Tag: PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C^®) is pleased to present a complimentary webinar covering the expiration of confidential business information (CBI) protections under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and how to request and substantiate an extension. The webinar will be presented on April 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (EDT). Register here:
https://lawbc.zoom.us/webinar/register/3217743620188/WN_DL0Fp_7FTXCnbwhA1H3kpQ

The 2016 Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act amendments included a ten-year cap on many CBI claims. Absent an extension approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these CBI claims will begin to expire on a rolling basis in June 2026 unless further reasserted and re-substantiated.

B&C has been tracking this important provision closely, including how EPA intends to provide the statutorily required notices of expiring CBI claims; the systems, processes, and criteria to request and substantiate an extension; and the practical steps companies should be taking now to prepare.

Topics Covered:

• CBI expiration provisions under TSCA;
• Process and criteria for requesting and substantiating an extension; and
• Practical tips for companies to prepare now.

Speakers:

• Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Director of Chemistry, B&C, is a 17-year veteran of EPA and one of the most widely recognized experts on TSCA, with over 25 years’ experience engaged in interpretation and implementation of this complicated yet foundational law for American innovation and productivity.
• Ryan N. Schmit, Of Counsel, B&C, served more than 15 years in EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) where he worked on the front lines of EPA’s TSCA implementation efforts including the protection of CBI.
• Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner, B&C, has earned an international reputation counseling corporations, trade associations, and business consortia on a wide range of issues pertaining to chemical hazard, exposure and risk assessment, risk communication, minimizing legal liability, and evolving regulatory and policy matters.

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. is a Washington, D.C. law firm offering clients an unparalleled level of experience and excellence in matters relating to TSCA. Our TSCA practice group includes six former senior EPA scientific and executive staff, seven Ph.D.s, and a robust and highly experienced team of lawyers and non-lawyer professionals extremely well-versed in all aspects of TSCA law, regulation, and litigation.

View all of B&C’s webinars available on demand at https://www.lawbc.com/media-type/webinars-on-demand/

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SOURCE Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

• In 2025, nearly $30.5 million in energy bill assistance was provided in Florida, helping nearly 31,000 customers
• Multiple financial assistance programs are available for eligible customers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Duke Energy Florida’s storm cost recovery charges have been removed from customer bills as of February, dropping residential bills approximately $44 for every 1,000 kWh, additional bill assistance resources are available for eligible customers that may face continued payment challenges.

In 2025, nearly $30.5 million was delivered to support approximately 31,000 customers.

Duke Energy Florida works with community partners and assistance programs to connect eligible customers with financial resources and support, leveraging resources such as Share The Light Fund, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), FL211.org and more.

How to get help
Duke Energy Florida works with a variety of partners to help connect eligible customers with financial assistance for their energy bills. These partnerships help ensure support reaches families who may be experiencing temporary financial hardship or unexpected challenges.

“We know that unexpected challenges can arise, and we’re committed to standing by our customers when they need it most,” said Melissa Seixas, president, Duke Energy Florida. “These programs help provide a safety net for families navigating temporary hardship while keeping their households running.”

To explore payment assistance resources including Share the Light Fund, 211.org, LIHEAP and more, customers can visit Duke Energy’s Payment Assistance Finder.

Additional support
In addition to financial assistance programs, Duke Energy also offers:

• Installment Plans: Provides flexibility with paying energy bills to help make monthly payments more comfortable
• Due Date Extensions: Extends your payment due date by one to 10 business days
• Seasonal Savings Tips: From energy usage tracking to a live view into your energy dashboard, additional resources provide transparency and tips to help reduce everyday energy usage to lower your bill during the winter chill and heat of the summer

Customers are encouraged to seek help early to find the best option that fits their needs.

Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.  

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.  

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

Contact: Laitin Sterling
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

LAKELAND, Fla., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Plastic pollution has become a widespread global problem, with microscopic particles in the water that can slip into the human body without notice. For decades, scientists have struggled to detect these microplastics and nanoplastics quickly and affordably. Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University are working on a new approach that could change that.

Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, an associate professor of chemistry, and students Riley Orr and Justin Sanchez Almirola developed a solution based on electrochemical sensing, a technology that uses chemical reactions to detect and measure the concentration of specific materials in different environments.

Their innovation earned a U.S. patent and was published in the international journal Sensors and Actuators A: Physical. The topic is also an extension of Kaushik’s ongoing research.

“Right now, there is no way to detect this type of pollution on the spot,” Kaushik said. “But our sensor works in the field, and within minutes just a drop of water tells you if microplastics are there and at what level.”

The severity of the issue is immeasurable, said Kaushik, who has been recognized on Stanford University’s prestigious list of the world’s top 2% of scientists since 2021.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Microplastics range from about the size of a pencil eraser down to particles so small they resemble the width of a red blood cell. Nanoplastics shrink even further into the nanometer scale, far too small to see without powerful microscopes. 

The innovative new sensor uses a specially treated electrode strip connected to a small reader. After a drop of water is added, the system looks for plastics such as polystyrene and turns that into an electrical signal the user can see on a smartphone.

“We have needed an easy way to measure microplastics in any body of water because what scientists have been doing takes advanced machines and trained technicians,” said Orr, a senior majoring in electrical engineering.

Orr and Almirola ’25, a mechanical engineering alum now pursuing his master’s in the same discipline, stepped up to assist Kaushik with the project with support from other researchers. Almirola and Kaushik earned inventor status on US Patent No. 12,523,590 B1, “Sensing Plastics with Electrode Sensor to Monitor Fluid Environments.”

Kaushik said that another patent application and paper are under review, with Orr and senior mechanical engineering major Andrea Lee to be included as inventors on the patent.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-poly-team-develops-new-tool-to-quickly-detect-microplastics-in-water-302725102.html

SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University

HOUSTON, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TruGrid has been recognized by the National Safety Council with a Perfect Record Award, given to companies that achieve 12 consecutive months without a work-related injury or illness resulting in days away from work. From January 1 through December 31, 2025, TruGrid teams logged more than 210,000 work hours with a 0.00 Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR). During that time, the company also surpassed 365 consecutive days with zero Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable incidents, all while completing five projects.

“Our teams take pride in delivering projects the right way, and our strong safety culture is central to that commitment,” said Josh Richardson, Chief Operating Officer at TruGrid. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our employees, partners, and subcontractors who make safe execution possible every day.”

TruGrid’s performance significantly outpaces industry benchmarks. The construction industry average TRIR ranges from 1.5 to 2.3, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while utilities and renewable energy companies average 1.14, based on ISNetworld® data.

“Safety performance at this level is the result of alignment, accountability, and a culture where teams are empowered to act before incidents occur,” said Justin Whittenburg, Vice President of Health, Safety & Environment at TruGrid.

TruGrid recently released a safety white paper outlining the strategies behind this milestone and sharing insights to help strengthen safety culture across the EPC industry. 

About TruGrid
TruGrid is a premier utility-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar technology. Its mission is to connect customers and communities with reliable and valuable utility-scale clean energy projects. Based in Houston, Texas, TruGrid is at the forefront of North America’s energy transition, offering solutions that ensure the most profitable projects for customers. Proudly owned by Hull Street Energy, TruGrid is dedicated to advancing sustainability and leading the energy industry with a focus on excellence, safety, and reliability.

About Hull Street Energy
Hull Street Energy (HSE) is a private equity firm that specializes in deploying capital into the power sector as it decarbonizes. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the team leverages its decades of experience and unique knowledge of North American electricity infrastructure, fundamentals, and grid operations, including fuel inputs, commodity contract structuring, renewable and fossil powered generation assets, energy storage, transmission and distribution systems, and electricity demand-side businesses to build value for stakeholders. For further information about HSE please see www.hullstreetenergy.com.

