Energy

Ameresco's second-quarter revenue was below expectations, but President and CEO George P. Sakellaris is optimistic the company will fare better in the second half of the year.

World Energy Solutions of Worcester turned in its best revenue-producing second quarter, the energy management services firm said in its most recent financial report. But the company also reported a net loss of $1.65 million as it continued to work through a change in its revenue-recognition policy that defers some revenue to future quarters.

Southborough-based Sevcon, which designs and manufactures microprocessor-based controls for zero emission electric and hybrid vehicles, said its third-quarter financial results met the company's expectations, with revenue coming in at $8.7 million.

Devens-based wind and power grid company AMSC reported first-quarter fiscal 2014 revenues that were 13 percent better than the fourth quarter of last year, but down compared with the same period last year, as it continues to work to regain its footing more than two years after losing its largest customer.

The EcoTarium in Worcester announced it will use a $244,290 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) to connect to the electrical grid, reducing reliance on its aging power plant.

Worcester-based Mass Megawatts Wind Power is entering the $12 billion U.S. solar power market, announcing the development of a new solar-tracking technology that it says will increase solar energy production 30 percent.

Pinetree Power Fitchburg has been assessed a $600,000 fine by state environmental officials to resolve a series of alleged violations of emissions limits at its facility in Westminster.

Unitil Corp., the utility that serves Fitchburg, Lunenberg and Townsend, reported a loss of $100,000 for its most recent fiscal quarter, a 75-percent drop from the loss it declared in the second quarter of 2012.

As air conditioners around the state do battle with the spate of scalding outdoor temperatures, there have been spotty electrical outages and strains on the grid, though the demand “under forecast,” Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan said Friday.

Setting out on what they say will be a long campaign, lawmakers are seeking to pass legislation that would tax carbon at $5 per metric ton.