71.   Others fear higher energy bills will hurt consumer spending.

72.   A company spokesman said the increase was the result of higher energy costs and inflation, among other factors.

73.   A major business lobby, the Federation of German Industry, spoke out against higher energy taxes Thursday, saying they would cost jobs.

74.   A slowdown in home building and higher energy costs also caused sales to drop in the quarter.

75.   Administrative law judges will advise the commissioners Wednesday on the possible hikes, which the utilities requested because they have been hit by sharply higher wholesale energy prices.

76.   Americans bought fewer new homes in November as stock market volatility, lower consumer confidence and higher energy prices made people feel less inclined to make big purchases.

77.   Analysts had anticipated a drop because of higher energy prices among other factors, but the actual downturn was smaller than expected.

78.   Analysts believe consumers are further retrenching as they contend with higher energy prices, a contracting job market and volatility on Wall Street.

79.   An inflation gauge tied to the GDP rose sharply, reflecting higher energy prices.

80.   Backs the idea of higher energy taxes without giving details.