ComEd Outage Alert Map and Mobile App
ComEd has announced two new ways it is utilizing technology to improve communication with their customers. The first is an interactive online outage map and the second is a mobile application for smartphones.
“These new features are just two of many improvements ComEd has made in recent months as part of our focus on delivering greater value to our customers through enhanced customer service,” said Terence R. Donnelly, executive vice president and chief operations officer of ComEd.
ComEd’s interactive outage map allows customers to report and view current outages. The color-coded triangle icons illustrate how many customers are affected by each incident, as well as pinpointing the outage location.
Zooming in on a specific area gives more details such as Customers Affected, Estimated Restoration and Crew Status. The map is updated every half hour, and a mobile version is in the works as well.
When you zoom in on the ComEd Outage map more details are shown
The interactive outage map can be found on the ComEd website www.comed.com under the Customer Service tab, along with other useful outage information or by clicking here www.comed.com/map.
The new ComEd Mobile App like the outage map will allow customers to report power outages and check restoration status. ComEd residential customers will also be able to use the app to view account information such as:
- Account balance
- Account history
- Manage payments, including budget billing, automatic and one-time payments
- Report meter readings
The ComEd mobile app is free and available for download on iPhone and Android devices on the ComEd website www.comed.com/app or by searching for “COMED” in the application store on your smartphone.
Have you tried the ComEd Outage Map or Mobile App let us know what you think?
Outdoor Electrical Safety
Did you know that May is National Electrical Safety month? To celebrate Realgy Energy Services has compiled a list of the top 10 tips to keep you safe while outdoors.
Electricity can be very dangerous if not used correctly, but sound safety practices can help minimize electrical hazards and cut down the risk of accidents.The more you know about electricity, the safer you will be both at work and home.
10 outdoor electrical safety tips
1. Never use electrical equipment or tools near pools or other wet areas, such as wet grass. Always use extension cords rated for outdoor use.
2. Be aware of and stay at least 10 feet from overhead power lines when carrying and setting up ladders or when using long-handled tools.
3. Call before digging. Call 811 to locate any underground power lines before digging. For more information check out the call 811 website
4. Get help installing antennas if needed. Remember to keep yourself, tools, materials or equipment at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines.
5. Fly kites and model airplanes in open areas well away from trees and power lines.
6. Inspect all outdoor power tools and electric lawn mowers for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housings. If the cord is damaged, stop using it.
7. Never climb or play in trees that are near or touching power lines.
8. Do not play on or with utility poles, this includes throwing objects, such as sneakers, at or onto electric power lines.
9. Use caution when trimming trees. Before attempting any tree pruning, look for overhead power lines that may be near and/or hidden by the tree foliage. If in doubt hire a professional qualified contractor.
10. Always assume electric lines are live and treat them with caution and respect. Even low-voltage electric lines and cords can be hazardous if damaged or improperly handled.
If you are ever unsure about the safety of electrical wires or another form of electricity either at home or at work contact your local utility. You can find an emergency hotline on most utility invoices if there is not emergency number call the customer service number.
Sources:
Love to know Safety, Electrical Safety Tips for children
ComEd, Be aware of the power lines where you live and work
National Safety Council, Practice Safety around Electricity
In Response to “IBM’s Battery 500 Project”
Written by Michael Vrtis President of Realgy Energy Services in response to “IBM’s Battery 500 project”
The known amount of natural gas in the US has increased over the last 5 years to the point that it now represents over 20% of all the US’s energy reserves (remember some call the US the Saudi Arabia of coal). The natural gas recoverable by the use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a game changer for the US.
Map of Shale Gas in the US courtesy of US EIA (July 2011)
There is discussion among business leaders (not politicians) that the conversion to natural gas vehicles and investment in natural gas distribution could reduce oil imports over 60% within 5 years! This is not a political aspiration it’s business.
How has the electric energy industry responded?
Well electricity and natural gas have always been competitors through technology. Natural gas heating applications have been constantly targeted by electric heating. Electric motors have been challenged by natural gas driven engines. Large electric driven air conditioning systems have competed with natural gas driven absorption technology.
So given that natural gas resources (from fracking) has allowed natural gas to truly challenge gasoline as a transportation fuel I am not surprised that an electric option will not be far behind!
Let’s keep competing.
Huffington Post, Tech “EV’s Holy Grail: 500 Miles on a Single Charge”
2012 Energy Star Tax Credits
For the year 2012, the Federal Government is offering a tax credit for the purchase of geothermal heat pumps, small residential wind turbines, and solar energy systems including solar water heaters.
