Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Ormat Technologies Reports Record Fourth Quarter 2008 and Year-End Results

RENO, Nev., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2008.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040422/LATH066LOGO)

Highlights of the company performance include:

  • Revenues increased 35.2% for the quarter to $95.5 million and 16.5% for the year to $344.8 million.
  • Net income increased 31.3% to $11.7 million in the quarter and 82.0% to $49.8 million for the year.
  • Earnings per share increased 18.2 % to $0.26 in the quarter and 60% to $1.12 for the year.
  • Product backlog reached a record high of $194.0 million.
  • Ormat-owned generating capacity increased by 109 MW, an increase of over 25% during 2008.

Commenting on the results, Dita Bronicki, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat, stated: "It was a good year and quarter for Ormat, as reflected in our financial results. The fundamental business of the Company is in excellent condition and the benefits of the new Stimulus Act will further improve our future results. We substantially grew and improved the profitability of our Electricity and Products Segments, significantly increased the generating capacity in our Electricity Segment and ended the year with a record backlog in the Products Segment.

"In our Electricity Segment, we have substantially completed the construction of several projects that have increased our generating portfolio by 109 MW to 505 MW. This organic growth includes:

  • phase II of the Olkaria III project in Kenya, which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2008 and is now in commercial operation;
  • the 50 MW North Brawley project, which reached the start up phase and will ramp up gradually with full capacity expected in the second quarter of 2009;
  • 18 MW in 2 different geothermal projects; and
  • 5.5 MW in the first of four OREG 2 recovered energy generation (REG) projects."

Ms. Bronicki continued: "Looking ahead to 2009, in our Electricity Segment we expect to add approximately 34 MW to our generating portfolio. We had hoped to complete the 30 MW East Brawley project in 2009, but this project has been pushed back to 2010 due to permitting delays.

"In support of future growth we have added 150,000 acres of new leases to our development inventory during 2008, a large acreage for future exploration activity. We have in place the capital resources to fund our CapEx requirement of about $250 million for our present growth plans in 2009", Ms. Bronicki concluded.

Electricity revenues for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $62.1 million, an increase of 11.8%, compared to $55.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The increase in electricity revenues is primarily attributable to a net increase in domestic electricity generation to 645,826 MWh for the quarter, up from 533,110 MWh in the same period of 2007 as a result of new plants coming on line and enhanced performance of existing plants. In addition, increased energy rates at the Puna project due to higher oil prices also helped boost electricity revenues. Current lower oil prices will reduce our revenues from the Puna project in 2009.

Revenues from the Products Segment for the three-month period ended December 31, 2008 were $33.4 million, compared to $15.1 million in the same period in 2007, an increase of 120.9%. Most of the increase in revenues was derived from two large geothermal projects, the Blue Mountain project in Nevada and the Centennial Binary Plant in New Zealand.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $31.5 million, compared to $25.2 million in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA includes operating income and depreciation and amortization totaling $1.3 million and $2.0 million for the quarters ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to the Company's unconsolidated investments. The reconciliation of GAAP net income to Adjusted EBITDA is set forth below in this release.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2008 decreased to $34.4 million from $60.7 million as of December 31, 2007. In addition, we have unutilized committed bank lines of credits aggregating $222.5 million.

On February 24, 2009, Ormat's Board of Directors approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share pursuant to the Company's dividend policy, which targets an annual payout ratio of at least 20% of the Company's net income, subject to Board approval. The dividend will be paid on March 26, 2009, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 16, 2009. The Company expects to pay a dividend of $0.06 per share in the next three quarters, compared to $0.05 per quarter in 2008.

Annual Results

For the year ended December 31, 2008, total revenues were $344.8 million, an increase of 16.5% from $296.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $49.8 million, or $1.12 per share (diluted), compared to $27.4 million, or $0.70 per share (diluted), for the year ended December 31, 2007. There were 44.3 million weighted average shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share in the year ended December 31, 2008 and 38.9 million weighted average shares in the year ended December 31, 2007.

