Wind power…in all 50 states
Look outside: chances are you don’t see a wind turbine or a fifty story building. But, chances are, within 5 years, you will see a fifty story wind turbine!
Currently, the United States produces about 65 gigawatts across 38 states. However given the recent gains in technology, the Energy Department forecasts that wind power could contribute 16,150 gigawatts…this is 10x more power than we currently consume!
So will wind power drive our future. In will certainly be a growing contribution and here is why:
1. Climate change: the warmer the climate the more wind is produced
2. Larger Scale: as wind turbine design grows the economics for large scale development improve
3. Smaller Scale: new technology allows for efficient small deployment (think 1-2 homes)
Climate change is driving weather changes. These weather changes are becoming more pronounced. Weather forecasting is showing that current trends will continue resulting in wind speeds that provide for larger scale wind turbines.
Larger scale: Currently, the largest wind turbines are 260 feet. The higher the wind turbine reaches, the faster the wind blows so getting larger means you can install a wind turbine and compete with the economics of coal. Current designs are being planned for 460 feet; that’s nearly as tall as a fifty story building.
Smaller scale: a wind turbines without spinning blades! It looks like asparagus but rises between 25-100 feet depending on location. The trunk of the column spins (no blades) and the power is generated in the base. This type of wind turbine is safe for use in residential neighborhoods.
As we learn: With change comes opportunity and certainly power development and climate is changing.
Keep looking for the wind turbines, they are coming.
Realgy Energy Services provides power to Illinois customers that is produced from renewable resources such as solar, wind and hydro (water). It’s called ManagedGreenTM; it’s priced slightly below the utility cost of service and provides health and environmental benefits. Consider that the average mid-west home uses about 10,859 kWh/year if that power comes from Realgy’s ManagedGreenTM service it would result in the following benefits:
1. Reduction in 29,295 lbs. of coal/year
a. 7,595 lbs. of CO2 NOT emitted
b. No sulfur, lead or waste emissions
c. 29 fewer trucks on the road
2. Equivalent of 584 trees planted
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan 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. Additional information: www.realgyenergyservices.com
Links to contributing articles:
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/new-bladeless-wind-turbine-looks-asparagus
The Cost of Lighting
TODAY’S LIGHT BULBS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY ON ELECTRICITY, BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN ALSO SAVE ON THE ELECTRICTY ITSELF?
The light bulb has come a long way. Today’s bulbs last longer and use less electricity, but despite the advances in technology they still lead to the consumption of considerable quantities of energy for residential and commercial electricity users. Lighting is responsible for consuming the second largest quantity of electricity in US homes, behind air conditioning. Moving towards a more efficient lighting solution with high efficiency light bulbs is a great way to save money on electricity, but some residents and businesses don’t realize that they could be paying less for the electricity itself.
Let’s first look at the light bulb as a source of savings. New laws have raised minimum efficiency standards for traditional incandescent light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy to produce light; about 90% of their energy is given off as heat. The new laws require the most popular 60-watt bulb, for example, to be roughly 25% more efficient. Today’s two most popular alternative bulbs far exceed those regulations. They are the compact florescent lamps (CFL’s) and light emitting diode (LED). CFL bulbs that are energy star qualified use about 75% less energy, and can last up to ten times longer than traditional incandescent. LED’s use about 85% – 90% less electricity and will last up to twenty five times longer. Furthermore, LED bulbs continue to improve in efficiency and quality. The below chart shows how LED bulbs compare to the other leading options.
New lighting technologies make it possible for both residential and commercial electricity customers to cut energy usage and reduce electricity costs, but now let’s consider the electricity itself. Not everyone is utilizing the most efficient solution available. Utilities provide one option, however residential and business customers have the option to choose their electricity provider in markets with electric choice. The right provider can often help deliver the same electricity for less than the utility.
