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A contentious transmission line project in Texas has sparked concerns over potential significant cost increases for residential energy bills, with estimates suggesting a $200 annual jump of nearly 50% for the average household. The Texas 765-kV Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP), aimed at integrating new renewable energy sources and supporting the rapidly growing data center industry, is now being scrutinized by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, who argue that the financial burden should be shared more evenly between industrial facilities and residential users, rather than solely falling on households.

June electricity bills for some Fluvanna residents have been higher than usual, and the cause isn't solely due to increased air conditioner use during the recent hot weather. Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) reports that a typical household consuming 1200 kWh will likely see a $6.80 monthly increase. A significant jump in power supply costs, effective June 2nd, is the primary driver. These costs are influenced by PJM Interconnection, a regional organization responsible for managing the electric grid and wholesale markets across 14 states, including Virginia. CVEC relies on PJM to acquire electricity from suppliers, a system that has previously helped maintain competitive rates. Increased electricity demand, fueled by data centers and other energy-intensive businesses, combined with the accelerated retirement of older fossil fuel power plants before new, renewable energy sources are available, is creating upward pressure on prices. PJM’s “capacity” charges – payments guaranteeing power availability during periods of high demand – have seen dramatic increases, as much as 1500% in recent years. CVEC is actively seeking ways to lessen the impact of these rising costs, including exploring direct connections to renewable energy resources. Customers seeking further details or energy-saving tips are encouraged to visit the CVEC website.

By Linda Pasquini and Helen Reid (Reuters) -Adidas on Wednesday said higher U.S. tariffs would add around 200 million euros ($231 million) to its costs in the second half, having impacted its second quarter results by "double-digit" millions of euros. The U.S. said earlier this month it would impose a 20% levy on many Vietnamese exports and a 19% tariff on goods from Indonesia, as it struck trade deals with the countries. Vietnam and Indonesia, Adidas (OTC:ADDYY)’ two biggest sourcing countries, made up for 27% and 19% of the company’s products respectively as of 2024. "We do also not know what the indirect impact on consumer demand will be should all these tariffs cause major inflation," CEO Bjorn Gulden said in a statement, as the sportswear maker confirmed its guidance for the year. The German sportswear brand said its inventories were up 16% to 5.26 billion euros at the end of June, as it frontloaded product purchases into the U.S. ahead of tariffs. Net sales, adjusted for currency swings, rose 2.2% to 5.95 billion euros ($6.88 billion) in the quarter, roughly in line with analysts’ average estimate of 6.2 billion euros, according to data compiled by LSEG. The figure includes a hit from the strengthening of the euro against several currencies of around 300 million euros, the company said. The company’s gross margin increased by 0.9 percentage points to 51.7% in the quarter, as reduced discounting as well as lower product and freight costs mitigated the impacts from currencies and tariffs. ($1 = 0.8651 euros) With valuations skyrocketing in 2024, many investors are uneasy putting more money into stocks. Sure, there are always opportunities in the stock market – but finding them feels more difficult now than a year ago. Unsure where to invest next? One of the best ways to discover new high-potential opportunities is to look at the top performing portfolios this year. ProPicks AI offers 6 model portfolios from Investing.com which identify the best stocks for investors to buy right now. For example, ProPicks AI found 9 overlooked stocks that jumped over 25% this year alone. The new stocks that made the monthly cut could yield enormous returns in the coming years. Is ADDYY one of them?