Electricity Segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008, were $252.3 million, an increase of 16.8% from $216.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Products Segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $92.6 million, an increase of 15.8% from $80.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2007.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company's gross margin was 29.6%, compared to 26.8% for the year ended December 31, 2007. Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $60.6 million, compared with $43.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of 39.5%. The increase in operating income is primarily attributable to increased revenues in both our Electricity and Products Segments as well as increased gross margins.

Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2008, was $124.7 million dollars, compared to $107.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Adjusted EBITDA includes consolidated EBITDA and the Company's share in the operating income and depreciation and amortization totaling $5.4 million and $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to the Company's unconsolidated investments.

Commenting on the outlook for 2009, Ms. Bronicki said, "We expect our 2009 Electricity Segment revenues to be between $280 million and $290 million. We also expect an additional $9 million of revenues from our share of electricity revenue generated by a subsidiary, which is accounted for under the equity method. With regard to our Products Segment, we expect that our 2009 revenues will be between $100 million and $120 million."

Conference Call Details

Ormat will host a conference call to discuss its financial results and other matters discussed in this press release at 10:00 a.m. U.S. EST. on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. The call will be available as a live, listen-only webcast at www.ormat.com. During the webcast, management will refer to slides that will be posted on the web site. The slides and accompanying webcast can be accessed through the Event Calendar in the Investor Relations section of Ormat's website.

A 30-day archive of the webcast will be available approximately 2 hours after the conclusion of the live call. A replay will be available from 12:00 p.m. EST on February 25, 2009 through 11:59 p.m. EST, March 1, 2009. Please call: (800) 642-1687 (U.S. and Canada) or (706) 645-9291 (International) and enter the code 82882042.

About Ormat Technologies

Ormat Technologies, Inc. is the only vertically-integrated company primarily engaged in the geothermal and recovered energy power business. The Company designs, develops, owns and operates geothermal and recovered energy-based power plants around the world. Additionally, the Company designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and recovered energy power units and other power-generating equipment, and provides related services. The Company has more than four decades of experience in the development of environmentally-sound power, primarily in geothermal and recovered-energy generation. Ormat products and systems are covered by more than 75 patents. Ormat currently operates the following geothermal and recovered energy-based power plants: in the United States - Brady, Heber, Mammoth, Ormesa, Puna, Steamboat and OREG 1; in Guatemala - Zunil and Amatitlan; in Kenya - Olkaria; in Nicaragua - Momotombo; and in New Zealand - GDL.

Ormat's Safe Harbor Statement

Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat's plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management's current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see "Risk Factors" as described in Ormat Technologies, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2008 and on Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2008.

    Ormat Technologies Contact:         Investor Relations Contact
    Dita Bronicki                       Todd Fromer / Marybeth Csaby
    CEO                                 KCSA Strategic Communications
    775-356-9029                        212-896-1215 / 212-896-1236
    dbronicki@ormat.com                 tfromer@kcsa.com / mcsaby@kcsa.com

Ormat Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Three and Twelve-months periods Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)


                                        Three Months Ended    Year Ended
                                            December 31,      December 31,
                                         ------------------   ------------
                                           2008     2007      2008      2007
                                           ----     ----      ----      ----
                                      (in thousands, except per share amounts)

    Revenues:
      Electricity                       $62,126  $55,545  $252,256  $215,969
      Products                           33,373   15,108    92,577    79,950
                                         ------   ------    ------    ------
          Total revenues                 95,499   70,653   344,833   295,919
                                         ------   ------   -------   -------

    Cost of revenues:
      Electricity                        45,129   38,193   170,053   148,698
      Products                           25,271   12,852    72,755    68,036
                                         ------   ------    ------    ------
          Total cost of revenues         70,400   51,045   242,808   216,734
                                         ------   ------   -------   -------
          Gross margin                   25,099   19,608   102,025    79,185

    Operating expenses:
      Research and development expenses   1,220      946     4,595     3,663
      Selling and marketing expenses      2,699    2,794    10,885    10,645
      General and administrative expenses 6,399    5,528    25,938    21,416
                                          -----    -----    ------    ------

