PPL Corp Says Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant Operating Normally

- PPL Corp Says Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant Operating Normally



Aug 23, 2011

The earthquake felt throughout the mid-Atlantic region has not affected regular operation at PPL Corporation's (NYSE:PPL) Susquehanna nuclear power plant near Berwick, the company announced.

Unit 1 of the plant continues to operate normally at full normal power while unit 2 had previously shut down for maintenance and remains in safe, stable conditions.

PPL is delaying the return of Unit 2 to full power as a precautionary measure.

PPL has declared an "unusual event" as a result of the earthquake. An unusual event is the lowest of four emergency classifications established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for nuclear power plants.

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U.S. Retail Sales Fall 0.2% In May, Smaller Drop Than Expected

- U.S. Retail Sales Fall 0.2% In May, Smaller Drop Than Expected



Jun 14, 2011

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated retail and food services sales for May at $387.1 billion today, down 0.2% from April, but up 7.7% from May of 2010.

Economists had expected a drop of 0.7% for May. The increase from March 2011 to April 2011 was revised down from 0.5% increase to a 0.3% increase.

Excluding slumping motor vehicle sales, which fell 2.9% from April, total retail sales rose 0.3%.

Core sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline, and building materials, increased 0.2% in May from April.

For the first five months of the year, retail sales have totaled $1.87 trillion, an 8% increase over the same period in 2010.

Sales at gasoline stations, up 17.5%, lead the pack, followed by sales of motor vehicles, which despite slumping in April and May due to the Japanese earthquake, are still up 13.3% so far this year.

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Ford's Asia plants could see idle time

Ford's Asia plants could see idle time



Apr 14, 2011

Ford (F) CEO Alan Mulally announced the company's Asia-Pacific operations will feel more negative effects from the Japanese disaster, with its factories in the region short on Japanese-made parts. Though Mulally stated the company's earnings and business plan are not yet affected, that could change if idle time in these plants goes on too long.

General Electric to Offer Gas Turbines to Tokyo Electric Power

General Electric to Offer Gas Turbines to Tokyo Electric Power



General Electric (GE) will offer gas turbines to Tokyo Electric Power Co. to ease energy shortages in the Japanese capital and surrounding area, Chief Executive Office Jeffrey Immelt told reporters in Tokyo after meeting with Japanese Trade Minister Banri Kaieda, Bloomberg reports.

Honda Motor, Mazda Will Resume Limited Production At Japanese Factories In April

Honda Motor, Mazda Will Resume Limited Production At Japanese Factories In April



Honda (NYSE:HMC) and Mazda said they will resume limited production at several Japanese factories in April, but full production will depend on the availability of parts, which is another sign that the Japanese auto industry is starting to come back from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Industry analysts say it could take until summer before factories are back at full output.

Japan is the second-largest supplier of cars in the world, and is also a major parts producer. The impact of the earthquake is already causing production cuts in other countries, including the U.S. Few plants were seriously damaged in Japan but water and electricity supplies have been hampered.

Shell and Showa Shell Sekiyu supporting relief efforts in Japan

Shell and Showa Shell Sekiyu supporting relief efforts in Japan

Tuesday, 22 March 2011 16:30 Ordons.com

Tokyo. Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. and Shell said today they would make a combined donation of US $2 million to the Japanese Red Cross Society to provide disaster relief assistance in response to the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The Shell Group, in addition to this, has implemented a worldwide employee donation program to further support Japan's disaster relief efforts.

Shell's Country Chairman for Japan, Chris Gunner, said "Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the thousands of lives lost and the enormous damage due to the earthquakes and the tsunami. Shell has been part of the Japanese community for more than 100 years. Financial support will not dull the pain of this tragedy, but it is important in helping to rebuild lives."

"Given the scale of this catastrophe and resulting human suffering, we want to do our part to assist with the relief and reconstruction efforts," said Shigeya Kato, Chairman of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.
All Showa Shell Sekiyu and Shell employees in Japan are safely accounted for and Showa Shell's refineries, marketing and distribution businesses are operational, apart from numerous retail service stations and a small number depots which were impacted in the Tohoku area. However, as a result of the earthquake and tsunami, and the nuclear power plant issues, Japan has suffered significant power generation loss, and refinery and depot shutdowns.

The shutdown of power plants in Japan and rolling power blackouts in the northern half of the main island, including around Tokyo, has seen an increase demand for imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and other fuels. Shell and its LNG joint ventures are working with their Japanese customers to help ensure continuing and additional supplies of LNG into the country to meet these critical requirements. Since the time of the earthquake, six shipments of LNG from Brunei, two from Sakhalin and one diverted cargo from Nigeria have unloaded in Tokyo Bay, as well as cargoes to other locations in Japan, providing much needed gas supply. Further cargoes are expected to follow in the coming days.

In addition to the financial donation, Showa Shell Sekiyu has an emergency task force working with the Japanese government in prioritizing supply of petroleum products to the affected areas and maintaining the energy supply 'lifeline'. Its actions include:

In addition to the financial donation, Showa Shell Sekiyu has an emergency task force working with the Japanese government in prioritizing supply of petroleum products to the affected areas and maintaining the energy supply 'lifeline'. Its actions include:

* Terminating the export of refined petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel, this month to strengthen supply to the domestic market;

* Working around the clock to supply petroleum products to its service stations, and supplying other petroleum companies and government agencies in response to their requests;

* Expanding its distribution capabilities in Tokyo by strengthening the deployment of lorries;

* Providing food relief to the disaster area.

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Honda, Toyota extend Japan production halt

Honda (HMC) and Toyota (TM) are extending their shutdown of auto production in Japan due to a shortage of parts following a major earthquake and tsunami, the Associated Press reports. Toyota says its shutdown of 11 factories will be extended until Saturday because of difficulty securing components, while Honda will continue its production halt through Sunday

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