We’re betting on the people of Michigan’ to help avoid new power plants
The CEO of Consumers Energy of Michigan, Patti Poppe, is on tour letting customers know that the utility plans to add 6,00 Megawatts of new solar and retire 5 coal fired plants.
Ms. Poppe wants Consumers customers to signup for smart grid meters and technology to reduce the demand for electricity on the grid. Yes, the CEO of an electric utility wants you to use less energy.
Efficiency standards are improving and by adopting new technology along with new generation, it will reduce energy waste and ensure that Consumers doesn’t have to build new power plants.
“Consumers’ long-term plan calls for doubling its rate of efficiency by 2030 to 2% of its annual load by 2030. Legislation passed in 2016 creates incentives for utilities if they go beyond 1%, which was set in Michigan’s first renewable energy standard in 2008. The 2016 legislation also eliminated a 2% efficiency spending cap.”
Clean energy advocates hold up Consumers’ integrated resource plan as a model for other utilities in Michigan to follow. Most recently it has drawn comparisons to DTE Energy’s, which was filed in March. Clean energy groups criticize DTE’s plan for favoring company-owned generation, failing to build out significant amounts of solar, and only boosting energy efficiency targets to 1.75% by 2040. Analysts have said recently that DTE’s modeling is broadly flawed to discount the value of clean energy, ultimately delaying any significant climate action until after 2030.
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/2019/08/29/midwest/utility-ceo-were-betting-on-the-people-of-michigan-to-help-avoid-new-power-plants/
The next target in the climate-change debate: your gas stove
History was made when Berkeley, CA banned natural gas systems in new buildings. Now multiple cities cross-country are following suit. The strategy is to move towards a greener energy solution through the electric grid. Renewable energy is increasingly powering the grid with many states planning to become fully reliant on green energy by 2050.
However, opposers say increased usage of gas cuts carbon emissions since it burns cleaner than oil or coal. Improved technologies also limit emissions showing a recent decline in those numbers. Other disputes of the proposal include that many business models would be upended, completely halted or suffer large losses. Either way you look at it, the hope is to improve the environment with the least casualties along the way.
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.reuters.com/article/us-usa-naturalgas-buildings/the-next-target-in-the-climate-change-debate-your-gas-stove-idUSKCN1VU18Q
Is less really more?
Views on energy efficiency vary depending on who you’re speaking with. Some believe we should lower usage and lessen electricity waste. We’ve all heard not to leave lights on that aren’t being utilized. On the other hand, economists address efficient use of electricity and overcoming market failures.
These perspectives come into play when discussing electricity rate design and how usage affects those rates. It is believed by some that lower rates encourage higher usage whereas higher rates encourage the opposite.
Social marginal cost is ideally based on customer usage and “the incremental amount they pay matches the incremental cost they impose on society”. Basically, we want to increase awareness of the behaviors discouraged and encouraged when it comes to energy usage. Efficiency should be about decreasing wasteful consumption to achieve “the ultimate goal of a prosperous, clean-energy society”.
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://energyathaas.wordpress.com/2019/06/03/how-much-electricity-consumption-is-too-little/
Huge victory for the Arctic!
The oil drilling ban protecting the Arctic Ocean was brought to court in an attempt to be overthrown. However, Earthjustice fought for it to be restored. Their goal to preserve the wild is a constant battle and unfortunately not everyone believes in the importance of defending it. Efforts to prevent environmental destruction benefit the entire planet and our ecological systems. The fight continues with the hope to preserve various areas including the Western Arctic and all inhabitants.
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://earthjustice.org/features/photo-essay-arctic?utm_source=crm&utm_medium=email&utm_term=info&utm_campaign=190402_Info_Arctic&utm_content=ResponsiveImageLink
Donald Trump Renews Campaign Against Wind Power With New, Baseless Claim
Realgy’s President, Michael Vrtis has been involved with wind power development since 1982. He was a Project Developer with Kenetech which was the largest wind developer in the US at the time.
To hear the US President make and exaggerate claims that were baseless over 40 years ago is alarming. His statements are based on either his lack of understanding or he seeks to sow seeds of distrust toward an industry and technology that is proven financeable and supported by some of the largest companies and governments in the world.
Wind energy is the fastest growing portion making up the world energy supply.
The US supports wind power development and misrepresentations about the technology will not change the facts.
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 Catalyzes Clean Energy Innovation in All 50 States
A proposal to cut the budget for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has once again been made. Investments by the DOE have fueled advancements within the technological world including energy efficiency and renewable energy. Funds have led to less expensive and cleaner energy through various projects around the entire country. Many studies show that every dollar invested into research and development for clean energy will have a beneficial return. America’s energy innovation is necessary to continue leading the way towards cost efficient clean energy methods. Many groups are pushing towards a budget increase to maintain U.S. clean energy leadership. Congress will ultimately decide the outcome which leaves us to wonder if they’ll follow suit from the past 2 years.
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.nrdc.org/experts/madhur-boloor/doe-catalyzes-clean-energy-innovation-all-50-states
Winter Weather Update
We’ve enjoyed a long stretch of mild winter weather that is predicted to stop in the next few weeks. Shifting forecasts are showing a sustained burst of below normal temperatures impacting the Midwest to New England. Next week is expected to be exceptionally cold with elevated gas pricing across all markets. February forecasts have also shifted notably colder.
You may have noticed gas prices have been volatile this season. Prices through November and December had a severe increase which then backed down in the first couple weeks of the year. This has now reversed. Forward gas and power prices for the balance of January and February have risen considerably in the last few days. Realgy is monitoring these developments and bringing the lowest costs possible to our customers.
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.
U.S. Department of Energy Announces $33 Million for Small Business Research and Development Grants
Small businesses are a key component to growth in the U.S. economy. The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs “were created by Congress to leverage small businesses to advance innovation at federal agencies.” Through these programs, 149 small businesses will be awarded grants by the U.S. Department of Energy for Phase I research and development.
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/articles/us-department-energy-announces-33-million-small-business-research-and-development-grants
A Clean Energy Revolution Is Rising in the Midwest
Major utilities envision reducing carbon emissions and using clean energy to facilitate those plans. The Midwest has stepped up to the plate promoting the shift to renewable energy. Low costs of wind power and growing use of solar are propelling Midwest utility executives to take charge in the climate change battle. Xcel, Consumers, and NIPSCO have proposed several plans to embrace renewable resources. Howard Learner, President and Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center says “utilities are beginning to make decisions based on the market of the future rather than that of the past” and “It’s a matter of environmental value and economic justification.”
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://insideclimatenews.org/news/02012019/renewable-energy-tipping-point-midwest-2018-year-review-utilities-wind-solar-xcel-100-percent
Energy registry aims to standardize utility data for cities, counties
One approach to aiding local governments with incorporating energy and climate goals is to build a system that will track utility data and their energy progress. The hope is utilities will share data to compare from community to community. This is seen as an important tool to reduce greenhouse gases and plan for renewable energy. Several states have been gathering data over the years and projects are being funded by the US Department of Energy. Categories of importance are energy, water, travel, waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
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/2018/01/23/midwest/energy-registry-aims-to-standardize-utility-data-for-cities-counties/