          Operating income               14,781   10,340    60,607    43,461

    Other income (expense):
      Interest income                       383    2,358     3,118     6,565
      Interest expense                     (348)  (5,147)   (7,677)  (26,983)
      Foreign currency translation and
       transaction losses                (5,151)    (568)   (7,721)   (1,339)
      Impairment of auction rate
       securities                        (1,822)  (2,020)   (4,195)   (2,020)
      Other non-operating income            443      295       771       890
                                            ---      ---       ---       ---

          Income before income taxes,
           minority interest, and
           equity in income  of
           investees                      8,286    5,258    44,903    20,574

    Income tax provision (benefit)          (91)     475    (7,962)   (1,822)
    Minority interest                     3,095    2,297    11,166     3,882
    Equity in income of investees           406      878     1,725     4,742
                                            ---      ---     -----     -----
          Net income                    $11,696   $8,908   $49,832   $27,376
                                        =======   ======   =======   =======
      Earnings per share:
        Basic                             $0.26    $0.22     $1.13     $0.71
                                          =====    =====     =====     =====
        Diluted                           $0.26    $0.22     $1.12     $0.70
                                          =====    =====     =====     =====

      Weighted average number of
       shares used in computation
       of earnings per share:
        Basic                            45,347   40,670    44,182    38,762
                                         ======   ======    ======    ======
        Diluted                          45,423   40,852    44,298    38,880
                                         ======   ======    ======    ====== 

Ormat Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

(Unaudited)


                                                     December 31,
                                                     ------------
                                                    2008       2007
                                                    ----       ----

                                                     (in thousands)
    Assets
    Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                   $34,393    $47,227
      Marketable securities                            --     13,489
      Restricted cash, cash equivalents and
       marketable securities                       24,439     29,236
      Receivables:
        Trade                                      49,839     46,519
        Related entities                              338        385
        Other                                      15,654      9,008
      Due from Parent                               1,085        253
      Inventories, net                             13,724     10,312
      Costs and estimated earnings in excess
       of billings on uncompleted contracts         6,982      3,608
      Deferred income taxes                         3,003      1,732
      Prepaid expenses and other                   16,222      7,059
                                                   ------      -----
          Total current assets                    165,679    168,828
    Long-term marketable securities                 1,994      2,762
    Restricted cash, cash equivalents and
     marketable securities                          2,951      5,605
    Unconsolidated investments                     30,559     30,560
    Deposits and other                             16,876     15,294
    Deferred income taxes                          13,965     12,427
    Property, plant and equipment, net            958,186    743,386
    Construction-in-process                       386,501    234,014
    Deferred financing and lease costs, net        16,127     14,044
    Intangible assets, net                         44,853     47,989
                                                   ------     ------
          Total assets                         $1,637,691 $1,274,909
                                               ========== ==========
    Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
    Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses      $103,336    $75,836
      Billings in excess of costs and
       estimated earnings on uncompleted
       contracts                                   15,670      4,818
      Current portion of long-term debt:
        Limited and non-recourse                    6,676      7,667
        Full recourse                                   -      1,000
        Senior secured notes (non-recourse)        20,085     25,475
      Due to Parent, including current
       portion of notes payable to Parent          16,616     31,695
                                                   ------     ------
          Total current liabilities               162,383    146,491
    Long-term debt, net of current portion:
      Limited and non-recourse                      7,814     14,490
      Revolving credit line with banks            100,000          -
      Senior secured notes (non-recourse)         252,060    273,840
    Notes payable to Parent, net of current
     portion                                        9,600     26,200
    Deferred lease income                          74,427     76,198
    Deferred income taxes                          33,231     20,680
    Liability for unrecognized tax benefits         3,425      5,330
    Liabilities for severance pay                  17,640     15,201
    Asset retirement obligation                    13,438     13,014
                                                   ------     ------
          Total liabilities                       674,018    591,444
                                                  -------    -------
    Minority interest                             117,245     65,382
                                                  -------     ------