Media Contact
Amy Norstedt
Senior Director of Marketing
anorstedt@trugridpower.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trugrid-earns-perfect-record-award-for-safety-accomplishments-302725056.html

SOURCE TruGrid

HOUSTON, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TruGrid has been recognized by the National Safety Council with a Perfect Record Award, given to companies that achieve 12 consecutive months without a work-related injury or illness resulting in days away from work. From January 1 through December 31, 2025, TruGrid teams logged more than 210,000 work hours with a 0.00 Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR). During that time, the company also surpassed 365 consecutive days with zero Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable incidents, all while completing five projects.

“Our teams take pride in delivering projects the right way, and our strong safety culture is central to that commitment,” said Josh Richardson, Chief Operating Officer at TruGrid. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our employees, partners, and subcontractors who make safe execution possible every day.”

TruGrid’s performance significantly outpaces industry benchmarks. The construction industry average TRIR ranges from 1.5 to 2.3, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while utilities and renewable energy companies average 1.14, based on ISNetworld® data.

“Safety performance at this level is the result of alignment, accountability, and a culture where teams are empowered to act before incidents occur,” said Justin Whittenburg, Vice President of Health, Safety & Environment at TruGrid.

TruGrid recently released a safety white paper outlining the strategies behind this milestone and sharing insights to help strengthen safety culture across the EPC industry. 

About TruGrid
TruGrid is a premier utility-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar technology. Its mission is to connect customers and communities with reliable and valuable utility-scale clean energy projects. Based in Houston, Texas, TruGrid is at the forefront of North America’s energy transition, offering solutions that ensure the most profitable projects for customers. Proudly owned by Hull Street Energy, TruGrid is dedicated to advancing sustainability and leading the energy industry with a focus on excellence, safety, and reliability.

About Hull Street Energy
Hull Street Energy (HSE) is a private equity firm that specializes in deploying capital into the power sector as it decarbonizes. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the team leverages its decades of experience and unique knowledge of North American electricity infrastructure, fundamentals, and grid operations, including fuel inputs, commodity contract structuring, renewable and fossil powered generation assets, energy storage, transmission and distribution systems, and electricity demand-side businesses to build value for stakeholders. For further information about HSE please see www.hullstreetenergy.com.

Media Contact
Amy Norstedt
Senior Director of Marketing
anorstedt@trugridpower.com

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SOURCE TruGrid

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Compass Group USA is enhancing its climate strategy by integrating carbon intelligence directly into the digital systems that power menu development, procurement and supply chain operations. By placing emissions insights at the point of decision-making, the company is turning its climate commitments into measurable, enterprise-wide action.

“This goes far beyond introducing another standalone sustainability initiative,” said Amy Keister, Global Director of Sustainability, Compass Group. “We are fundamentally reshaping how food decisions are made by embedding climate data directly into the systems that drive purchasing, menu development and supply chain strategy.”

Automated Climate Intelligence Across Operations

Compass Group has developed an integrated technology suite that connects ingredient-level emissions data with systems its teams use every day to deliver real-time insights for recipes, menus and purchasing. Operators can instantly identify lower-impact ingredients, balance cost and sustainability priorities, and track performance, all within their existing workflows.

Empowering Chefs and Culinary Teams

For Compass culinarians, climate intelligence is fueling a new wave of innovation. As recipes are developed, their emissions are instantly assessed, enabling chefs to optimize for flavor, cost and sustainability at the same time.

Across the country, many locations feature guest-facing climate labels that highlight “better for the planet” options. Today, approximately half of Compass recipes meet low-carbon criteria, a figure that continues to rise as the usage of new tools and insights expands.

“Great chefs have always balanced creativity, cost, and responsibility,” said Chris Ivens-Brown, Chief Culinary Officer, Compass Group North America. “With real-time carbon insights now embedded in our recipe system, our teams can see the impact of their decisions and adjust in ways that reduce emissions while still delivering great food.”

Driving Transparency Across the Supply Chain

Another way Compass is creating change is by working collaboratively with suppliers to use these tools to drive transparency and greater progress across the supply chain. Through a partnership with Planet FWD, Compass uses a proprietary platform to collect detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) data from suppliers along with emissions data at the product level.

