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E Source Acquires ILLUME Advising to Broaden Energy Consulting and Research Expertise

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The move represents a substantial stride in the company’s vision to be the utility industry’s solution partner of choice.

BOULDER, Colo., May 6, 2025 /CNW/ — E Source, a utilities-focused consulting, research, and data science company, has acquired ILLUME Advising, LLC, a research and strategy consultancy specializing in the energy sector. The acquisition boosts E Source’s ability to help its utility clients by providing deeper insights, tailored solutions, and richer engagement, building on the company’s deep expertise in North America’s utility sector.

ILLUME is a provider of people-centered research and consulting in the energy sector, founded in 2013 by Anne Dougherty and Sara Conzemius. Over the years, it has expanded to include more than 45 experts with diverse skills in social sciences, data science, engineering, strategic planning, and policy implementation.

E Source has been a solution partner to utilities for over 35 years. In 2019, it was acquired by Align Capital Partners (ACP), a growth-oriented mid-market private equity firm. The company has since grown organically and through acquisitions to create the most comprehensive solution partner in the utility industry.

Commenting on the acquisition, Joe Eazor, CEO, E Source, said, “I am thrilled to welcome the ILLUME team to E Source. This acquisition enhances our talent pool and depth of offerings, allowing us to create a more connected and holistic client experience across services. Anne and Sara have built an incredible company with a portfolio of trusted solutions that, combined with E Source’s scale and capabilities, will enhance the value we offer clients. We are thrilled to have their leadership on our journey to being the solution partner of choice in the utility industry.”

From behavioral economics and human-centered design to applied engineering and building science, ILLUME’s multidisciplinary expertise will further enhance E Source’s deep technical knowledge and trend-tracking capabilities across all utility verticals.

Anne Dougherty, ILLUME founder and co-owner, said, “At ILLUME, we’ve always believed in the power of rigorous research, strategic insight, and deep partnership with clients. E Source is the perfect match to help us scale that vision. Their data science, consulting, and solution-driven capabilities beautifully complement our work. We’re excited for what’s ahead, and confident our clients will see immediate value.”

The companies are now going through a systematic integration process, until the completion of which ILLUME will operate semi-independently as an E Source company. 

“Anne and I are thrilled to be joining forces with E Source—a company we’ve long admired,” said Sara Conzemius, ILLUME founder and co-owner. “Their commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and customer-centered solutions deeply aligns with our mission at ILLUME. Together, our teams are positioned to deliver a next-generation set of services to help utilities navigate the energy transition with clarity, purpose, and impact.”

Align Capital Partners was advised by McGuireWoods and ILLUME was advised by the Environmental Financial Consulting Group and Murphy Desmond S.C.

About E Source 
E Source combines industry-leading research, data science, and consulting to help utilities make and implement better data-driven decisions that positively impact their customers, their bottom line, and our planet. Headquartered in Boulder, CO, E Source has teams across the US and Canada. Learn more at www.esource.com.

About ILLUME Advising, LLC 

ILLUME is a research and strategy consultancy specializing in people-centered consulting to advance, re-envision, and transform the power sector. As energy specialists, ILLUME empowers utilities, regulators, and industry leaders to tackle complex challenges and accelerate innovation. ILLUME offers a holistic consulting approach grounded in four areas of expertise: Affordability, Access, and Resilience; Emerging Opportunities; Evaluation and Success Planning; and Human Insights. With headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, and Tucson, Arizona, ILLUME has teams located in 15 states across the US. Learn more at www.illumeadvising.com.

Media contact
Adarsh Nalam, Director, Solutions Marketing and Communications
adarsh_nalam@esource.com

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SOURCE E Source Companies LLC

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Lahaina art gallery turns tragedy into technology with FIRST LOOK

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Harte International Galleries to launch first of its kind “gallery in your pocket”.

LAHAINA, Hawaii, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the devastating Maui wildfire of August 8, 2023, which destroyed its Lahaina gallery, Harte International Galleries announces the launch of FIRST LOOK, an innovative digital application designed to bring investment grade art directly to collectors. This new “gallery in your pocket” app ensures continued access to masterworks and new releases, embodying the gallery’s resilience and commitment to its clientele.

Maui art gallery turns tragedy into innovation with a fine art APP that’s a gallery in your pocket, called FIRST LOOK.