    Commitments and contingencies

    Stockholders' equity:
      Common stock                                     45         41
      Additional paid-in capital                  701,273    513,109
      Retained earnings                           144,465    103,545
      Accumulated other comprehensive income          645      1,388
                                                      ---      -----
          Total stockholders' equity              846,428    618,083
                                                  -------    -------
          Total liabilities and stockholders'
           equity                              $1,637,691 $1,274,909
                                               ========== ==========

Ormat Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA

(Unaudited)

We calculate EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, equity income of investees, minority interest and other non-operating expense (income). We calculate adjusted EBITDA to include operating income, depreciation and amortization, interest and taxes attributable to our equity investments in the Mammoth and Leyte Projects. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity or an alternative to net earnings as indicators of our operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are presented because we believe they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of a Company's ability to service and/or incur debt. However, other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA differently than we do. The following table reconciles net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:


                                       Three Months Ended      Year Ended
                                           December 31,        December 31,
                                           ------------        ------------
                                           2008     2007      2008      2007
                                           ----     ----      ----      ----
                                          (in thousands)     (in thousands)

    Net income                          $11,696   $8,908   $49,832   $27,376
    Adjusted for:
      Equity in income of investees        (406)    (878)   (1,725)   (4,742)
      Minority interest                  (3,095)  (2,297)  (11,166)   (3,882)
      Interest expense, net
       (including Amortization of
       deferred financing costs)          1,787    4,809     8,754    22,438
      Other non-operating expense         4,708      273     6,950       449
      Income tax provision (benefit)         91     (475)    7,962     1,822
      Depreciation and amortization      15,368   12,917    58,773    49,111
                                         ------   ------    ------    ------
    EBITDA                               30,149   23,257   119,380    92,572
    Equity in income of Mammoth-Pacific
     L.P. and Ormat Leyte                   406      878     1,725     4,742
    Depreciation, amortization, interest
     and taxes attributable to the
     Company's equity in Mammoth-Pacific
     L.P. and Ormat Leyte                   900    1,105     3,636     9,881
                                            ---    -----     -----     -----
    Adjusted EBITDA                     $31,455  $25,240  $124,741  $107,195
                                        =======  =======  ========  ========

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

ACCCE Statement Regarding President Obama's Address to the Joint Session of Congress

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- "Tonight President Obama laid out his agenda for helping to repair this country's economy by investing in the innovation and ingenuity of America's workforce. One of his main points regarding the rebuilding of our economy was his administration's commitment towards creating jobs by rebuilding this nation's infrastructure while also becoming more energy independent.

"Our organization, The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, agrees that energy independence is one of the most vital factors to ensuring a positive economic turnaround. ACCCE recognizes that low cost affordable energy is the backbone of a strong economy, and by continuing to support an energy portfolio that puts an emphasis on our most abundant and affordable natural resource, coal, we will be able to create an effective energy strategy that will carry us well into the 21st century.

"Again in tonight's speech, the President acknowledged the key role that American coal will play in our energy future and continued to stress the importance of investing in a new generation of clean coal technologies in meeting our shared goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions both here at home and around the world.

"We look forward to working with the administration to help ensure that our nation has a balanced, efficient energy policy for decades to come. We strongly support President Obama's commitment to invest in new research and technology to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-based power plants while at the same time keeping electricity rates affordable for American ratepayers.

"Ensuring continued access to our most abundant source of affordable electricity has never been more important than it is now during these times of economic crisis and as our economy rebounds, coal will play a growing role in meeting America's demand for affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean energy."

About ACCCE

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) is a non-profit, non-partisan partnership of companies involved in producing electricity from coal. Because coal is America's most abundant energy resource, ACCCE supports energy policies that balance coal's vital role in meeting our country's growing need for affordable and reliable electricity with the need to protect the environment. ACCCE also advocates for the development and deployment of advanced clean coal technologies that will produce electricity with near-zero emissions. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA. For more information, visit http://www.cleancoalusa.org/.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

SunWave(TM) Utility Pole-Mounted Grid Connected Solar Systems

PLAINFIELD, N.J., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Petra Solar, Inc., the leading provider of innovative photovoltaic (PV) solutions for utilities, announces the SunWave(TM) Solar AC System, the only proven grid interactive pole-mounted solar system for installation on utility distribution poles and streetlight poles.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090224/NE75010 )

SunWave(TM) Solar AC Systems mount on utility poles and connect to the grid secondary power line on the pole. The unique mounting system yields a safe and rapid installation leveraging industry standard procedures, techniques and equipment.

