Latest news with #Cress
The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Tariff reform to reshape power sector
The shift in cost structure is expected to spur demand for renewable solutions. PETALING JAYA: Power and utilities companies are expected to benefit from the upcoming electricity tariff restructuring, with industry analysts forecasting a surge in renewable energy (RE) adoption, grid investment, and energy storage solutions. The shift, effective July 1, 2025, is part of the Regulatory Period 4 (RP4) reforms aimed at reshaping the nation's electricity market towards greater efficiency and sustainability. According to TA Research, the tariff overhaul is likely to generate far-reaching implications across the energy value chain. 'The new tariff schedule is essentially designed to drive load smoothing and improve overall system efficiency, evident by the enhanced time-of-use coverage and rising maximum demand charges – this could in turn catalyse demand for RE and energy storage to reduce grid power consumption, especially during peak hours,' the research house said in a sector update. Electricity users will now be billed based on four distinct components – energy, capacity, network and retail charges – moving away from the previously tiered structure. While domestic consumers are largely insulated through the Energy Efficiency Incentive, an estimated 29% of the 3,300 non-domestic medium voltage users could face higher bills, particularly those with low load factors. This shift in cost structure was expected to spur demand for renewable solutions. 'RE engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) players such as Samaiden Group Bhd , Solarvest Holdings Bhd , Sunview Group Bhd and Pekat Group Bhd are potential beneficiaries of potentially increasing demand for RE under the new RP4 tariffs and ahead of the upcoming carbon pricing implementation,' TA Research noted. Meanwhile, incumbent utility firms such as Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Malakoff Corp Bhd are also poised to benefit. 'Beyond the EPCC players, incumbent utility companies such as TNB and Malakoff are also potential beneficiaries of expanding RE asset portfolios, while TNB specifically is a beneficiary of grid capital expenditure to accommodate higher RE penetration,' the firm added. A key area of opportunity lies in the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (Cress), which allows large energy users to directly source RE from private producers. TA Research said, 'At estimated effective rate of 58.98 sen per kilowatt-hour (kWh), we estimate the difference between grid power and Cress will narrow from close to 10 sen per kWh previously to just about two sen per kWh.' The narrowing price gap, combined with the additional green attribute value of three to five sen per kWh, made Cress more attractive under the new RP4 tariff schedule. Furthermore, carbon pricing – expected to be introduced in 2026 – could tilt the economics even further in favour of RE. 'The incremental cost for grid power could further narrow the difference with Cress to sub one sen per kWh, which would further improve the attractiveness of Cress,' it said. TA Research maintained its 'overweight' call on the power and utilities sector, citing demand-supply tightness in the generation market; record-high RE rollout; and expansion in grid capital expenditure to accommodate the energy transition. The research house pegged its target prices for Samaiden at RM1.38, TNB at RM17.30 and Malakoff at RM1.08.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sunview basks in the glow of various solar projects
PETALING JAYA: Sunview Group Bhd is well positioned to capitalise on the growing renewable energy sector, driven by robust demand for rooftop solar and the continued rollout of engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) projects under the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP). According to MIDF Research, Sunview is among the key beneficiaries of EPCC prospects under the fifth phase of the government's large-scale solar initiative (LSS5), other upcoming large-scale solar schemes, and the long-term renewable energy growth potential from the National Energy Transition Roadmap. 'We expect the LSS5 EPCC projects, which are progressively being awarded, to aid in order book replenishment,' the research house said. It noted that Sunview is aggressively bidding for jobs, with an EPCC tender book of RM4bil. This comprises RM1.7bil of LSS jobs, RM1.3bil in work on the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (Cress), RM734mil of rooftop solar projects and RM264mil in CGPP jobs. 'We are optimistic on future replenishment prospects, with sizeable EPCC jobs coming from LSS5 and the upcoming LSS5+ and LSS6, on top of a strong interest in rooftop solar among the commercial, industrial and residential segments,' it added. MIDF Research maintained its 'buy' recommendation on Sunview, with an unchanged target price of 54 sen, based on 20 times forward earnings, which is at a discount to its larger peers. Sunview's earnings visibility remained supported by its strong outstanding order book, which stood at RM374.3mil. MIDF Research noted the company has three CGPP EPCC projects in the bag, with an aggregated contract value of RM248mil. Of these, one contract had reached 70% completion, while the other two were at 10% and 15%, respectively. The research house highlighted that it had previously estimated that up to RM17bil of solar EPCC jobs are available for industry players. It said, as an asset developer, Sunview is equally aggressive, with RM1.8bil worth of tenders for LSS5+, battery energy storage systems and Cress projects. Sunview's overseas expansion plans add another dimension to its growth strategy through the proposed development of two solar plants in Uzbekistan. Last June, the company announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Fabulous Sunview Sdn Bhd would be collaborating with the Energy Ministry of the Republic of Uzbekistan for two solar energy projects in Uzbekistan. The aim of the two projects is to develop large-scale solar photovoltaic plants and battery energy storage systems in two districts in Uzbekistan. Sunview will serve as the investor and asset owner for the projects.
