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NATION

New Intel company to help solar industry

HILLSBORO, Ore. — Microprocessor maker Intel Corp. says it is starting a company to manufacture and supply photovoltaic cells for makers of solar panels. Intel announced Monday that it will create an independent company called SpectraWatt Inc. that will be based in Hillsboro.

Intel’s global investment arm, Intel Capital, is leading a $50 million investment round in the startup. Other investors include Cogentrix Energy, a subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group; PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund; and Solon AG.

Report: Health-care costs to skyrocket in ’08, ’09

NEW YORK — Employer health-care costs are poised to rise almost 10 percent in 2008 — more than double the annual inflation rate — and nearly that much again in 2009, according to an industry report released Tuesday.

The study by PriceWaterhouse-Coopers predicts that medical costs will increase 9.9 percent in 2008 and an additional 9.6 percent in 2009.

“Health-care providers, insurers and employers will have to monitor medical costs carefully if we are to avoid a resurgence of the double-digit annual increases seen in the past,” said Dr. David Chin, leader of the Health Research Institute at PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Associated Press