Technology

IFS Copperleaf and HData Partner to Embed Regulatory Intelligence into Utility Capital Planning

Published

3 hours ago

June 5, 2026

Strategic partnership connects HData’s centralized U.S. regulatory data with IFS Copperleaf’s decision analytics platform, giving utilities a direct path from rate cases, commission orders, and peer filings to defensible capital plans, as the sector heads toward a trillion-dollar decade of infrastructure investment.

VANCOUVER, BC and BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — IFS Copperleaf, the global leader in AI-powered decision analytics for critical infrastructure, today announced a strategic partnership with HData, the AI-native operating system for energy regulation. The partnership connects HData’s centralized library of federal and state regulatory and legislative data — rate cases, integrated resource plans, testimony, commission orders, and FERC and EIA filings — directly into IFS Copperleaf’s capital and asset investment planning platform.

“Utility capital decisions deserve better treatment than massive manual assembly across email threads and PDFs. That’s a risk in discovery, and we’re keen on eliminating threats to the investments that keep society running,” says Jeff Pauska, VP of Product Management, IFS Copperleaf

The integration closes a gap utilities have lived with for years: the disconnect between the regulatory and legislative environments that shape capital decisions, and the planning systems where those decisions actually get made. With U.S. utilities projected to invest up to a trillion dollars in infrastructure by the end of this decade — under regulatory scrutiny that intensifies every year — that gap is now a strategic liability.

“Utilities are being asked to harden the grid, double capacity, and defend every dollar of it to a regulator — often inside the same capital envelope. HData has built the most complete view of U.S. regulatory activity in the market. We’re wiring it directly into the investment decisions our customers make in Copperleaf — so the next commission order, peer filing, or rate case becomes an input to the plan, not a fire drill.” — Jeff Pauska, VP of Product Management, IFS Copperleaf

HData is the platform where America’s energy future is being decided, serving as the largest customer ecosystem in regulated energy. The platform centralizes regulatory filings from authoritative public sources alongside customer-integrated data. Domain-specific AI built on 20 million relevant, citable documents supports large-scale analysis for policy research, consumer advocacy, rate cases, resource planning, business development research, and financial analysis.

“Utilities are under pressure to balance affordability, reliability, resilience, and decarbonization — and to defend every investment decision in front of a regulator. Our platform centralizes data, domain AI, and purpose-built applications the industry runs on. Connecting it to IFS Copperleaf gives utilities a faster, more defensible path from filing to funded plan.” — Jeffrey Press, Chief Operating Officer, Hdata

IFS Copperleaf’s decision analytics solution is used to manage more than $2.9 trillion of assets globally. Verdantix recognized Copperleaf as a leader in its Green Quadrant for asset investment planning software, citing its market-leading value framework and bottom-up asset modelling.

The combined offering supports utilities across the capital and regulatory lifecycle:

Monitoring regulatory trends, commission activity, and emerging policy across jurisdictionsBenchmarking investment strategies against peer utility filings and outcomesPreparing rate cases with evidence drawn from comparable proceedings and ordersGrounding integrated resource plans in current regulatory reality, not last year’s snapshotDefending capital plans to regulators with traceable, source-anchored evidence

“Utility capital decisions deserve better treatment than massive manual assembly across email threads and PDFs,” Pauska added. “That’s a risk in discovery, and we’re keen on eliminating threats to the investments that keep society running.”

About IFS Copperleaf

IFS Copperleaf provides enterprise decision analytics software to organizations managing critical infrastructure. Powered by the industry-leading Copperleaf Value Framework and AI-driven optimization, IFS Copperleaf solutions manage trillions of dollars of assets worldwide for utilities, energy companies, transportation operators, and other infrastructure businesses — helping them allocate capital with confidence, align every investment with strategic and ESG goals, and defend their plans to regulators and stakeholders. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, IFS Copperleaf is part of IFS, the world’s leading provider of Industrial AI and enterprise software. Learn more at copperleaf.com and IFS.com.

About HData As the AI-native operating system for energy regulation, HData serves the largest customer ecosystem in regulated energy, helping utilities, regulators, advocates, advisory firms, corporates, and energy technology companies navigate regulatory complexity. Through centralized data, domain AI, and purpose-built applications, HData accelerates the research, analysis, and workflows critical to how the future of energy is decided. Learn more at hdata.com.