Realgy Energy Services provides an excellent alternative to the utilities by helping customers accomplish their energy savings goals through strategic energy plans. Realgy Energy Services spends 1-2 years conducting analysis and modeling area’s energy requirements, energy costs, utility delivery rules, etc. As a result when we approach potential clients we are ready to offer an effective plan that will provide real savings. When you combine the lower cost of your energy consumption by using energy efficient light bulbs, with the lower cost of the electricity, the savings can be significant.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan 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. Additional information: www.realgyenergyservices.com
Nine coal plants to be retired across Michigan as Consumers Energy looks to provide reliable, affordable, clean energy
Retiring coal plants will be replaced with renewables THAT lowers customers energy costs…..outstanding.
Due to a requirement to come into compliance with clean air regulations, mainly to reduce toxic air emissions from combusting coal (such as mercury, dioxins, etc), many coal plant owners have found it more economical to shut them down.
Nine of these plants are located in Michigan and supply about one million customers their power needs.
Replacing this power will come from renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Reread that statement; renewable energy and a reduction in energy usage. This is due in part to Michigan’s energy policy that encourages renewables and efficiency.
After the coal plants are shut down and renewable energy and efficiency programs are in place the effect; current rates will be reduced by 5-15%.
Michigan can continue to create new jobs in Michigan, increase the use of renewable power and lower all customer energy prices by offering a customer choice program throughout the state instead of just for 10% of businesses.
Competition has been shown to reduce energy costs and provide a more robust energy mix for customers.
Consider that Illinois has documented savings of over $75 Billion since the start of their customer choice program.
http://realgyenergyservices.com/competition-work-tune-37-billion/
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan 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 savings. Additional information: www.realgyenergyservices.com
Link to the original article:
http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/02/nine_coal_plants_to_be_retired.html
City of Warsaw
WARSAW, Indiana (April 17, 2015) The City of Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety (Warsaw) has issued a request-for-proposal for natural gas to service its 21 meter locations. Realgy Energy Service, a wholesaler or third party supplier in the NIPSCO Choice program, responded with a proposal that showed savings compared to the current supplier which showed an estimated savings $10,000 to 15,000 for the last year.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Warsaw a true savings program.” said Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy Energy Services. “We submitted our analysis and agreement that substantiated the estimated annual savings Warsaw can expect to receive from purchasing their natural gas directly from a supplier without any NIPSCO Gas markup, which will provide significant cost reductions.”
The NIPSCO Choice program was initiated by NIPSCO as an opportunity for customers to purchase their natural gas supply directly. NIPSCO is currently the only utility in Indiana offering customer choice to all levels of customers; from residential to industrial.
Warsaw Clerk-Treasurer Lynn Christiansen was given the approval, with a stipulation, to drop the city’s current natural gas supplier, IGS Energy, formerly Border Energy, and sign a two-year contract with Realgy Energy. A study showed Warsaw has been paying IGS more than what NIPSCO would charge and a switch would save Warsaw an estimated$10,000 to $15,000 a year on gas costs. There is no cost to sign the contract with Realgy.
Lew Roberts of Go West, Realgy’s representative, recognizes the challenges faced by cities and municipalities in Indiana. We approached Warsaw with a Managed Price program. Mr. Roberts explained; “having over ten (10) years of service in the NIPSCO Choice program we were able to show consistent performance and real savings compared to NIPSCO and even more compared to IGS Energy.” Mr. Roberts continued; “Working with Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer and the board members, together they quickly understood they were overpaying with their current energy marketer and appreciated the new approach.”
Realgy Energy Services is an energy marketing serving retail customers in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. They have been serving Indiana customers since April 2003; since that time they have a perfect record (certified A+) with the Better Business Bureau; http://ct.bbb.org and no complaints before the IURC http://www.in.gov/iurc or OUCC http://www.in.gov/oucc/
Contact:
Michael Vrtis
President
Realgy Energy Services
860-233-2270
Ameren Capacity costs increase 10 fold, what does it mean?
It was big news; the wholesale energy market in Illinois received National attention …for the highest capacity costs in the Midwest (for the wrong reason)!
The wholesale price went from $16.75 per MW-day to $150; a near 10 fold increase for the coming year.
What does that mean if you are an Ameren customer:
- Everyone who takes electric service from Ameren will pay more.
