Can locomotives run on natural gas?
That is the ground-breaking question Canadian National Railway is hoping to answer by retrofitting the diesel engines in two 3,000-horsepower Electro-Motive Diesel SD40-2 locomotives to run on natural gas.
Two natural gas-fired locomotives courtesy of Canadian National Railway Handout
These two locomotives will not be fueled solely by natural gas but by a mix of 90 per cent natural gas and 10 per cent diesel fuel for ignition. The natural gas retrofit seems like a logical step for the railway industry as roughly 25 percent of crude and natural gas from shale deposits is currently carried by train. Not to mention all the drilling materials, construction equipment and machinery that are also moved by the railways.
Canadian National is testing the two locomotives along the 298-mile stretch between Edmonton, a natural gas pipeline hub, and Fort McMurray, an oilsands production site.
“CN launched this locomotive test to explore the use of natural gas as a potential alternative to conventional diesel fuel. This reflects CN’s continuing drive to look for ways to improve operating efficiency and advance the company’s sustainability agenda,” said Keith Creel, executive vice-president and chief operating officer.
Two natural gas-fired locomotives courtesy of Canadian National Railway Handout
Switching to natural gas will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 70 per cent over a locomotive duty cycle.
Canadian National is also working on a longer-term project to develop an all-new natural gas locomotive engine as well as a specialized tank car to carry the fuel.
Sources:
Canadian National, Press Release, CN tests natural gas/diesel fuel powered locomotives between Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alta.
National Post, Canada, Natural gas-powered locomotive drives CN into eco-friendly(er) future
Energy & Capital, Natural Gas Engines for Trains
Realgy Energy Services Now Offering Natural Gas Services to Residential Illinois Customers
PRESS RELEASE 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 | By: Realgy, LLC
At their customers’ request Realgy Energy Services is now serving Illinois residential natural gas customers.
The president of Realgy, Michael Vrtis has announced that the Illinois Commerce Commission has given authorization to extend service to residential customers in the North Shore, Peoples, and Nicor service territories. Realgy was previously authorized to service only retail commercial natural gas accounts in Illinois.
“Our expansion into the residential natural gas market is the next logical step in Realgy’s plans to expand service to our customers in the Illinois energy market,” said Vrtis. “It’s the perfect complement to extend our existing Illinois electric service. This expansion will give all residential and commercial customers in Illinois a chance to save money on both their natural gas and electricity.”
Realgy Energy Services is an energy marketer serving retail and residential customers in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. They have been serving Illinois customers beginning in 2004; since that time they have had a perfect record (certified A+) with the Better Business Bureau; and have been recognized as an Inc 500 company in 2011 and 2012.
Contact:
Realgy, LLC
Michael Vrtis
675 Oakwood Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860-233-2270
www.realgyenergyservices.com
Realgy Energy Services Now Offering Electricity Services to All Illinois Customers
PRESS RELEASE 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 | By: Realgy, LLC
At their customers’ request Realgy Energy Services is now serving all Illinois electricity markets.
The president of Realgy, Michael Vrtis announced that the Illinois Commerce Commission has given authorization to extend service to residential customers in the Commonwealth Edison service territory. Realgy has also been approved to start serving all customers in the Ameren Illinois, MidAmerican Energy, and Mt. Carmel Public Utility. Realgy was previously authorized to service only retail commercial accounts.
“Our expansion in the ComEd residential electric market as well our entry into the Ameren, MidAmerican Energy, and Mt. Carmel Public Utility markets is the next logical step in Realgy’s plans to expand service to our customers in the Illinois market,” said Vrtis. “It’s the perfect complement to our existing Illinois gas services in the Nicor, Peoples, and North Shore markets. This expansion will give our customers a chance to save money on both their natural gas and electric. In addition, we will be expanding our Solar and Green Energy division, already established in Indiana, into the state of Illinois.”