Media Contact

Jamie Kightley, IFS Copperleaf, 1 561 228 1940, copperleaf@iba-international.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ifs-copperleaf-and-hdata-partner-to-embed-regulatory-intelligence-into-utility-capital-planning-302791412.html

SOURCE IFS Copperleaf

Technology

CRAY LAUNCHES “CRAY PROTECTED” VENUE SAFETY PROGRAM

Published

44 minutes ago

June 5, 2026

New program gives hospitality venues a visible, branded safety certification and physical toolkit to protect patrons from drink spiking and dating-related harm

TAMPA, Fla., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cray, the digital student safety platform behind CrayScore™ and SchemerScore™, today announced the launch of Cray Protected — a venue safety certification and physical materials program designed for bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and event venues that want to make patron safety a visible part of their brand.

Cray Protected gives participating venues a branded safety package that includes the official Cray Protected badge and window decals, NightCapIt drink cover stickers to prevent drink tampering, QR-coded branded coasters that connect patrons directly to the Cray safety app, venue safety posters for bathrooms and common areas, and branded shot glasses for behind the bar. Three tiered packages are available starting at $99, scaled to venue size and type, with consumable restocking available on a one-time or monthly auto-ship basis.

“A venue that makes safety visible doesn’t just do the right thing — it builds the kind of reputation that fills tables on a Friday night. Cray Protected gives hospitality operators a simple, affordable way to show their patrons that safety isn’t an afterthought.”

— Justin Smith, Founder and CEO, Cray

THE PROBLEM CRAY PROTECTED ADDRESSES

More than 11 million drinks are spiked in the United States every year. One in thirteen people report having their drink tampered with at a bar or event. Despite widespread awareness of the problem, most venues lack any structured response beyond after-the-fact incident management.

Cray Protected is designed to change that — putting prevention tools physically in the hands of staff and patrons before incidents occur, while giving venues a visible, recognizable marker of their commitment to patron safety.

THE CRAY PROTECTED PACKAGES

Venues choose from three setup kits based on venue type:

Restaurant Kit — $99

Window decals, posters, 50 coasters, 25 drink covers, 6 shot glasses, and the Cray Protected badge

Bar & Nightclub Kit — $149

Window decals, posters, 100 coasters, 100 drink covers, 6 shot glasses, and the Cray Protected badge

Event Venue Kit — $199

Window decals, posters, 150 coasters, 200 drink covers, 6 shot glasses, and the Cray Protected badge

All packages include free shipping and a listing on Cray’s growing map of Cray Protected venues. Consumable restocking — coasters and drink covers — is available as a one-time or monthly auto-ship order, with tiered pricing that reflects volume. Learn more at cray.app/protected.

THE NIGHTCAPIT PARTNERSHIP

Cray’s drink cover stickers are offered in partnership with NightCapIt, the anti-drink-spiking brand co-founded by Shirah Benarde. NightCapIt’s peel-and-stick covers are widely recognized in the bar safety space and are included in all Cray Protected venue packages.

ABOUT CRAY

Cray is a digital student safety tool available on iOS, Android, and web that helps users identify red flags, detect manipulation, and verify the identity of people they meet online before meeting in person. Cray’s product suite includes CrayScore™, SchemerScore™, BaeScore™, CatfishCheck, OffenderCheck, and VibeCheck — with core reports available free of charge. Cray also partners with universities, Title IX offices, and Greek life organizations through its campus partnership program.

Founded by Justin Smith in Tampa, Florida, Cray was built from a personal experience with deception in a long-term relationship — and a belief that informed trust is stronger trust.

cray.app | @cray.app

For venue inquiries, interview requests, or press assets, contact: hello@cray.app

For venue package information and ordering: cray.app/protected

Contact:
Justin Smith, Founder & CEO, Cray
hello@cray.app
cray.app/protected

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cray-launches-cray-protected-venue-safety-program-302792114.html

SOURCE Cray App, LLC

Technology

CIMA+ RECEIVES TWO DISTINCTIONS AT THE 2026 ITE CANADA DISTRICT AWARDS

Published

44 minutes ago

June 5, 2026

VICTORIA, BC, June 5, 2026 /CNW/ – CIMA+, one of Canada’s largest private consulting engineering firms, received two distinctions at the 2026 ITE Canada District Awards, recognizing both project excellence and leadership in the transportation industry. Presented during the ITE Canada District Awards Luncheon held on June 3 in Victoria, British Columbia, the awards highlight outstanding achievements and contributions within Canada’s transportation community.