This tax credit will expire on December 31, 2016, and will cover thirty percent of the cost with no limit. The only restriction is that the products purchased must be for an existing or new construction home that is a main residence or second home, and unfortunately rental properties do not count.
Although Energy Star qualified products may cost more initially than a standard model in the long run they will result in lower energy bills. The savings from these energy-efficient products can add up to thousands of dollars over the life of the unit.
Check out the Energy Star website www.energystar.gov to learn more about the Energy Star tax credits for 2012
So what exactly is Natural Gas Storage?
Natural gas as you know or may not know is a colorless, odorless gas that can be stored in a number of different ways for an indefinite period of time. Natural gas that is transported through the pipelines is not always needed right away, and is put into storage for later use. Most natural gas in the United States is stored in depleted natural gas or oil fields underground. These underground storage fields take advantage of existing wells, gathering systems and pipeline connections. Natural Aquifers, Salt caverns and abandoned mines are also used to store natural gas.
Types of Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities
The demand for natural gas is normally higher in the winter than in the summer. This is mostly due to the fact that most homes and organizations use natural gas for heating in the winter. The stored natural gas delivered during the summer months normally at a lower price again due to supply and demand, is ready and available for use during the increased demand of the winter months. The natural gas in storage can also be used as insurance against natural disasters or other unforeseen accidents which may affect the production or delivery of natural gas.
Before 1992 natural gas was a regulated commodity and storage was required for the operational requirements of the pipelines to meet the needs of the utilities. In 1992 the Federal Regulatory Commission introduced Order 636 which opened up the natural gas market to deregulation. What Order 636 did was make storage available to industry participants for commercial reason. For example Realgy Energy Services Storage program which stores gas when prices are low, and withdraws it when prices are high.
Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities in the Lower 48 States
Most utilities and industry participants pocket the savings from storing gas at a lower rate and sell it at an increased rate for a profit. What makes Realgy Energy Services Storage program unique is that the savings from stored gas is always passed along to our customers.
Realgy Energy Services offers the Summer Storage Program to our customers to help offset the cost of winter natural gas usage. Under the program customers put away 20% of their historic usage into storage at the lower summer rates to be used in the winter when the price of natural gas normally increases.
If you would like more information on The Realgy Energy Services Storage Program you can contact one of our Energy Brokers at (877) 300-6747 or check out our website www.realgyenergyservices.com
Sources:
U.S Energy Information Administration The Basics of Underground Natural Gas Storage
NaturalGas.Org Storage of Natural Gas
Spring Cleaning Tips to Increase Energy Efficiency
Spring cleaning usually involves making sure all the nooks and crannies are clean after the long winter months. This year why not use these helpful tips to increase the energy efficiency of your home or office. Not only will your energy usage decrease so will your energy bills!
Refrigerators account for up to eleven percent of the total energy used, which has a major impact on your energy bill. Make sure you clean the condenser coils to ensure that air can circulate freely, if dust builds up clogging the coils the motor must work harder and use more electricity. You should also check the door seals to ensure they are air tight. You can do this by placing a piece of paper in-between the door, if you can pull it out without difficulty you may need to adjust the latch or consider replacing the seals.
Don’t forget about your Air conditioner call to schedule a checkup to make sure it is operating at peak efficiency. If you have central air conditioning, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees. You can save approximately six to seven percent off your cooling costs for each degree above 78. If you are in the market to replace your old central air conditioner, make sure to look for a new ENERGY STAR qualified model. These energy-efficient models can reduce your cooling costs by 20 percent.
If you do not have an AC, proper ventilation of your home or office can provide the same level of comfort at a much lower cost. A whole house ventilation system will draw cool air through the house. Ceiling fans are another option to create a cool breeze and keep the air circulating in your home, ensure that all fans are working properly and are dust-free.
Last but not least, if your home or office has a sliding glass door, make sure to keep its track clean. A dirty track can ruin the door’s seal, resulting in gaps where cold air can escape.
Now that your home and or office is clean and energy-efficient, why not save even more money by checking out Realgy Energy Services low monthly rates on Natural Gas and Electricity. Our customers have saved upwards of 19% on their energy costs over a twelve month period as compared to their local utility. Check out our website www.RealgyEnergyServices.com, or call one of our Energy Brokers at (877) 300-6747 to learn how you can save on your energy usage.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Energy Savers Tips on Saving Money & Energy at Home”
Home Energy Team, “Energy Efficient Solutions”
Money Crashers “House Spring Cleaning Tips & Checklist – How to Spring Clean“