Real-Time Data and Client Reporting Through Carbon Foodprint

With the launch of Compass’ enhanced Carbon Foodprint platform, operators and clients access live, dashboard-driven emissions insights for 100% of purchasing data. The platform simplifies complex data and helps clients track performance, identify opportunities, and share verified progress toward their sustainability goals.

Scaling Climate Action Across Every Meal

With millions of meals served every day, Compass Group’s advanced sustainability technology is making a measurable difference in reducing emissions through menus, purchasing and partnerships.

“By embedding climate intelligence into the core of our operations, we are making measurable emissions reductions scalable across every meal we serve,” said Keister. “This strengthens our ability to deliver on both near- and long-term climate commitments.”

About Compass Group North America
Compass Group is redefining the food and facility services landscape with innovation and passion through the lens of what’s next. Serving premier healthcare systems, respected educational institutions, world-renowned cultural centers, popular sporting and entertainment venues, and Fortune 500 organizations, Compass Group always finds a way to deliver excellence in nearly any vertical. Ranked No. 1 by industry peers on Fortune’s 2026 list of World’s Most Admired Companies, Compass is also among the Top 50 Companies Changing the World according to Fortune. Learn more about the Compass experience at www.compass-usa.com.

Media Contact
Lisa Claybon
Lisa.Claybon@compass-usa.com

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SOURCE Compass Group

ALLIANCE, Ohio, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Who’s on first for 2026? Every March, the Cat Fanciers’ Association – the world’s oldest and best-known feline registry—presents its eagerly anticipated list of the year’s top pedigreed cat breeds (based on prior year’s data). The latest list of feline “firsts” shows the increasing popularity of several breeds as well as the reappearance of a former favorite.

#10 – Russian Blue: A Silvery Star that Sparkles in the Sun

The stunning natural beauty of this breed is best appreciated when seen in sunlight, since the silver-tipped coat catches the light and glistens with an ethereal sheen. A Russian Blue’s luxuriously dense coat needs only minimal grooming while its emerald-green eyes radiate intelligence and affection. Their problem-solving abilities are legendary; be sure to keep food and treats under lock and key as they can open cabinet and cupboard doors with ease!

#9 – American Shorthair: Power and Strength Born in the USA

Renewed interest in this time-honored breed brings it back on to our list this year. Believed to trace its ancestry back to cats transported from England by early settlers, this rugged, self-sufficient hunter has a muscular build and a powerful jaw that enable it to easily vanquish all manner of rodents. Despite their predatory history, American Shorthairs are easygoing, patient cats who get along well with other pets and respond well to training.

#8 – Siberian: Russia’s National Feline Treasure

The unique triple coat of the Siberian enables it to adapt purr-fectly to the severe winters of its native land, while its mellow, loving disposition endears it to more cat lovers outside Russia every year. Intelligent and devoted to their owners, these cats divide their time between placid naps on the couch and occasional episodes of kitty “zoomies” in pursuit of favorite toys. Their sturdy, muscular build and sweet expressions make them a delightful addition to any home.

#7 – British Shorthair: Plush, Peaceful and Polite

With its gentle, reserved personality, the Brit will patiently wait for an invitation into your lap—but once it’s there, it takes firm possession! The incredibly dense coat of this breed contains more hair per square inch than any other feline, while the round eyes and prominent whisker pads make it appear to be smiling at you. The majestic charm and quiet intelligence of these majestic cats has made them a worldwide favorite since the early days of the cat fancy.

#6–Abyssinian : Elegance and Grace that Glows with Color

Each individual hair on an Abyssinian has multiple bands of color, giving the coat a vivid, glowing intensity unmatched by any other breed. Once thought to be descended from the hunting cats shown in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings, Abyssinians are extremely active, exceptionally intelligent and possess a virtually insatiable curiosity about anything and everything in their environments. Their energy level makes them well suited to children, while their lithe, graceful movements are an ornament to any home.