To explore the FIRST LOOK app and discover its unique offerings, please visit: www.hartegalleries.com

Reimagining Art Access 

“FIRST LOOK from Harte International Galleries is not just an app; it’s a vibrant new chapter for art enthusiasts, offering an engaging and informative way to discover masterpieces by iconic artists such as Picasso, Chagall, Miro, Salvador Dali and even Sir Anthony Hopkins at discounted prices, thanks to the elimination of traditional gallery overheads, making world-class art more accessible and enjoyable than ever before,” said Glenn Harte.

With physical rebuilding efforts in Lahaina currently stalled, Glenn and Devon Harte, owners of Harte International Galleries, developed FIRST LOOK as a direct response to the loss of their physical space. This digital platform allows the gallery to rebuild its inventory and continue serving loyal collectors without the overhead of a traditional brick-and-mortar location. The app provides a fun, informative, and accessible way to engage with fine art.

Direct Access to Masterworks

FIRST LOOK offers collectors unparalleled, immediate access to new acquisitions and exclusive releases. Members receive instant notifications on their mobile phones, complete with images, detailed descriptions, and pricing for each piece. This direct communication channel allows members to inquire about art with a single tap, connecting them directly with the gallery owners.

The app features a curated selection of renowned artists and masterworks, including:

Masterworks: Picasso, Chagall, Miro, Matisse, Rembrandt, Durer, Salvador Dali.New Releases: Sir Anthony Hopkins and famed graffiti artist Rascal.

By leveraging FIRST LOOK, Harte International Galleries continues its legacy of providing access to exceptional art, adapting to new realities while maintaining the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Further information about the app and its offerings is available at: www.hartegalleries.com 

Harte International Galleries, formerly of Lahaina, Maui has rebuilt with a digital gallery for serious collectors, called FIRST LOOK.

Known for offering museum grade art from Picasso, Chagall, Miro, Matisse, Dali, Rembrandt, Durer, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Rascal – Harte International Galleries uses innovation to create a digital gallery.

go to: www.hartegalleries.com

Media Contact:
Glenn Harte
glennharte@hartegalleries.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lahaina-art-gallery-turns-tragedy-into-technology-with-first-look-302749439.html

SOURCE Harte International Galleries

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As homes get smarter, new global research names Aiper as the world’s No.1 smart robotic pool cleaner brand

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New research reveals Aiper holds the position of the world’s No.1 brand of smart robotic pool cleaners based on 2026 manufacturer sales volume worldwide

SYDNEY, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) become embedded in everyday life1, homeowners are embracing innovation more than ever. This trend is reflected in new global research which names Aiper the world’s No.1 brand of smart robotic pool cleaners*. From robot vacuums indoors to smart security, lighting and energy systems, homeowners are now seeking systems that help optimise energy use, align with cost-saving goals and reduce environmental impact, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

According to independent research by Euromonitor International, completed in December 2025, Aiper ranked No.1 globally based on manufacturer sales volume worldwide. The findings come as smart home adoption accelerates globally, valued at more than $147 billion USD in 2025 and projected to grow rapidly over the next decade2, as households prioritise automation that improves efficiency and supports sustainability goals.

Pool care is following the same trajectory. With more than 3.1 million Australians living in homes with a swimming pool or spa3, demand is growing for intelligent, low-effort systems that can operate autonomously, efficiently and reliably, while helping households manage energy use and ongoing maintenance costs.

Aiper’s innovation-led approach was formally recognised at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where Euromonitor International presented Aiper with an official certificate acknowledging its global sales leadership. The recognition highlights not only the brand’s growth, but the accelerating mainstream adoption of intelligent robotics in outdoor living.

Aiper’s next innovation, the Scuba V3, is the world’s first cognitive AI-powered robotic pool cleaner. Lightweight and easy to use, it cleans 10x faster with AI vision that identifies 20+ debris types in 3 seconds. Using Cognitive AI Navium™ mode, it automatically adapts cleaning paths, suction, and frequency to each pool, delivering a true set-it-and-forget-it experience for crystal-clear water. Demonstrating how robotics and AI can support more sustainable, low-effort outdoor living while helping households better manage energy and water use.This model will be available in the Australia market during Spring season.

This growing momentum is also being recognised by Aiper’s key retail partner in Australia, Clark Rubber. “At Clark Rubber, we’re seeing strong growth in demand for smarter, more efficient pool care solutions as Australian households look to reduce maintenance time, energy use and overall costs. Aiper’s global recognition reflects the increasing role that innovation and intelligent technology are playing in outdoor living. As a key retail partner, we’re excited to bring these advanced solutions to Australian consumers and support the shift toward more sustainable, low-effort pool ownership.” said Anthony Grice, CEO Clark Rubber.

