New Illinois rules aim to protect customers of alternative energy suppliers
Add competition while keeping a monopoly…of course there is confusion. Utility regulators initially wanted competition and now appear to see competition as deceptive. Instead of pushing energy marketers and utilities to clearly adopt “customer choice” as a clear alternative, the regulators are focusing on energy marketing sales practices. Competitive energy markets are not new, nor is buying things. So, why the confusion with energy sales?
Comparisons
Most regulators think it’s about the rate, however, the true answer is: it’s NOT. Low rates and saving money should be the driver, but like anything else you buy, quality (in energy’s case terms and conditions) is an important consideration. Comparing the price of energy without looking at the quality issues will always invite confusion.
Fair dealing; do not lie, do not mislead, and do not commit fraud
Consumers have strong consumer protection laws. Utilities have complaint departments as do all energy marketers, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) can remove energy marketers, the Illinois Attorney General’s (IAG) office can seek restitution, and the Illinois State Attorney can prosecute fraud. Energy marketers are required NOT to mislead or commit fraud.
Market competition
No system is more ruthless in removing inefficiency, driving down costs, and providing service as competition. EVERYTHING to support true competition should be implemented. Realgy supports aggressive policing of energy marketers and has applauded the action of the ICC and IAG in these matters. In addition, allowing market competition to fully drive down and deliver energy is the real long term solution.
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.
Additional Information:
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 3,775 Bcf as of Friday, October 27, 2017, according to EIA estimates.
This represents a net increase of 65 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 180 Bcf less than last year at this time and 41 Bcf below the five-year average of 3,816 Bcf. At 3,775 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.
Berg: Lawmaker turned lobbyist turns the tables on taxpayers
Rep. Brandon Phelps resigned from his House seat and two weeks later registered as a lobbyist. He is not the first to help formulate energy policy then leave office and take lobbying work from energy interests. Among his clients are some of those same energy interests regulated by Phelps’ committees. Those connections are sure to help him in his new position, especially with lawmaker family members. It’s all about the networking, right?
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, 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.
Additional Information:
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 3,710 Bcf as of Friday, October 20, 2017, according to EIA estimates
This represents a net increase of 64 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 189 Bcf less than last year at this time and 46 Bcf below the five-year average of 3,756 Bcf. At 3,710 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 3,646 Bcf as of Friday, October 13, 2017, according to EIA estimates.
This represents a net increase of 51 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 179 Bcf less than last year at this time and 35 Bcf below the five-year average of 3,681 Bcf. At 3,646 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.
Ann Arbor taking first step to add solar to downtown parking facilities
Joining the electric vehicle charging stations downtown will be a $50,000 solar-electric installation. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been working to increase sustainability around the city. Multiple projects are in place to reach this goal, with this recent endeavor being one of the necessary baby steps. According to plans, energy generated will be sent to DTE’s electrical grid with DDA receiving credit.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, 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.
Additional Information:
http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2017/10/ann_arbor_taking_first_step_to.html