#5– Devon Rex: Part Cat, Part Pixie, Pure Charm !

The mischievous, elfin expression of this petite feline is so endearing that it has reigned as the most popular shorthaired breed for the past 5 years.  While all cats shed to some degree, the Devon does so to a dramatically lesser degree than most breeds, making it one of the easiest to care for. So devoted that owners call them “Velcro” kitties, these cats are passionately interested in all human activities and frequently try to offer their own brand of “assistance.” Their wavy coats have a tissue-soft texture that is a joy to touch.

#4– Exotic : Teddy-Bear Appeal in a Luxuriously Plush Package

Developed by selective breeding of Persians with several different shorthair breeds, the Exotic combines the baby-faced charm of a Persian with a medium-short coat that is easier to maintain than its parent breed. Placid and mild-mannered, these cats are quiet, loving and adaptable to virtually any home environment. Their round, soulful eyes and sweet expressions give them a unique charm that is impossible to resist.

#3–Persian: A Breathtaking Beauty that’s Sheer Purr-fection

Widely considered the epitome of feline beauty and charm, the Persian’s gentle, serene nature has made it a cherished companion throughout the world. Caring for the luxurious, flowing coat is a labor of love that radiates back to you through the cat’s round, expressive eyes and affectionate purrs. While they’re most comfortable in your lap or curled up on the couch, Persians find it hard to resist the lure of a toy; in pursuit of a feather, their coats give the impression of an animated cloud.

#2–Ragdoll: Sapphire Eyes Paired with Silky-Soft Fur

Available in four patterns, the Ragdoll’s vivid blue, oval-shaped eyes are one of its most distinctive features. Known for their relaxed, peaceful temperament, these cats have medium-long, silken coats flowing over sturdy, muscular bodies with substantial boning. They thrive on human interaction, become devoted to their family members and are happiest when they can relax and stretch out on your lap.

#1–Maine Coon Cat: All-American Majesty

Ever since a Maine Coon Cat took first place at the first U.S. cat show in 1895, these “gentle giants” of the cat world have been captivating feline fanciers everywhere. Intelligent, adaptable, and sociable, their characteristic shaggy coats and imposing size never fail to attract attention. Friendly and approachable, they are playful, easy to train, and very loyal to their owners. It’s no wonder that they’ve achieved the top ranking for the second year in a row!

Media Contact:
Allene Tartaglia
410872@email4pr.com
330-680-4070

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SOURCE The Cat Fanciers’ Association

Innovative new headquarters redefines the standard for online printing

CHANHASSEN, Minn., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Commercial printer Smartpress.com has moved to a bigger, best-in-class campus with their parent company, The Bernard Group. Their state-of-the-art facilities were specifically designed to elevate the client experience, employee workplace and premium print production. Near their previous headquarters, Smartpress’ new location allows the company to consolidate operations, streamline workflows and deliver faster, higher-quality service.

Take a look inside: https://smartpress.com/blog/features/pure-innovation-introducing-a-new-era-of-online-printing

Built Better for Clients
Being a leader in the print industry is something Smartpress takes very seriously. Now that teams and resources are together, this move accelerates their execution capabilities and clenches their reputation as a trusted brand with unprecedented quality assurance.

“The transition into a shared campus was driven by a combination of rapid growth, a desire for deeper operational synergy and a commitment to our employee-owned culture,” said Smartpress Director of Print Production Russ Castleman. “We’re now more capable than ever of producing the highest quality product that you can count on for years to come.”

Why This Move Makes Smartpress Unique

• Consolidated in-house manufacturing fosters better quality control and streamlined workflows
• Purpose-built spaces are tailored to optimize custom printing processes
• One campus encourages collaboration and operational efficiency
• Employee-owned culture empowers a shared stake in success

“We have a lot of brilliant people in this organization,” said Castleman. “When those teams get to draw from decades of combined experience across multiple business units within Smartpress and The Bernard Group, brilliant print happens.”