Hamilton Spectator
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Athletes Unlimited Softball League opens with high hopes and support from MLB and USA Softball
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Athletes Unlimited Softball League made its debut after a year of buildup and a recent collaboration with Major League Baseball. The Bandits beat the Talons 3-1 in the first game Saturday in Rosemont, Illinois. The Volts were set to play the Blaze in Wichita, Kansas later in the day. 'I kind of feel like we blinked and it was here,' Cat Osterman, general manager of the Volts, said. 'But then there were moments where it felt like we weren't ever going to get here either because it took a whole year of process. We're all excited.' Athletes Unlimited has featured softball since 2020, when it unveiled a unique format that crowned an individual champion. The organization that focuses exclusively on women's sports now has launched a traditional four-team softball league in a traveling format. The Blaze, Volts, Bandits and Talons will play 24 games each, touring to 12 cities. The top two teams will compete in the best-of-three AUSL Championship from July 26-28 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. MLB said last month that it is making a strategic investment in the league . It will include an undisclosed amount for operational costs and a commitment to help it gain visibility. It will market the AUSL and its athletes during its All-Star Game, throughout the postseason and during broadcasts on the MLB Network and streams on . USA Softball executive director Craig Cress likes the fact that a league with MLB's backing exists for players to join after their college careers. He sees it as an opportunity to keep the top American players facing elite competition so Team USA will be ready for Olympic softball that will be played in Oklahoma City in 2028. Japan has won the past two Olympic gold medals in the sport. Cress said he hopes the AUSL emerges as something comparable to Japan's well-established softball leagues. 'We have a great respect and a great rivalry,' Cress said of the history with Japan. 'But this Olympics on our home soil is our gold medal. We need to go get it. So from that standpoint, I know we've got a long way to go, but that's the end goal.' Cress said it was smart for Athletes Unlimited to add former MLB executive Kim Ng as commissioner and to seek out the league as a partner. He hopes the AUSL can catch fire the way the WNBA has the past two years with Caitlin Clark. 'The WNBA is now starting to really do some things with the star power they have coming in,' he said. 'But what got them to the point to be able to keep their athletes from going overseas to play? It was the involvement of the NBA.' There are indicators that this league could last longer than those that have come and gone over the years, starting with the well-structured support system, stability and the experience Athletes Unlimited had with the sport before launching this league. 'I think that one thing you hear about Athletes Unlimited from anybody that's been around it is we've done what we said we were going to do,' Athletes Unlimited co-founder Jon Patricof said. 'We've been around now for five years.' Bri Ellis, who was named the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year for Arkansas this season, played for the Talons on Saturday after being the No. 2 overall pick in the AUSL draft last month. She said she's thrilled about the timing of the league's rollout. 'It was kind of this relief that I don't have to be done now,' she said. 'I can keep going and keep playing and there's still a story to be written for me in my career, and so I'm just really grateful for everyone that's come before me and has worked their tails off to get the sport to where it is now.' ___ AP sports: Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
San Francisco Chronicle
07-06-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Athletes Unlimited Softball League opens with high hopes and support from MLB and USA Softball
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Athletes Unlimited Softball League made its debut after a year of buildup and a recent collaboration with Major League Baseball. The Bandits beat the Talons 3-1 in the first game Saturday in Rosemont, Illinois. The Volts were set to play the Blaze in Wichita, Kansas later in the day. 'I kind of feel like we blinked and it was here,' Cat Osterman, general manager of the Volts, said. 'But then there were moments where it felt like we weren't ever going to get here either because it took a whole year of process. We're all excited.' Athletes Unlimited has featured softball since 2020, when it unveiled a unique format that crowned an individual champion. The organization that focuses exclusively on women's sports now has launched a traditional four-team softball league in a traveling format. The Blaze, Volts, Bandits and Talons will play 24 games each, touring to 12 cities. The top two teams will compete in the best-of-three AUSL Championship from July 26-28 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. MLB said last month that it is making a strategic investment in the league. It will include an undisclosed amount for operational costs and a commitment to help it gain visibility. It will market the AUSL and its athletes during its All-Star Game, throughout the postseason and during broadcasts on the MLB Network and streams on USA Softball executive director Craig Cress likes the fact that a league with MLB's backing exists for players to join after their college careers. He sees it as an opportunity to keep the top American players facing elite competition so Team USA will be ready for Olympic softball that will be played in Oklahoma City in 2028. Japan has won the past two Olympic gold medals in the sport. Cress said he hopes the AUSL emerges as something comparable to Japan's well-established softball leagues. 