in investments nationally to upgrade the grid, Granholm said. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe largest grant, $464 million, will go to improve five transmission projects across seven Midwestern states, from Iowa to North Dakota.

Persons: Biden, Jennifer Granholm, Granholm, Chip Somodevilla, ″, Mitch Landrieu, Joe Biden, Landrieu, Jonathan Foley, Foley, Tim Walz, Steve Karnowski Organizations: US Energy, Service, Wednesday, Energy, Biden, Resilience, White House, Minnesota Gov, AP, of Commerce, CPS Energy, Consumers Energy, Flint, DTE Energy, Portland General Electric Locations: Maui, California, Georgia, Louisiana, American, Oregon, Iowa, North Dakota, Hawaii, California , Oregon , Utah, Minnesota, Locust Grove, Orleans, San Antonio, Texas , Colorado , New Mexico, Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan, Grand Rapids, Detroit

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Wednesday announced $3.5 billion for 58 projects across the country to strengthen electric grid resilience as extreme weather events such as the deadly Maui and California wildfires continue to strain the nation’s aging transmission systems. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said it was the largest federal investment ever in grid infrastructure, supporting projects that will harden electric systems and improve energy reliability and affordability. The federal spending, combined with money promised by private partners, could result in up to $8 billion in investments nationally to upgrade the grid, Granholm said. Political Cartoons View All 1211 ImagesThe largest grant, $464 million, will go to improve five transmission projects across seven Midwestern states, from Iowa to North Dakota. In southeastern Pennsylvania, PECO Energy Co. will increase grid reliability and resilience through substation flood mitigation and replacing aging infrastructure.

Persons: —, Biden, Jennifer Granholm, Granholm, ″, Mitch Landrieu, Joe Biden, ” Landrieu, ”, Jonathan Foley, ” Foley, Isabella O'Malley Organizations: WASHINGTON, Wednesday, Energy, Biden, Resilience, White House, Entergy, CPS Energy, DTE Energy, PECO Energy, Portland General Electric, Associated Press Locations: Maui, California, Georgia, Louisiana, American, Oregon, Iowa, North Dakota, Hawaii, California , Oregon , Utah, San Francisco, Locust Grove , Georgia, Orleans, San Antonio, Minnesota, Texas , Colorado , New Mexico, Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan, Detroit, Pennsylvania, New York

The suits allege that downed power lines operated by the company contributed to the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. The wildfire risk posed by aboveground power lines is well documented. Lives lost, billions in damagesThe Maui fires have killed at least 115 people with hundreds still missing. But Mitchell said insulating aboveground power lines with a protective covering is also an effective solution that is cheaper and can be rolled out more quickly. There is also technology coming to market that can de-energize power lines automatically when there's a problem, he said.

Persons: Mike Blake, Fitch, Berkshire Hathaway's, Paul Starita, They're, Singleton Schreiber, Alexandra von Meier, von Meier, Marshall, Michael Dougherty, Bob Frenzel, Xcel, Berkshire Hathaway, PacifiCorp, aboveground, Scott Aaronson, Aaronson, Joseph Mitchell, Mitchell Organizations: Reuters Electric, Hawaiian Electric, National Weather Service, Hawaii Electric, . Pacific Gas & Electric, PG, Xcel Energy, U.S . Forest Service, University of California, Moody's, Fitch, Electric, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, Xcel, Marshall Fire, Marshall, Boulder, Labor, Fire, American Society of Civil Engineers, ASCE, The Edison Electric Institute, California Public Utilities Commission Locations: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S, Maui County, Hurricane, California, Berkshire, Berkshire Hathaway's PacifiCorp, Oregon, Colorado, Berkeley, Minnesota, Boulder County, Paradise, Golden

☆ Has climate change made utilities a risky bet? What income investors need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The wildfires in Maui are just the latest example of severe weather and the peril facing utilities. However, investors can pick up about 4% yield on stocks that have dividends that are considered safe, which makes them attractive to investors seeking income. Climate change's impact Climate change is altering not only the Earth's temperature, but also precipitation patterns, said Zachary Zobel, risk associate director at Woodwell Climate Research Center. Climate change could impact utilities in other areas, like sustaining damage during hurricanes and floods. "You don't have to just rely on just one sector to get dividend income," said Cheng.

Persons: hasn't, Michael Lonegan, Neil Kalton, Kalton, Zachary Zobel, Zobel, Berkshire Hathaway, PacificCorp, Wells Fargo's Kalton, it's, Marguerita Cheng, Cheng, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, Electric, NBC News, Evercore ISI, Wall Street, Wells, Wells Fargo Securities, FEMA, Woodwell Climate Research Center, Gas & Electric, Blue, Global, CNBC, & $ Locations: Maui, Lahaina, Wells Fargo, California, Berkshire

☆ Berkshire posts record operating profit, rising rates boost Buffett's returns
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( Jonathan Stempel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