The campus also strengthens Smartpress’ sustainability efforts. Consolidating operations reduces transportation, cutting carbon emissions, while energy-efficient systems, sustainable sourcing and recycling programs advance environmentally responsible business practices.

Learn about The Bernard Group: https://thebernardgroup.com/

About Smartpress
Smartpress is the leading commercial printer for business owners, nonprofits and marketing professionals across North America. Printing everything from booklets and brochures to signage, mailers and more, they operate on three foundational principles: Create premium quality print with world-class customer service and a commitment to social responsibility.

Smartpress leads the industry in achieving social and environmental milestones like EcoVadis Gold and ISO 14001 certification. They are 100% employee-owned, Scopes 1 and 2 carbon neutral and home to one of the largest fleets of HP Indigo HD presses in the world.
https://smartpress.com/

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SOURCE Smartpress

NEW YORK and LONDON, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World ORT and ORT America have united, bringing together two organizations that have long shared a mission yet operated with distinction: one raised funds, the other developed programs. Now, both will operate under the leadership of CEO Dov Ben-Shimon with headquarters in New York and offices in London and Israel. The announcement marks a defining moment for a cause that has never stopped evolving or wavered on why it exists.

A Promise Made in 1880
In 1880, Jewish life in Tsarist Russia was under siege. Legal restrictions barred Jewish people from most professions, owning land, and living freely outside the Pale of Settlement. When a group of Jewish leaders in St. Petersburg petitioned to establish an organization dedicated to teaching trades to impoverished Russian Jews, they were determined to improve their circumstances— they called it ORT.

That promise has proven itself across every generation since. From 1880 Russia to 30+ countries spanning five continents, World ORT has grown into one of the most far-reaching Jewish educational networks in the world.

What the Merger Makes Possible
World ORT is positioned to deepen relationships with locally run schools, connect educators across borders, and direct funding more strategically to where the need is greatest. The ambition is not to standardize. It’s to strengthen. Every student in the World ORT network, wherever they are, should have access to the best that the network has to offer.

“Even when situations are dire — poverty, war, displacement — ORT students can imagine a future. That is what World ORT has done for 145 years. And we will carry it forward for 145 more.”
Dov Ben-Shimon, CEO, World ORT

“World ORT doesn’t just teach skills. We also share the joy of Jewish Peoplehood, ensuring our students are both prepared for the future and proud of their identity.”
 Jon Levine, Board Chair, World ORT

World ORT by the Numbers
145 years of impact • 30+ countries • 5 continents • 80K annual students • 200K annual beneficiaries

To see the video created for the announcement, visit ort.org/merger.

MEDIA CONTACT: ALEX GALBINSKI
411054@email4pr.com
+44 (0) 20 7446 8502

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/born-from-a-promise-built-for-whats-next-world-ort-and-ort-america-unite-302724175.html

SOURCE World ORT

Milestone represents one of the largest robotic solar deployments executed to date

ARLINGTON, Va., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Maximo, the solar robotics company incubated by The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), today announced the successful installation of 100 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar capacity at AES’ Bellefield complex.

Demand for electricity continues to grow rapidly, driven by data center expansion, electrification and industrial manufacturing. Solar construction faces increasing pressure from labor constraints, compressed project timelines and cost volatility. Maximo’s robotic solar installation solution is helping close the gap between the need for faster time to power and construction capacity. Today’s 100 MW achievement marks the transition of robotic module installation from early deployment validation to sustained commercial production.

“Reaching 100 MW at a single site is an important milestone for Maximo and for the role robotics can play in solar construction. It demonstrates that intelligent field robotics can deliver consistent results at utility scale. As solar deployment continues to accelerate globally, technologies that improve installation speed, quality and reliability will become increasingly important,” said Chris Shelton, President of Maximo.