Petra Solar's technology is the culmination of over 16 years of research and development in power electronics and satellite grade solar power systems. SunWave(TM) systems are compatible with existing grid infrastructure and their unique intelligent communications system is compliant with Smart Grid technology. The systems can be remotely upgraded to leverage future applications and standards as they emerge. "We have worked in close partnership with key utilities to develop technologies that facilitate the evolution of the grid," said Petra Solar's Founder and CEO, Shihab Kuran.

Petra Solar's shovel-ready systems are operating on streetlight and utility poles in the field and provide unsurpassed value to utilities that deploy them. "While the cost of a SunWave(TM) is comparable to traditional installed PV systems, the technology provides a measurably superior return on investment for our utility partners," said Evan Vogel, General Manager of Petra Solar.

In addition to providing reliable, cost effective solar infrastructure, Petra Solar also works with lawmakers and regulators to help utilities rapidly realize the benefits of bringing solar generation online. The Petra Solar team is uniquely equipped to provide Utility ROI analysis and greatly accelerate deployment of utility grade solar systems.

About Petra Solar, Inc.

Petra Solar designs and manufactures innovative utility grade SunWave(TM) solar energy solutions that allow utilities to deploy significant solar generation faster, utilizing existing assets and time tested deployment strategies. Petra Solar's products are backed by a strong and exclusive IP portfolio of over 15 granted and pending patents. Please visit www.petrasolar.com for more information.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Consumer Groups Seek Records of California Energy Commission on Disputed 'Hot Fuel' Report, After Conflict of Interest Charge Against Commissioner

Commission Again Delays Vote on Anti-Consumer Report as Oil-Lobbyist Spouse of Commissioner Quits Her Role

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Watchdog and Public Citizen have filed a detailed request for public records of the California Energy Commission, seeking communications between its professional staff and a politically appointed member of the commission's board whose spouse was a state-registered lobbyist for the oil industry. The two groups previously sent a letter charging a conflict of interest by the commissioner, James Boyd, whose spouse, Catherine Reheis-Boyd, is chief operating officer of the Western States Petroleum Association.

The relationship is clear conflict that should prevent Commissioner Boyd from leading a panel deciding the costs and benefits of fixing the unfair sale of "hot gasoline" in California, said the consumer groups.

"Gasoline and diesel fuels are a glaring exception to the usual rules of retail fairness," said Dugan. "Buying hot fuel is the same as a buying from a butcher with a hidden finger on the scale. The unfairness is doubled when the oil industry has an inside pipeline to a government body that should protect the consumer, not create loopholes for industry."

On the same day that the consumer groups' conflict of interest letter was sent, Feb. 9, Reheis-Boyd canceled her lobbyist registration with the state, public records show, Commissioner Boyd, however, did not respond to the conflict of interest letter. The energy commission canceled a vote on the fuel temperature issue soon after the letter was sent.

"The public should know what communications Commissioner Boyd has had with the Energy Commission's professional staff on the fuel temperature report since he became involved in mid-2008," said Judy Dugan, research director of Consumer Watchdog. "The report has substantially skewed toward the view of oil industry lobbyists who have been working the issue for months. Many of the companies pushing hardest to stop reform are members of the Western States Petroleum Association, the employer of Commissioner Boyd's spouse. Her sudden resignation of her formal lobbying role is just evidence of the inherent legal conflict in her job."