CIMA+ received the ITE Transportation Achievement Award – Planning for its work with the City of Edmonton on the 2025 update of the Complete Streets Design and Construction Standards (CSDCS). This initiative modernizes the city’s street design standards by integrating best practices in active transportation, climate resilience and safety. Thanks to the enhanced standards, designers now have clearer guidance in the development of more accessible, sustainable and livable communities. The enhancements also serve as a benchmark for other cities, both in Alberta and across Canada.

In addition, Kelsey Waugh, Project Manager, Transportation Mobility at CIMA+, was recognized with the ITE Canada District Rising Star Award for her leadership, technical expertise and contributions to the transportation profession.

With more than a decade of experience in transportation planning and engineering, Kelsey has led complex multidisciplinary initiatives, including transportation studies, environmental assessments, road safety reviews and large-scale data collection programs. She is also actively involved in mentoring emerging professionals and fostering collaboration within teams and across the industry.

Her involvement with ITE spans both Section and District leadership roles, including currently serving as Treasurer for the ITE Canada District. Recognized as one of Canadian Consulting Engineer’s Top 10 Under 40, Kelsey continues to contribute to the advancement of the profession through industry engagement, knowledge sharing and leadership development.

About CIMA+

CIMA+ provides complete consulting engineering services in the areas of Energy and Resources, Infrastructure, Defence, Transportation, Buildings, Project Management, Operational and Digital Technologies (including Telecommunication Systems), and Earth and Environment. The search for excellence has been part of our DNA since our founding in 1990, and our teams draw on decades of experience acquired across Canada to deliver quality projects that meet our clients’ expectations. This commitment to excellence and quality has allowed CIMA+ to rank among the largest private consulting engineering firms in the country. Today, with over 45 offices across Canada, CIMA+ employs more than 3,700 people, most of whom share ownership in the company.

Our multidisciplinary team is driven by a shared passion to deliver sustainable solutions that make our world a better place.

From our Board of Directors to the communities we serve, our commitment to people is evident in our drive to innovate, in the projects we carry out and in every action we take.

For more information, visit cima.ca

SOURCE CIMA+

Technology

Tech hiring lifts national job growth, demonstrates rising demand for tech talent, CompTIA finds

Published

44 minutes ago

June 5, 2026

Major tech employment metrics show positive results in May

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — US employers expanded their technology workforces amid ongoing demand for tech talent, according to analysis by CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral IT training and certifications.

Nearly 587,000 active job postings for technology occupations were listed by US employers last month.

Tech occupation employment, which includes technology professionals working in all industry sectors, increased by 69,000 workers in May, CompTIA’s analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) #JobsReport data shows.1 An estimated 5.9 million people work in tech occupations across the country

The unemployment rate for tech occupations is 3.1%, a drop from April’s 3.5% rate.

Tech industry employment increased by about 6,700 jobs in May.2 Job growth was led by new hiring in two categories – cloud infrastructure, data processing and hosting, and IT and custom software services and systems design.

“More than ever, business success relies on technology,” said Seth Robinson, vice president, industry research, CompTIA. “Our research has shown a desire to build capability in core operational functions, which then allows companies to build advanced practices in AI, data and cybersecurity.”

Nearly 587,000 active job postings for technology occupations were listed by employers last month.3 The total included almost 269,000 newly added job postings in May, an increase of about 4,000 from April.

By volume of job postings, positions for software developers and engineers, systems engineers and architects, tech support specialists and cybersecurity engineers and analysts were among those in highest demand. Positions for web developers, search engine optimization specialists and telecommunications engineering specialists saw the biggest month-over-month jumps on a percentage basis.

Tech job postings were widely dispersed geographically, with the New York, Washington and Dallas metropolitan areas having the highest numbers of openings.

The “CompTIA Tech Jobs Report” is available at https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/research/tech-jobs-report/.

About CompTIA
CompTIA, Inc. is the leading global provider of vendor-neutral training and certification products in the information technology (IT) space. Over four million CompTIA certifications have been awarded to current and aspiring technology workers, business professionals, government and military personnel, career changers, students and others. Working in partnership with thousands of academic institutions, governments, training providers and workforce development organizations, CompTIA uses best-in-class learning solutions, industry-recognized certifications and career resources to help job seekers reach their full potential and employers develop skilled technical talent. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/.

Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
630-678-8468

1 Monthly occupation level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tends to experience higher levels of variance and volatility.
2 Labor market data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and employer job postings from Lightcast may be subject to backward revisions.
3 Active job postings include new postings added by employers in the latest month and open postings carried over from previous months.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tech-hiring-lifts-national-job-growth-demonstrates-rising-demand-for-tech-talent-comptia-finds-302792781.html

SOURCE CompTIA