- Residential customers about $150 more
- Industrial customers anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000 / month
- If you are an energy customer with an energy marketer
- Your costs may not go up, however watch your bill
Can you avoid this increase: YES
Realgy contracts with the power suppliers that are not covered by the Ameren bid process. Realgy’s capacity costs have not increased.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Supplier in Illinois serving COMED, Ameren and MidAmerican – Illinois.
Please contact us to discover how we can save you on your natural gas and electivity while providing award winning service: A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2015/04/22/illinois-lawmakers-question-miso-about-capacity-auction/
WHY ARE NATURAL GAS PRICES SO LOW?
If you’re searching for a natural gas provider then you’re likely considering natural gas prices and may be curious about what makes the fuel such an affordable option. Natural gas prices have been cut in half over the last six years, and prices are anticipated to remain comparatively low for years to come. According to energy industry data and information specialist, IHS, and their 2014 industry study, natural gas prices are likely to stay low at least for the next 20 years. For those that are currently using natural gas this is good news. Low forecasted gas rates also provide an incentive to make the switch to natural gas for those that are considering conversion.
There are a handful of factors that contribute to the low prices. The most significant factor is America’s abundant supply, combined with very efficient extraction techniques. The nation’s existing, and forecasted, supply of natural gas will not only meet our current needs, but also the anticipated growth in demand. Demand is expected to increase into the future, particularly on the commercial side in the industrial and electrical power sectors. Although natural gas production comes from a variety of locations, the Marcellus shale deposit is currently one of the most significant contributors. The Marcellus Formation is a unit of marine sedimentary rock found in eastern North America.
Another factor affecting our nation’s supply of natural gas revolves around current export laws. Government regulations place export restrictions on natural gas, which contributes to the abundant supply within the U.S. These regulations are driven by a variety of political and industrial influences. Those that support regulation believe, in part, that exporting would lead to higher prices. It can be argued, however, that the supply is so abundant that prices could remain low, even with more export.
Consumer demand also plays a role in cost. At the moment consumers only account for about 20% of the natural gas consumption in the U.S. Power plants and industrial use account for the majority. This is in contrast to the high consumer demand for oil. Although consumers may eventually use more in the near future, the abundant supply is forecasted to meet this demand.
Forecasting natural gas use and cost is part of Realgy’s daily business. We can help position your company to benefit from changes in natural gas pricing now and in the future.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan 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 savings. Additional information: www.realgyenergyservices.com
Chicago sending city households back to ComEd
Crain’s recently reported that after more than 1 year of charging customers MORE than COMED and the City will send them back to the utility (AFTER the summer)!
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150421/NEWS11/150429969
No one likes an “I told you so”…..so I won’t say it.
One year ago: I posted: Chicago electric bills to rise up to 18% in June
http://realgyenergyservices.com/chicago-electric-bills-rise-18-june/ which included the following:
The idea is that “aggregation” of the residents will provide the marketer the ability to deliver a lower price. If that were the case, no one could beat the utility because the question is who would be a bigger aggregator than a utility? The utility AGGREGATES everyone in the state. Yet, Realgy beats ComEd and Ameren consistently. So why can’t municipalities come in lower?
The difference is cost of service and overhead.
Municipalities require energy marketers to deliver savings compared to the utility, take on billing and collections, and pay the municipality a portion of the margin. The simple fact remains; the cost municipalities want to collect makes them higher than the utility.
Realgy continues to post savings compared to both COMED and Ameren.
To learn more about how Realgy Energy Services’ variety of programs that can help you save money on electricity, call 877-300-6747, or visit www.realgyenergyservices.com.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered energy marketer with a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and able to save you money on your natural gas and electricity usage anywhere in Illinois.
What is Weather Normalization?
WHAT IS WEATHER NORMALIZATION ………AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
Weather is the most influential factor to impact your energy usage. Because weather can vary dramatically from year to year, establishing a benchmark is not as simple as comparing one year to the next. “Weather Normalization” creates a benchmark by averaging 20 years of individual daily weather information into a single year. Normalizing takes into account the effects of weather on any energy usage period (day, month or year). By doing so, you can see the effects of weather on your energy usage and plan for future weather forecasts. So if your energy consumption is sensitive to weather, and the forecast for winter is colder than normal, you could enter into an agreement to buy more at a fixed rate.
