US Government Finds Smoking is Good For Your Health
Imagine such a headline. The US led a legal battle for over 40 years and secured a finding that cigarettes caused cancer. This was both a legal and scientific finding: cigarettes caused cancer. The cigarette companies collectively had to pay billions and agree to stringent controls over their cancer-causing product.
The same just happened again. The Trump administration had the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) withdraw a scientific finding that greenhouse gases threatened human life and wellbeing. This, too, was a scientific fact, proven and legally valid.
Why would the US government invalidate a scientific and legal finding?
“Hoax,” claims the administration, even though the facts were established under President Nixon and upheld by every administration and world body since.
This “deregulatory” move reverses the endangerment finding that allowed the EPA (yes, the agency that protects our health) to enforce limits on emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants. These pollutants were regulated because they showed a direct connection to killing Americans.
“Greenhouse gases.” CO2 is not a pollutant, claimed the Interior Secretary, saying “we emit it in our breath.” Of course this is true, but what does it mean? Nothing in regard to why the EPA regulates emissions.
In addition to killing Americans, these emissions cause climate change. Again, this is a scientific and legal finding. Denying this is like denying gravity. You can say gravity doesn’t exist, but don’t jump off a building to prove it.
The basis and hallmarks of US government and US business were founded in science and legal reasoning.
The world will not follow the US in this ridiculous action. It will set back US competitiveness, increase global temperatures, and kill Americans.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer serving commercial customers in the states of Illinois, and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 11 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Soon to be 12 with the inclusion of Highland Park newest recreation center West Ridge Center – New Community Recreation Facility Coming in 2026 | Park District of Highland Park
Additional Information:
Trump touts climate savings but new rule set to push up US prices | Environment | The Guardian
February Pricing – Understand the Recent Spike in Electricity Prices
February 6, 2026
February Pricing – Understand the Recent Spike in Electricity Prices
Chart Description: Solid lines reflect current ISO market prices (PJM and MISO), while dotted lines show Realgy’s settlement costs, which lag due to settlement timing.
Realgy purchases power in the month it is incurred, while utilities reconcile wholesale costs later and pass them through over time to minimize rate shock.
Weather plays a significant role in electricity pricing. In early February, the wholesale electricity market experienced a sharp but short-lived price spike. While extreme weather was a major driver, several additional factors contributed to the increase.
What Caused the Spike?
Extreme Winter Weather
Cold temperatures across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic significantly increased electricity demand as homes and businesses relied more heavily on heating systems.
Reduced Reserve Power
Independent System Operators (ISOs) maintain reserve generation to support unexpected increases in demand. During this period, reserve power was lower than normal, limiting the system’s ability to respond to higher load.
Aging Generation Infrastructure
Older Coal Plants that were originally scheduled to retire have now been declared national security and required to remain open. These coal plants break down frequently and are costly to fix, leading to tightened supply during peak demand periods.
Seasonal Maintenance Outages
Winter is a common time for generator maintenance. With fewer generators available and higher demand, price spikes will ensue.
What’s Next?
Wholesale pricing has already started to stabilize and trend downward. Current projections indicate march pricing should return closer to January levels.
Utilities such as ComEd, Ameren, And MEC purchase power from the wholesale market and pass these costs through customers with a delay.
At Realgy Energy, we closely monitor the wholesale market and adjust pricing proactively to reflect changing conditions. Temporary price adjustments made for mid-February were a direct response to these market dynamics and were designed to protect long-term stability for our customers.
We remain committed to transparency and will continue to track market trends closely to provide competitive and reliable energy solutions.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer serving commercial customers in the states of Illinois, and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 11 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Soon to be 12 with the inclusion of Highland Park newest recreation center West Ridge Center – New Community Recreation Facility Coming in 2026 | Park District of Highland Park
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Chicago Area Moves Ahead on EV Chargers
Consider this opportunity.
Most of the energy on Earth comes from the sun, nearly 99%. Electricity generation has historically been dominated by fossil fuel combustion, but electricity demand is soaring. The ability to generate electricity using solar and wind has never been more economical, now costing less than fossil fuels.
If you had to plan for the next 100 years, would you choose to provide new electrical generation using the least-cost option, while also gaining environmental benefits?
This is exactly the opportunity reflected in the ongoing actions and planning taking place across the United States at the county, state, and city levels.
With the new administration, the federal government cut funds that were included in previous laws designed to invest in technology supporting EVs, wind, and solar adoption. Despite this, solar and EV adoption continue to grow rather than decline.
WHY?
Cost is critical, but so are convenience and long-term planning.
Chicago-area mayors foresee EV adoption rising to over 1 million vehicles by 2030. The number one issue in adoption is charging, specifically reducing range anxiety.
These communities, both affluent and less wealthy, are joining together to ensure they are prepared. Their considerations include:
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Permit issuance for charging equipment in 10 days or less
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EV and solar expertise in construction review
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Utility support and incentives for installing EV chargers
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State of Illinois support to promote and plan initiatives
They recognize the reality that solar provides the most power on our planet, is cost efficient, and can be installed quickly.
The best future will be achieved by those who understand reality and plan for it.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer serving commercial customers in the states of Illinois, and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 11 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Soon to be 12 with the inclusion of Highland Park newest recreation center West Ridge Center – New Community Recreation Facility Coming in 2026 | Park District of Highland Park
Additional Information:
Chicago-area mayors push ahead on EVs despite federal… | Canary Media