'We have a great respect and a great rivalry,' Cress said of the history with Japan. 'But this Olympics on our home soil is our gold medal. We need to go get it. So from that standpoint, I know we've got a long way to go, but that's the end goal.' Cress said it was smart for Athletes Unlimited to add former MLB executive Kim Ng as commissioner and to seek out the league as a partner. He hopes the AUSL can catch fire the way the WNBA has the past two years with Caitlin Clark. 'The WNBA is now starting to really do some things with the star power they have coming in,' he said. 'But what got them to the point to be able to keep their athletes from going overseas to play? It was the involvement of the NBA.' There are indicators that this league could last longer than those that have come and gone over the years, starting with the well-structured support system, stability and the experience Athletes Unlimited had with the sport before launching this league. 'I think that one thing you hear about Athletes Unlimited from anybody that's been around it is we've done what we said we were going to do," Athletes Unlimited co-founder Jon Patricof said. 'We've been around now for five years.' Bri Ellis, who was named the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year for Arkansas this season, played for the Talons on Saturday after being the No. 2 overall pick in the AUSL draft last month. She said she's thrilled about the timing of the league's rollout. 'It was kind of this relief that I don't have to be done now,' she said. 'I can keep going and keep playing and there's still a story to be written for me in my career, and so I'm just really grateful for everyone that's come before me and has worked their tails off to get the sport to where it is now." ___
Fox Sports
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Athletes Unlimited Softball League opens with high hopes and support from MLB and USA Softball
Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Athletes Unlimited Softball League made its debut after a year of buildup and a recent collaboration with Major League Baseball. The Bandits beat the Talons 3-1 in the first game Saturday in Rosemont, Illinois. The Volts were set to play the Blaze in Wichita, Kansas later in the day. 'I kind of feel like we blinked and it was here,' Cat Osterman, general manager of the Volts, said. 'But then there were moments where it felt like we weren't ever going to get here either because it took a whole year of process. We're all excited.' Athletes Unlimited has featured softball since 2020, when it unveiled a unique format that crowned an individual champion. The organization that focuses exclusively on women's sports now has launched a traditional four-team softball league in a traveling format. The Blaze, Volts, Bandits and Talons will play 24 games each, touring to 12 cities. The top two teams will compete in the best-of-three AUSL Championship from July 26-28 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. MLB said last month that it is making a strategic investment in the league. It will include an undisclosed amount for operational costs and a commitment to help it gain visibility. It will market the AUSL and its athletes during its All-Star Game, throughout the postseason and during broadcasts on the MLB Network and streams on USA Softball executive director Craig Cress likes the fact that a league with MLB's backing exists for players to join after their college careers. He sees it as an opportunity to keep the top American players facing elite competition so Team USA will be ready for Olympic softball that will be played in Oklahoma City in 2028. Japan has won the past two Olympic gold medals in the sport. Cress said he hopes the AUSL emerges as something comparable to Japan's well-established softball leagues. 'We have a great respect and a great rivalry,' Cress said of the history with Japan. 'But this Olympics on our home soil is our gold medal. We need to go get it. So from that standpoint, I know we've got a long way to go, but that's the end goal.' Cress said it was smart for Athletes Unlimited to add former MLB executive Kim Ng as commissioner and to seek out the league as a partner. He hopes the AUSL can catch fire the way the WNBA has the past two years with Caitlin Clark. 'The WNBA is now starting to really do some things with the star power they have coming in,' he said. 'But what got them to the point to be able to keep their athletes from going overseas to play? It was the involvement of the NBA.' There are indicators that this league could last longer than those that have come and gone over the years, starting with the well-structured support system, stability and the experience Athletes Unlimited had with the sport before launching this league. 'I think that one thing you hear about Athletes Unlimited from anybody that's been around it is we've done what we said we were going to do," Athletes Unlimited co-founder Jon Patricof said. 'We've been around now for five years.' Bri Ellis, who was named the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year for Arkansas this season, played for the Talons on Saturday after being the No. 2 overall pick in the AUSL draft last month. She said she's thrilled about the timing of the league's rollout. 'It was kind of this relief that I don't have to be done now,' she said. 'I can keep going and keep playing and there's still a story to be written for me in my career, and so I'm just really grateful for everyone that's come before me and has worked their tails off to get the sport to where it is now." ___ AP sports: recommended
