In Response to “New Campaign Encourages Michigan Residents to Cut Down on Wasted Energy”
Written by Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy Energy Services in response to the Market Wired article “New Campaign Encourages Michigan Residents to Cut Down on Wasted Energy”
Public service reminders, are normally quite humble. Successful campaigns (forest fire awareness and anti-smoking) began as simple public service notices. Smokey the Bear in now part of our national consciousness and no one likes to be around smokers.
So it could be with energy. The new Michigan campaign seems so simple; energy is a cost than can be mitigated with insulation; use less to heat as leaks are found and eliminated and with more informed purchase plans.
It only takes math to figure it out; spend $100 and save $25 on energy the pay back on the $100 is 4 months.
Realgy offers lower cost ways to buy energy than the utility offers; it only takes math to figure out the savings; talk about NO DRAMA!
Stay warm and do so with math.
Check out the article in Market Wired: “New Campaign Encourages Michigan Residents to Cut Down on Wasted Energy”
In Response to “Nest Gives Google Its Next Big Data Play: Energy”
Written by Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy Energy Services in response to the Forbes article “Nest Gives Google Its Next Big Data Play: Energy”
As technology advances, so does everything else.
The thermostat remains a humble device to call for more heating or cooling to occur, but when connected to the Internet, it is transformed into a retail energy service.
Commercial businesses did this at the meter long ago and continue to do this. Certainly more utilities are moving toward implementing the capabilities of the Internet at the meter. However, Google has the interest and the financial capabilities to at least challenge the utility meter offering, if not win it.
This is a great addition to the ongoing implementation of technology into our every day.
Realgy offers choices that deliver savings. The consumer should understand the better the information, the better the energy choices. Realgy will continue to advocate for open access to any data collection device a customer or utility chooses to install.
Check out the article in Forbes: “Nest Gives Google Its Next Big Data Play: Energy”
Ten Wood-burning Fireplace Safety Tips
A nice wood burning fireplace will help decrease your winter heating bills and keep the house warm. But beware, heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires every year. Make sure to have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year. And throughout the winter, practice these 10 fireplace safety tips from Realgy Energy Services.
Five Fireplace Safety Dos:
- Use only seasoned hardwoods such as maple, oak, ash, and birch, which will burn hot and long. Green and soft woods produce more creosote.
- Check for creosote build ups. Creosote is a flammable byproduct that can build up in the chimney if wood is not burning completely.
- When building a fire, place the logs at the back of the fireplace on a metal grate.
- Install Smoke Detectors on every floor and keep a charged fire extinguisher on hand.
- The area around the hearth should be clear of decorations and debris.
Five Fireplace Safety Don’ts
- Do not use flammable liquids to start the fire; instead use kindling, or small dry twigs.
- Do not build the fire too big. A smaller fire will generate less smoke and creosote buildup. An overly large or hot fire could end up cracking the chimney.
- Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Always extinguish the fire before leaving the house or going to bed.
- Never empty ash directly into a trash can. Always allow ash to cool completely before disposal.
Sources:
U.S. Fire Administration, “Fireplace and home fire safety”
DIY network, “10 tips for maintaining a wood-burning fireplace”
Realgy Energy Services has installed Two New Solar PV systems in Illinois
At the beginning of December 2013, Realgy announced the start of construction on two of its newest solar power projects in the state of Illinois. Once completed, the two new systems in total will produce over 90,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually and offset almost 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide during the initial 25 years of operation.
The first Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system has been installed on the roof of the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, home to the historic Lake County Fair and other year-round events. The second Solar PV system was installed at Seven Oaks Farm, a historic dairy and horse farm in Saint Charles.
Both PV Systems have been installed by Renewable Energy Alternatives of Arlington Heights. “We are excited to be a part of this venture,” said Kacie Peters, Director of Sales and Marketing at Renewable Energy Alternatives. “The array is in a very public space and will be seen by thousands annually. We hope that this array will inspire others to know solar is possible—and practical in Illinois.”
“Realgy made this investment as a part of our sustainable energy commitment with the support of Illinois Department of Commerce Renewable Energy Program and the Illinois Solar Energy Association.” Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy. All of the energy produced by the panels will be used by the companies, and will reduce their reliance on fossil-generated energy produced primarily from coal in Illinois.
Good Bye Incandescent Bulbs
On January 1, 2014, as part of a 2007 energy efficiency law, the U.S. stopped producing and importing standard 40- and 60- watt incandescent bulbs. The law signed by former President George W. Bush requires new light bulbs to meet tighter standards.
For those not ready for the switch, most stores will continue to sell the 40- and 60- watt bulbs until supplies run out. However, switching out those old incandescent bulbs will reduce the energy needed to light up your room. Ninety percent of the energy used by an incandescent bulb is given off as heat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading 15 incandescent light bulbs to CFL or LED bulbs could save about $50 per year.
Sources:
Energy.Gov, “Lighting Choices to Save You Money”
CBS News, “The old-fashioned light bulb is disappearing”
New Year, New Website
Realgy Energy Services wants to wish all of our customers a very Happy 2014. The New Year usually brings change and this year Realgy is pleased to announce that we have a new home on the web. The address will stay the same www.realgyenergyservices.com but the website has been updated.
Please feel free to check out the new Realgy Website and let us know what you think.
While you are there, please update your contact information to ensure you will receive the latest news and updates on all of our benefits and services.