The Bellefield project scaled from a single robot to a coordinated fleet of four Maximo units operating in parallel. By tightly integrating robotic placement into standard construction workflows alongside skilled union technicians, the fleet delivered a step‑change in productivity while maintaining high safety and quality standards. Maximo’s version 3.0 units’ technical performance rate consistently surpassed one module per minute, with crews installing as many as 24 modules per shift hour per person, nearly double the output of traditional installation methods in the region. The upcoming major release of Maximo version 4.0 builds on the industry leading scale and performance accomplished at Bellefield.

NVIDIA technologies supported the development and readiness of the Maximo robotic fleet deployed in California. Leveraging NVIDIA AI infrastructure together with NVIDIA Omniverse libraries and NVIDIA Isaac Sim open robotics simulation framework, the Maximo team was able to develop, test and refine robotic capabilities through physics-based simulation and AI driven modeling before deploying updates in the field. The combination of AI, vision, robotics and simulation driven engineering reduced development and validation timelines and increased confidence in field performance as the robotic fleet scaled. 

“Physical AI is a powerful force for accelerating real world energy infrastructure,” said Marc Spieler, Senior Director of Energy, NVIDIA. “By combining AI infrastructure, simulation, and edge AI, platforms like Maximo demonstrate how physical AI can help accelerate solar panel installation while maintaining high reliability in complex environments.”

Amazon Web Services (AWS) powered the development, deployment, and operation of Maximo’s AI-driven field systems. AWS provides scalable computing, automated software delivery, and advanced data analytics, including real-time construction intelligence, enabling Maximo to collect operational robotics data and continuously improve performance.

“Innovation in carbon-free energy development is critical to meeting the world’s growing energy needs,” said Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer, Amazon. “By combining AI and robotics, technologies like Maximo demonstrate how we can accelerate the transition to carbon-free energy while improving safety and efficiency. Amazon is proud to support projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable infrastructure.”

Utility-scale solar construction must expand rapidly to meet growing electricity demand, and the United States is expected to deploy hundreds of gigawatts of new solar capacity this decade. Robotic installation solutions like Maximo allow Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms to increase productivity, improve workforce safety and standardize installation quality while operating within complex construction environments.

The Bellefield project installation demonstrates that robotics can now operate reliably at a gigawatt scale in solar construction.

About Maximo

Maximo is an intelligent field robotics company incubated by AES, focused on accelerating utility-scale solar construction through autonomous installation systems. Its physical AI and robotics platform is designed to augment skilled construction crews, improve safety, and increase installation speed.

AES Safe Harbor Disclosure

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those related to future earnings, growth and financial and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are not intended to be a guarantee of future results, but instead constitute AES’ current expectations based on reasonable assumptions. Forecasted financial information is based on certain material assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, our expectations regarding accurate projections of future interest rates, commodity price and foreign currency pricing, continued normal levels of operating performance and electricity volume at our distribution companies and operational performance at our generation businesses consistent with historical levels, as well as the execution of PPAs, conversion of our backlog and growth investments at normalized investment levels, and rates of return consistent with prior experience.

Actual results could differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could affect actual results are discussed in AES’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks discussed under Item 1A: “Risk Factors” and Item 7: “Management’s Discussion & Analysis” in AES’ 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Readers are encouraged to read AES’ filings to learn more about the risk factors associated with AES’ business. AES undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except where required by law.

Any Stockholder who desires a copy of the Company’s 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 2, 2026 with the SEC may obtain a copy (excluding the exhibits thereto) without charge by addressing a request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, The AES Corporation, 4300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Exhibits also may be requested, but a charge equal to the reproduction cost thereof will be made. A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K may be obtained by visiting the Company’s website at www.aes.com.

AES Website Disclosure

AES uses its website, including its quarterly updates, as channels of distribution of Company information. The information AES posts through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website, in addition to following AES’ press releases, quarterly SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, you may automatically receive e-mail alerts and other information about AES when you enroll your e-mail address by visiting the “Subscribe to Alerts” page of AES’ Investors website. The contents of AES’ website, including its quarterly updates, are not, however, incorporated by reference into this release.

Media Contact: Katie Lau, katie.lau@aes.com

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