Michigan Line 5 backers ramp up public campaigns
Lake Michigan, Mackinac Straits, and a pipeline.
Environmental issues and awareness are certainly more acute today in 2019 than in 1950. Line 5, which brings Canadian oil to the US, touches upon the need for power and the offsets required to receive that power.
Line 5 carries some 23 million gallons of oil per day to refiners in Michigan and Ohio. The State of Michigan and the pipeline owner Enbridge negotiated a deal with the Governor of Michigan that would allow Line 5 to retire. It would be replaced with a pipeline corridor that could expand the volumes flowing into the US.
The pipeline deal, like all energy projects, is being legally challenged to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws.
The US relies on many energy sources and it will continue to do so. Current awareness of the risks such projects pose (e.g. contamination of 20% of the world’s fresh water) needs to be assessed so that past projects do not continue without examining current risks, technology and alternatives.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. 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 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 2,203 Bcf as of Friday, June 14, 2019, according to EIA estimates.
This represents a net increase of 115 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 209 Bcf higher than last year at this time and 199 Bcf below the five-year average of 2,402 Bcf. At 2,203 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.
Solar for all in Illinois
As part of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, there exists a program called Solar for All. This program incentives solar developers to design, install and operate solar projects in areas that are often under served; such as minority and environmental justice communities.
A lottery will determine which projects can proceed.
Solar developers will receive a higher rebate for RECs generated by the projects. In addition, payments for solar energy cannot exceed 50% of what the utility would charge for energy. This is intended to ensure the developers take the risk instead of the communities.
Illinois Solar for All is budgeted at $30 million through 2021 and would continue to be funded at 5% from renewable portfolio standard charges.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. 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 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://energynews.us/2019/05/24/midwest/solar-for-all-illinois-incentive-program-aims-to-make-solar-more-accessible/
US Renewables energy capacity surpasses Coal for first time
Renewables defined as electricity generated from wind, solar, biomass and geothermal exceed that of coal for the first time in the forecast of US generating capacity (May 2022). Renewables have over 23% of the installed capacity in the US and is growing whereas coal continues to shrink.
Renewables due to technology advances are now more cost efficient than any other source of electric generation. Technology continues to evolve and with it the choice of generation options. However, our goal should be a robust source of different generation options that can meet our future energy and environmental needs.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. 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 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-infrastructure-report-reveals-phantom-850-mw-coal-plant-renewables-su/556602/
Zero Energy Ready Homes
With renewable energy increasing across the world, Zero Energy Ready Homes are the new trend. About 50% more energy efficient than a typical home; these houses have LED lights, efficient HVAC systems, and lower air infiltration. Although the purchase costs are slightly higher, the money saved in the long run make these homes of the future well worth the investment.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. 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 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home;
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/First-Zero-Energy-Ready-Homes-built-in-Cedar-Rapids-511391462.html
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 2,088 Bcf as of Friday, June 7, 2019, according to EIA estimates.
This represents a net increase of 102 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 189 Bcf higher than last year at this time and 230 Bcf below the five-year average of 2,318 Bcf. At 2,088 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.