The records request said:

"By way of background, on June 5, 2008, at the staff workshop for the AB 868 Fuel Delivery Temperature Study, the staff of the CEC distributed certain materials containing a draft report under AB 868 ("June 2008 Draft"). Subsequently, in November 2008, the California Energy Commission made publicly available a Staff Report entitled Fuel Delivery Temperature Study ("November 2008 Staff Report"). Finally, in January 2009, the Transportation Committee of the CEC (consisting of Commissioners Boyd and Douglas) issued a Committee Report entitled Fuel Delivery Temperature Study ("January 2009 Committee Report). The November 2008 Staff Report contained materials changes in conclusions and methodology from the conclusions and methodology contained in the June 2008 Draft. These changes were sought by and favored the oil industry. Further, the January 2009 Committee Report contained further and materials changes from the November 2008 Staff Report and these changes also favored the oil industry."

The records request also asked for copies of electronic and other communications between Boyd and any officers or employees of the Western States Petroleum Association during the period of the hot fuel study.

(See the conflict-of-interest letter at http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/CECLetter2-9-09.pdf

(See the freedom of information request to the energy commission at http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/PRARequestHotFuel2-20-09.pdf

(For more information on Catherine Reheis-Boyd's employment, see "Reheis-Boyd Employment" below.)

A vote on the commission's disputed "Fuel Delivery Temperature Study" had been rescheduled From Feb. 11 to Feb. 25 in Sacramento, but was again abruptly canceled after the consumer groups submitted their public records act request. The vote is now scheduled for March 11 at Energy Commission headquarters in San Francisco.

The final draft of the year-long cost-benefit study by Energy Commission (CEC) acknowledges that California drivers unwittingly get less energy in their fuel than they believe they're getting, that on average fuel is sold in the state at a higher temperature than the federal standard, and that such sales are a basic economic unfairness. In November 2008, the CEC estimated the annual loss to consumers in the state at $437 million. Rather than call for implementation of a fair method of sale that would save consumers money, the CEC's final draft report regurgitates the oil industry's declaration that retailers will recoup all costs of temperature compensation from consumers. The CEC report does not acknowledge that variable competitive forces are just as likely to return savings to motorists.

The report's key summary of recommendations (page 116) reduces the value of fairness and transparency in the sale of gasoline to no more than a "public perception." It invites the state Legislature to ban retailers from voluntarily installing gas pumps that compensate for temperature variations in gasoline and diesel fuels, which would be a reversal of current law.

(See the full CEC report at http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009publications/CEC-600-2009-002/CEC-600-2009-002-CTF.PDF )

Such pumps, which are widely used in Canada, deliver gallons of gasoline that are always equal in energy content, no matter what the fuel temperature. The gasoline gallon is measured by mass (weight), rather than just by volume.

"Without temperature compensating pumps, drivers have no way to know the temperature of the fuel they are buying," said Dugan of Consumer Watchdog. "They have no way to determine whether one gas station's posted price is actually better than another station's posted price, since fuel temperature can vary widely between nearby stations. This is economic fact, not a "public perception," and drivers ought to be furious about the commission's political bait-and-switch."

The consumer groups noted that all packaged liquids--milk, kerosene, beer and propane among them--must be sold with temperature compensation. Some vehicles run on compressed natural gas, which is also sold in a manner that compensates for temperature expansion and contraction.

"The report must be reconsidered before submission to the Legislature," said Dugan. "Any input on its content by Commissioner Boyd should be disregarded. At the very least, the report must reflect variance of even economists' opinion on whether and how much consumers would save from temperature compensation of fuel. And it must regard transparency and fairness in economic transactions as a fundamental consumer protection, not a mere "public perception."

Reheis-Boyd Employment:

The "Report of Lobbyist Employer" of Western States Petroleum Association ("WSPA") under "Activity Expenses" discloses that Commissioner Boyd reports $27,649.62 as "spouse salary" for the period October 1, 2008 thru December 31, 2008 because his wife (Catherine Reheis-Boyd) is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of WSPA. Similar disclosure forms of WSPA show attributed income to Commissioner Boyd from WSPA for all quarters of 2008. In addition, we believe that the same "spouse salary" continues to be attributed to Commissioner Boyd for 2009 from WSPA.

The Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) for Commissioner Boyd dated February 25, 2008 lists "Gross Income Received" from WSPA in the amount of $10,001 - $100,000. The Form 700 of Commissioner Boyd also shows on Schedule D Income-Gifts from WSPA in the amount of $125 received on October 3, 2007. Both Schedule C and Schedule D of Commissioner Boyd's Form 700 described the "Business Activity" of WSPA as "Oil Industry".

WSPA is the oldest petroleum trade association in the United States and represents oil companies that account for the bulk of petroleum marketing in California. See www.wspa.org/what-is-wspa.aspx. Indeed, WSPA advocates for petroleum marketers before the legislature and regulators in California. The installation of automatic temperature compensation equipment at California retail motor fuel pumps is strongly opposed by oil companies and other motor fuel retailers since it would require them to expend millions of dollars and negate millions of dollars in windfall profits each year to the oil industry. Consumer groups support the use of such equipment because such equipment will provide transparency and save consumers many millions of dollars in motor fuel purchase costs.

Key language from draft report:

In its recommendations (page 116 of final study draft), the CEC declares:

"If the only criterion for assessing the merit of mandatory ATC installations for use at California retail stations is a net benefit to consumers, the Transportation Committee (Committee) of the California Energy Commission concludes that [temperature compensation] should not required (sic) since the results of the cost-benefit analysis show a net cost for consumers."

The report suggests that legislators also consider "the value of public perception of fairness and accuracy" in its decision. (Not actual fairness and accuracy, just the public perception.)

Then the report invites the Legislature to dial current law backward:

"If the Legislature chooses not to mandate the use of [temperature compensation] at retail stations, they should clarify if the current intent of the existing statutes is to permit or prohibit voluntary [temperature compensation] at retail outlets for gasoline and diesel fuel."

Yet in November 2008, the CEC issued a staff report concluding that:

"[p]ermissive voluntary use of automatic temperature compensation (ATC) devises (sic) at California retail stations is already permitted under California Law as it is not specifically prohibited." (page 2)

(See this and other documents from the study at http://www.energy.ca.gov/transportation/fuel_delivery_temperature_study/documents/index.html

Hot Fuel Basics:

In summer and year-round in warmer states, gasoline heats up and expands. Consumers get slightly less fuel when it is measured just by volume because the standard gasoline gallon assumes a temperature of 60 degrees.

The loss to drivers adds up to billions of dollars a year nationally. California, according to a study accepted by the CEC, has an average gasoline temperature of 71.1 degrees. The average loss in California is a few cents a gallon, depending on the gasoline price, but the loss statewide is hundreds of millions of dollars.

When gasoline sells for $4.00 a gallon (as it did last summer), drivers in hot locations and in summer where gasoline may be 90 degrees lose 8 cents a gallon.

Drivers have no way to know the temperature of the fuel they buy, so they can't accurately compare value even at gas stations across the street from one another.

At the refinery, at the wholesale level and at delivery to gasoline stations, sales are generally adjusted for fuel temperature variations. The final delivery price or volume is adjusted so the value equals a gallon at the federal standard temperature of 60 degrees F. This adjusted gallon is called a "standard petroleum gallon" and is always equal to the energy content of a 231-cubic-inch gallon at 60 degrees.

It is only consumers buying at the pump who get a gallon measured just by volume, no matter what the temperature.

www.consumerwatchdog.org

www.citizen.org

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

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United Energy Corporation Reports Significant Increase in Revenue While Reducing Operating Expenses

Sales Continue to Expand Throughout the World

SECAUCUS, N.J., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Energy Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: UNRG), a producer of specialty chemicals products used in the oil and gas service industry, announced significant increase in revenues and decrease in operating expenses for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Revenues increased by 231.3% for the three months ended December 31st 2008
         Revenues for the three months and the nine months ended December 31,
         2008 were $343,530 and $941,524, respectively, as compared to
         revenues of $103,691 and $493,708 for the three and nine months
         ended December 31, 2007, an increase of 231.3% and 90.7%,
         respectively.

