LHC portal

I tried posting this yesterday but I must have done something wrong because I don't see it anywhere.

I don't know at what level other colliders operate at, such as the one in the U.S.
My question – Is the 7 TeV energy level higher than anything in the past, and might it produce new science results?

Question - Is the 7TeV level a new high which might generate new science?

Yes, I understand. I just get excited and impatience about all the things we're going to lean in 2010. The LHC, Kepler and Hubble just to name a few. I feel we're on the edge of some major breakthroughs. I'll take a deep breath.

Thanks

Well, I hope this dosen't appear negative, but didn't they have a year to do this while the last repair was being made?

I believe I'm suppose to say HI! here. Can't understand why the messages appear to me a month old.

I just read that the LHC set a record and will now be shut down for a couple of months. Could you elaborate a little on why the shut down is need?