WHY NORMALIZE FOR WEATHER?
Using Weather Normalized energy usage will allow you to establish the amount of energy you will use for an average year’s weather (called your usage profile). Comparing changes between Weather Normalized usage profiles can detect deteriorations in heating plant efficiencies, uncover energy losses, or indicate increased process demand.
WHAT IS NORMAL?
This is based on a 20-year average consisting of two consecutive decades. Currently the years 1990 through 2010 are used for calculating normal. Normal weather takes into account the degree days, or specifically the Heating and cooling degree days, for 20 years. Using a 20-year normal for comparison allows for meaningful analysis vs. year-to-year fluctuations.
To learn more about how Realgy Energy Services’ variety of programs that can help you save money on electricity, call 877-300-6747, or visit www.realgyenergyservices.com.
Electricity Savings with Fixed Pricing
SETTING A FIXED RATE FOR ELECTRICITY IS A GREAT WAY TO SAVE…IF IT’S BELOW THE UTILITY’S PRICE
We all look for ways to save. Oftentimes savings opportunities exist, but we’re not aware of them, or we’re too busy to look into them further. COMED and Ameren forecast their summer rates in early Spring….that’s the time to lock in a fixed rate for the upcoming summer. Setting a fixed price for more than one season means you will probably pay more than the utility during the next season.
SAVE AND MANAGE YOUR BUDGET
Budgeting for electricity for an entire year can be a challenge due to fluctuations in usage. Colder month prices are typically lower, as usage is less. Prices jump during the summer months as demand increases. So how do you make spending more predicable? By setting a fixed price during the highest cost season (summer) when demand is highest. During winter a variable rate allows you to save when prices decline.
WHEN TO LOCK IN A RATE
The best way to save on electricity is to think seasonally. Since demand is at its peak in the summer months, setting a fixed rate for this period will provide a level of assurance, and can help you save. With Realgy’s PriceWatchTM we will watch market prices, utilizing our proprietary trading and computer services, and alert you when a fixed rate is in line with your budget and can beat the utility.
John Deere Slowdown
FINDING SAVINGS IN QUAD CITIES AMIDST SLOW ECONOMY
Over the past several months John Deere has been forced to layoff hundreds of employees, including the most recent round of 910 from their Illinois, and Iowa facilities. This comes on the heels of relatively abundant hiring over the past few years. Although experts close to the situation feel that this news does not necessarily indicate that the company is falling behind, the Quad Cities economy is feeling the pinch.
Economic cycles bring highs and lows. During the low points, as we’re experiencing now, the affects can reach a variety of business types. The results have a ripple effect, causing loss of business to local banks, healthcare establishments, local suppliers, etc.
When the economy turns, businesses look for ways to save. For those located on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities, electric choice provides the opportunity for businesses to choose an alternative energy supplier for their electricity. This means that they are no longer locked into the rate charged by the utility. Electric choice allows direct purchasing of electricity without additional costs from MidAmerican, Ill. The result is savings for businesses.
Realgy Energy Services provides electricity savings to businesses across the Quad Cities in the MidAmerican, Illinois service area – savings of 6% for our average customer. As a result, well-known businesses, and many municipalities including, East Moline, Rock Island, Andover, Hampton, Rapids City, and Milan, among others, have chosen or are getting approval for Realgy to become their electricity provider. Electricity services are not yet available in this market for residential clients.
When it comes to offering savings for businesses, Realgy is an innovator of plans that lead to costs savings. We have programs in place that assess, in detail, the electricity usage of the marketplace. We’ve been analyzing the MidAtlantic market for over a year. We apply these learning’s to the particular usage needs of our business clients. The result is a plan designed to help businesses take advantage of the most cost effective fee structure available.
As businesses in the Quad Cities, and beyond, continue to deal with the affects of a slower economy, it can be nice to know that there are options available to help improve the bottom line. Electricity, for a large or small business, can be a significant cost factor. When these costs can be reduced businesses start to see the affect.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan 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 savings. Additional information; www.realgyenergyservices.com