For Australian households, long swimming seasons, outdoor lifestyles, and rising energy costs make smart, efficient systems a practical necessity. Aiper’s global recognition marks a turning point for smart outdoor living, where advanced robotics and AI are increasingly powerful, accessible, and sustainable, shaping the way modern homes evolve. For more information, visit https://aiper.com/au/home

Research and Citations

https://hai.stanford.edu/ai-index/2025-ai-index-report  https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/smart-home-market-101900https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/9311-australian-swimming-pool-ownership-march-2023

About Aiper

Aiper is the global pioneer of cordless robotic pool cleaning technology and a leader in smart yard product solutions. Aiper empowers homeowners to transform their backyards into a personal vacation retreat with the help of innovative, smarter, and greener product solutions. Aiper has been recognised as a CES Innovation Awards honouree in 2023, 2024, and 2025, underscoring its commitment to pioneering smart yard solutions.

*Aiper is the No.1 brand of smart robotic pool cleaner in the world in terms of sales volume.

Source: Euromonitor International Co., Ltd., in terms of 2025 manufacturer sales volume (units) in the world. Smart robotic pool cleaner is
defined as: intelligent service robots integrating mechanical, electronic, software algorithm and sensor technologies. They autonomously or
with minimal human intervention perform pool cleaning and maintenance tasks, typically featuring smart navigation, path planning, and
multiple cleaning modes. Research completed in 2026/3.

 

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SOURCE Aiper

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Slip And Fall Vs Premises Liability Explained By HelloNation Featuring Personal Injury Attorney Joe Stanley

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The article clarifies how property owner responsibility and legal negligence affect injury claims under New York law.

WATERTOWN, N.Y., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What is the difference between slip and fall incidents and premises liability when someone is injured on another person’s property? The answer is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Joe Stanley of Stanley Law Offices LLP in Watertown, New York.

The HelloNation article explains that, while slip-and-fall and premises liability are often used interchangeably, they are not the same under New York law. A slip and fall refers to the actual event in which a person slips, trips, or falls due to a condition on a property. Premises liability, however, is the legal framework used to determine whether a property owner is responsible for an injury. This distinction is important because not every slip-and-fall incident results in a valid injury claim.

According to the article, property owner responsibility in Watertown NY, depends on whether the owner knew or should have known about a hazardous condition. New York law requires property owners to maintain safe premises and to warn visitors about known dangers. This duty applies broadly to commercial properties, rental units, and private homes that welcome guests. The article notes that hazards such as wet floors, icy walkways, or poor lighting may result in premises liability if they are not addressed in a reasonable time.

The article further emphasizes that legal negligence is the key factor in determining liability. Courts evaluating injury claims consider whether a property owner took reasonable steps to inspect and maintain the property. This includes reviewing maintenance practices, prior complaints, and the foreseeability of the risk. If a hazard appeared suddenly and the property owner had no reasonable opportunity to correct it, premises liability may not apply, even if a slip and fall occurred.

The HelloNation article also highlights how property owner responsibility extends to regular inspections, timely repairs, and proper warning signs. In Watertown NY, failing to clear snow or ice, ignoring spills, or neglecting adequate lighting can contribute to legal negligence. At the same time, the article explains that property owners who actively maintain their premises and provide clear warnings are less likely to face liability under New York law.

For individuals pursuing injury claims, understanding the distinction between slip-and-fall incidents and premises liability is essential. The article advises that documenting the scene, taking photographs, and seeking prompt medical attention can help support a claim. These steps are important in establishing whether legal negligence played a role and whether the property owner’s responsibility can be demonstrated.

The article also explains that not all accidents meet the legal threshold for premises liability. A slip and fall caused by an unexpected personal item or hazard that could not have been anticipated may not result in a valid claim. This reinforces the importance of evaluating each case based on the facts and the standards set by New York law.

By clarifying these distinctions, the HelloNation article provides readers in Watertown NY with practical guidance on how slip and fall incidents are evaluated within the broader concept of premises liability. Understanding how legal negligence and property owner responsibility are applied can help individuals better navigate injury claims and make informed decisions after an accident.

Slip and Fall vs. Premises Liability in Watertown, NY features insights from Joe Stanley, an attorney in Watertown, New York, on HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content with storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/slip-and-fall-vs-premises-liability-explained-by-hellonation-featuring-personal-injury-attorney-joe-stanley-302749443.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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