"The earnings impact of higher interest rates on investment income is offsetting the economic softness caused by those same rates," he added. Investors closely watch Berkshire because of Buffett's reputation, and because results from the Omaha, Nebraska-based company's operating units often mirror broader economic trends. NOT LOVING VALUATIONSQuarterly operating profit rose 7% to $10.04 billion, or about $6,938 per Class A share, from $9.42 billion a year earlier. Berkshire repurchased $1.4 billion of stock in the quarter, down from $4.4 billion from January to March. Overall profit from Berkshire Hathaway Energy, where Berkshire has a 92% stake, was little changed at $785 million.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Rick Wilking, Berkshire Hathaway, Jim Shanahan, Edward Jones, Buffett, Cathy Seifert, Seifert, PacifiCorp, Jonathan Stempel, Ira Iosebashvili, Angus MacSwan, Jan Harvey, Alistair Bell, Diane Craft Organizations: Berkshire Hathaway Inc, Omaha , Nebraska U.S, REUTERS, Berkshire, Berkshire's Clayton Homes, Profit, BNSF, Forbes, Berkshire repurchased, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Occidental Petroleum, Thomson Locations: Omaha , Nebraska, Berkshire, Alleghany, Oregon, An Oregon, Occidental, New York

☆ Berkshire posts record operating profit, $35.9 billion of net income
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( Jonathan Stempel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Quarterly operating profit topped $10 billion for the first time but grew just 7%, in part from recent purchases of the Alleghany insurer and Pilot truck stop operator. Second-quarter operating profit rose to $10.04 billion, or about $6,938 per Class A share, from $9.42 billion a year earlier. Net income totaled $35.91 billion, or $24,775 per Class A share, compared with a year-earlier $43.62 billion loss. Pilot added $114 million to operating profit. Overall profit from Berkshire Hathaway Energy, in which Berkshire has a 92% stake, was little changed at $785 million.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Rick Wilking, Berkshire Hathaway, Cathy Seifert, Seifert, Buffett, PacifiCorp, Jonathan Stempel, Angus MacSwan, Jan Harvey, Alistair Bell Organizations: Berkshire Hathaway Inc, Omaha , Nebraska U.S, REUTERS, Berkshire, Clayton Homes, BNSF, Berkshire repurchased, Apple, Occidental Petroleum, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Forbes, Thomson Locations: Omaha , Nebraska, Berkshire, Alleghany, Occidental, An Oregon, New York

☆ Factbox: Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway at a glance
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

[1/2] Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett walks through the exhibit hall as shareholders gather to hear from the billionaire investor at Berkshire Hathaway Inc's annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., May 4, 2019. REUTERS/Scott Morgan/File PhotoMay 4 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people are descending on Omaha, Nebraska to attend the annual shareholder weekend for billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N). Susan Buffett and Howard Buffett are Berkshire directors. His Berkshire stock will go to philanthropy after he dies. (Interview with CNBC, April 12, 2023)Abel on Berkshire managers' relationship with him: "It's not the same as working for Warren.

☆ A coal mine is on fire in Utah leaving a small town at risk
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Sara Ruberg | Sara Ruberg Is A News Associate With Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

The Trump administration gave several towns relying on oil, gas and coal a boost by cutting royalty payments and expanding projects. East Carbon is a coal town, one of only a few hundred still hanging on. Emery County Coal Resources, which is a subsidiary of American Consolidated Natural Resources, owns Lila Canyon Mine and did not reply to several requests for comment. Utah relies heavily on coal for energy: 61% of the state’s electricity net generation came from coal-fired plants. But Porter said Emery County Coal Resources, the company that runs the mine, has a solid plan to extinguish it.

☆ Bill Gates-backed reactor delayed on worries about fuel from Russia
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Timothy Gardner | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The fuel, called high assay low enriched uranium, or HALEU, is enriched up to 20%, much above the up to 5% level today's reactors use. "TerraPower is anticipating a minimum of a two-year delay to being able to bring the Natrium reactor into operation," he said. The Department of Energy (DOE) is looking to downblend some of its stockpile of weapons-grade uranium to help provide fuel for the reactor projects. Levesque said TerraPower will provide a schedule update next year when it knows more about HALEU supply including the availability of DOE material for downblending. Only one company outside Russia, U.S.-based Centrus Energy Corp (LEU.A) is licensed to produce the fuel but it is years away from making commercial amounts.

☆ To save salmon, U.S. approves largest dam removal in history
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Daniel Trotta | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - A U.S. agency seeking to restore habitat for endangered fish gave final approval on Thursday to decommission four dams straddling the California-Oregon border, the largest dam removal undertaking in U.S. history. Dam removal is expected to improve the health of the Klamath River, the route that Chinook salmon and endangered coho salmon take from the Pacific Ocean to their upstream spawning grounds, and from where the young fish return to the sea. The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued an order surrendering the dam licenses and approving removal of the dams. "The Klamath salmon are coming home," Joseph James, chairman of the Yurok Tribe, said in a statement. Climate change and drought have also stressed the salmon habitat; the river has become too warm and too full of parasites for many fish to survive.

☆ TerraPower, PacifiCorp to study 5 more advanced nuclear reactors
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Oct 27 (Reuters) - TerraPower LLC, Bill Gates' advanced nuclear reactor company, and power company PacifiCorp said on Thursday they will undertake a study to evaluate deploying up to five additional Natrium reactors in the U.S. West by 2035. The Wyoming Natrium reactor, being developed by TerraPower and GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, will get about half of its funding from the U.S. government. The joint study on the additional reactors will evaluate the potential for advanced reactors to be located near current fossil-fueled generation sites, enabling PacifiCorp to repurpose existing power generation and transmission assets in California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, the companies said. Some nonproliferation experts say the more highly enriched fuel expected to be used by advanced reactors could become an attractive target for militants looking to convert it for use in a crude nuclear weapon. Advanced reactor proponents say the plants are safer and create less waste.

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