Realgy Energy Services is an energy marketer serving retail and residential customers in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. They have been serving Illinois customers beginning in 2004; since that time they have had a perfect record (certified A+) with the Better Business Bureau; and have been recognized as an Inc 500 company in 2011 and 2012.
Contact:
Realgy, LLC
Michael Vrtis
675 Oakwood Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860-233-2270
www.realgyenergyservices.com
Realgy Energy Services has been approved to serve Illinois electric and natural gas commercial and residential markets
At the request of our current Electric and Natural Gas customers Realgy has sought and received approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission to expand our services in the Illinois energy markets.
“This is the next logical step in Realgy’s plan to expand in the Illinois energy market and is the perfect complement to our existing gas services in the Nicor, Peoples, and North Shore markets,” stated Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy.
The Realgy Energy Services Illinois electric service area now includes both commercial and residential customers in Commonwealth Edison, Ameren Illinois, MidAmerican Energy and Mt. Carmel Public Utility. Realgy was previously only approved to serve commercial Commonwealth Edison customers.
The Illinois natural gas service area now includes both commercial and residential customers in Nicor, Peoples Gas, and North Shore. Realgy was previously only approved to serve commercial Nicor, Peoples Gas, and North Shore customers.
If you would like to enroll a residential or commercial account in any of these service areas, contact a Realgy Energy Services Energy Broker, at (877)-300 -6747 X 32 and have your bills ready.
For the full press release please visit the Realgy Energy Services Blog Press Release: Realgy Energy Services Now Offering Electricity Services to all Illinois Customers and Press Release: Realgy Energy Services Now Offering Natural Gas Services to all Illinois Customers
Realgy is getting ready for our next Facebook promotion and we are asking for your help!
This holiday season Realgy Energy Services will be donating $1 to a charity for every “like” we receive on our Facebook page Facebook.com/RealgyEnergyServices starting November 2012 and running through the end of December 2012.
But first we need to decide which charity we will be donating to. We would appreciate your help in picking a deserving charity in the Michigan, Indiana or Illinois area.
At present we are considering:
- The Food Bank of Northern Indiana
- March of Dimes
- Action for Healthy Kids
- Forgotten Harvest
- Gleaners Community Food Bank
Add your suggestions to our list and vote for the winner through October 25, 2012
Link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MLZBH6B
We will announce the winning charity on the Realgy Energy Services Facebook page on October 29, 2012.
No matter which charity wins we know it will be going to a good cause!
Thank you for your help!
The Realgy Energy Services Team
Link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MLZBH6B
Are you ready for the cold weather?
Now is the time to start winterizing your home. Here are a few tips brought to you by Realgy Energy Services to help you prepare for the colder weather and increase your energy efficiency.
Just like your air conditioner, your furnace should also get an annual check-up from a certified HVAC technician before the heating season. Keeping your furnace and ducts clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use and save you money.
At the very least, make sure to clean or replace the air filter on your furnace before starting it for the first time and check it every month. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and increase energy use and even possibly lead to premature failure of the unit.
While you are checking on your furnace, don’t overlook the hot water heater; if it is warm to the touch, it needs more insulation. Consider installing a water heater blanket or jacket insulation around the tank which will help prevent heat loss; be sure to leave the air intake vent uncovered. You should also insulate hot water pipes to further reduce heat loss.
Insulating your hot water heater and pipes will decrease your energy consumption and increase your savings; as a bonus this will even allow you to turn down the water temperature to around 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have a fireplace always keep the damper closed when not in use to prevent heat loss. Ensure the chimney is clean and soot free; you should also cover the top of the chimney with a protective cap or screen to keep out unwanted debris and small animals.
Take the time now to seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors using caulk or weather-stripping. If you have old windows and are not planning on replacing them before the cold weather, consider using a shrink plastic kit to keep hot air in and cold air out.
Use these simple tips to get your home ready for the winter chill and increase your energy savings.
Sources:
EnergySavers.org, Stay Warm, Save Money
U.S. Department of Energy; Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy, Thermostats and Control Systems
Energy Star, Winter Energy Savers