Plugged-In: Hess' blog for all things energy and small business

"At the end of drama school, I made a contract with myself: I'd try acting for five years. I was 26. I had already spent eight years working in restaurants and gas stations. So I had seen enough small businesses to understand that that's what acting is: a small business," was once said by Hugh Jackman.

Although at times operating a small business can seem anything but glamorous, many celebrities have started their own. In a wide variety of industries, a growing number of celebrities are cashing in on their charm to become small business owners.

It really doesn't come as a surprise to see famous faces financing companies or brainstorming business opportunities. The mix of wealth, drive, and downtime between projects may provide an ample environment for entrepreneurism.

Learn about what is driving energy markets in our Weekly Energy Update. In this week's report, see how East Coast utilities are preparing for the possibility of record summer peak demand!  Plus, New York predicts power prices to increase this summer vs. 2012!  Download the FULL report below for FREE to see how this impacts your business...

To acknowledge and appreciate all that small businesses do for America, including spur innovation, create jobs, and make the U.S. economy more competitive, May has been proclaimed Small Business Month!

Learn about what is moving energy markets in our Weekly Energy Update. In this week's report: natural gas prices closed down for the week as inventories continue to grow!  But, daily power prices in the Northeast have risen! Plus, the EIA projects U.S. regular gasoline prices to average $3.53 per gallon this summer.  Download the FULL report below for FREE to see how this impacts your business...

It’s that time of year again—time for spring cleaning! And while your mind is on reorganizing and sprucing things up at home, don’t forget about your business. This means cleaning your workplace, as well as evaluating your processes and thinking about ways to improve.

Learn about what is moving energy markets in our Weekly Energy Update. In this week's report: natural gas prices tumbled last Thursday with the possibility of a further drop in the near future and temperatures in the eastern U.S. are expected to be normal to below-normal in the 8-14 day outloook!  Plus, the U.S. economy could be on the rebound- download the FULL report below for FREE to see what this means for energy demand and your business...

Using energy wisely makes sense—both for the environment and for your budget! These energy savings tips will help your business cut costs on your utility bills during the warmer spring and summer months:

Learn about what is moving energy markets in our Weekly Energy Update. In this week's report: researchers predict another busy hurricane season - initial projections call for 16 to 18 named storms, including at least four intense hurricanes, with a 48% chance that one of these storms will hit the East Coast! And, natural gas sees a 16% decline in use as a fuel burned by electric power generators. Download the FULL report below for FREE to see how this affects your business...

Learn about what is moving energy markets in our Weekly Energy Update.  In this week's report: natural gas prices surge to a 20-month high on Friday - jumping 4.5%, while crude oil saw its largest two-day drop in nearly a year! We also dive into natural gas futures, electric prices, and how the energy market affects your business. Download the FULL report below for FREE to read about this and much more...

Learn about what is moving energy markets in our Weekly Energy Update.  In this week's report, we take a look at WSI's prediction of an El Niño event later this spring, which would reduce the possibility of a blazing hot summer - and hopefully keep your utility bills lower!  We also dive into natural gas futures, electric prices, and how the energy market affects your business. Download the FULL report below for FREE to read about this and much more...