  • Operating expenses decreased by 31.7% for the three months ended December 31st 2008
         Operating expenses for the three months and nine months ended
         December 31, 2008 were reduced by $199,724 and $562,786,
         respectively, as compared to the three and nine months ended
         December 31, 2007, a decrease of 31.7% and 28.7%, respectively.

In addition, United Energy reported a strong increase in sales to its largest customer, Petrobras America Inc. Sales to Petrobras grew to $352,750 during the nine months ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $80,452 during the prior year period, an increase of 337.5%. This increase in sales was driven by the expansion of United Energy's distribution into several regions of Brazil, including Macae and Salvador.

Ronald Wilen, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are very pleased with the company's performance during the past nine months. Our products are beginning to gain international recognition. During the past nine months we sold products in Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Trinidad, Nigeria, the United States and Canada. And we have been able to increase our sales while continuing to successfully reduce our operating expenses. We believe the sales growth directly reflects our ability to increase customer's production in an environmentally safe manner. We remain optimistic about our ability to continue to drive growth in our existing markets as well as open new markets for our products."

ABOUT UNITED ENERGY

United Energy develops and distributes environmentally friendly specialty chemical products with applications in several industries and markets. The company's current line of products includes K-Line of Chemical Products for the oil industry and related products. Through United Energy's wholly owned subsidiary, Green Globe Industries, Inc., the company provides the U.S. military with a variety of solvents, paint strippers and cleaners under the trade name "Qualchem."

For additional information please contact:

    Peter Rappaport
    212-542-8201
    Peter@SIARCapital.com

Information contained in this news release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements subject to various risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual financial condition, results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although United Energy believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove correct. United Energy assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to provide reasons why actual results may differ, except as required under federal securities laws.

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]

Honda Recognizes Environmentally Responsible Battery Chargers

FERNDALE, Wash., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- ALTEN Battery Chargers Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as an OEM partner with Honda Inc., as it introduces the first full line of portable DC battery chargers to the North American market. Powered by Honda's environmentally responsible, advanced four-stroke engines, ALTEN's portable battery chargers can save up to four hours (67%) of time and offer up to 67% savings in fuel over conventional battery charging methods.

With over 10,000 battery chargers sold around the world, North America now has the opportunity to experience the quickest way to bulk charge batteries.

Originally designed for the rugged Australian Outback, by Christie Engineering, ALTEN's portable battery chargers are used in applications including mountain-top communication stations, charging batteries in unmanned lighthouses on the Norwegian coastline, and servicing heavy industrial equipment with the roughest abuse imaginable. "As a recognized Honda OEM partner, you can be assured that clean and reliable DC power supply will be there when you need it," says ALTEN President Will Huggett.

Unlike an AC generator paired with a slow plug-in charger, ALTEN Battery Chargers are a fast and highly efficient way of charging 12, 24 and 48-volt battery configurations. They can deliver up to 120 Amps per hour of run time consuming 0.4 gallons of fuel to achieve a 90% bulk charge on a 500 Amp/ Hour bank of batteries in 2 hours. Compared to a 3500W AC Generator, running at full throttle, paired with a 40 Amp plug- in charger, this same charging scenario would take 6 hours and consume 1.2 gallons of fuel. As a result ALTEN's portable battery chargers save fuel (67% savings), save time (four hours), lower emissions and increase reliability.

ALTEN, a Pacific Northwest company, offers a range of portable DC powered battery charger products for the Heavy Industrial, Off-Road, Marine, Security, and Emergency markets.

For more information and to see a high-resolution video demonstration of ALTEN battery chargers visit: http://www.altenbatterychargers.com

About ALTEN Battery Chargers Inc.

ALTEN Battery Chargers, based in the Pacific Northwest, was founded on the principal of solving the energy problems that matter. ALTEN brings ideas and technology to the North American market that help make better use of existing resources today in order to meet the growing demand for energy tomorrow. Focused on DC power and storage ALTEN's technology complements and offers reliable and redundant power for industrial battery applications, remote access power applications and micro generation platforms including solar photovoltaic, small wind and other renewable power generation installations. http://www.altenbatterychargers.com

[Via http://www.prnewswire.com]