Are Smart Thermostats Worth The Investment?
With technology advancing so quickly these days, there are many options for consumers to make daily tasks more efficient. Whether homeowners are building a new space or upgrading amenities, it has become popular to use a digital thermostat. Programmable thermostats are more common and have proven useful but smart thermostats are on the rise. They accomplish everything a programmable thermostat sets out to do and then some. Patterns can be recognized to help manage settings and can be controlled remotely through a cellphone. Through their implementation, consumers become more conscious of energy usage thus helping to reduce consumption and energy bills. For those that need to use heat or air conditioning, smart thermostats are a tech savvy option to maintaining a home.
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
https://www.iqsdirectory.com/blog/are-smart-thermostats-worth-the-investment/
The most powerful becomes the most affordable
What’s the most powerful and abundant energy source on the planet? What about the cheapest…? Yep, solar energy.
Illinois requires that by 2025, 25% of their energy should be supplied by renewable resources.
So, they created incentives to help very large solar plants (called community solar farms- these can be up to 2 MW or enough for about 200 homes) and residential homeowners.
The installation can be very simple. The financial outlay is paying for roughly 25 years of electricity upfront. However, with the state mandate, the system that would cost $30,000 for a homeowner would now cost about $5,000 after all state and federal incentives are recovered.
Still, it is a significant investment and it does require the “right” location (sunny roof facing south). Another way of participating is through solar community farms. This is where a large solar array is located within Illinois and individuals can purchase a portion of the farm’s output. No installation at your own home is required.
The state is trying to provide the homeowners, small businesses and utilities with the opportunity to invest in and benefit from renewable electricity.
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
http://illinoistimes.com/article-19881-exploring-solar-systems.html
Illinois Wholesale Prices
Summer’s energy prices are upon us… however, they were set back in April 2018.
The winning bids were from energy suppliers that include: private companies, utility owned generation, municipal owned generation and out of state power companies.
Winning suppliers include:
- Axpo U.S. LLC
- Shell Energy North America (US), L.P.
- Dynegy Marketing and Trade, LLC
- The Energy Authority, Inc.
- Exelon Generation Company, LLC
- TransAlta Energy Marketing (U.S.) Inc.
- Macquarie Energy LLC
- Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri
- NextEra Energy Marketing, LLC
These entities represent part of the wholesale power market; entities capable of generating electric power. Realgy buys from these same companies.
The average pricing for June-Aug 2018 ranged from $0.01995 to about $0.03 kWh. The utility increases this cost to roughly $0.05-0.06 to cover their costs. Realgy has less costs to cover and can charge less. This is for the energy portion of your bill. The distribution costs (which are roughly ½ of a bill) are the same whether you are with Realgy (energy marketer) or the utility.
Realgy saves customers money by purchasing in the wholesale market and increasing the wholesale price less than the utility.
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
https://www.ipa-energyrfp.com/?wpfb_dl=1623
Illinois Residents Want Choice
Over 81% of residents want the right to choose an alternative provider for their energy supply.
And really, why not?!
Energy suppliers move the price of power from being set by REGULATION to being set by COMPETITION; like everything else we buy.
Competition has lowered the price of energy.
Energy suppliers are registered with the State and each utility. They operate under consumer protection laws and are bonded.
Energy suppliers REDUCE the price of power making Illinois one of the lowest cost energy markets compared to its neighbors.
Energy Choice works.
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
http://www.energychoicematters.com/stories/20180530z.html
Opening of Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center Solar Array Expansion
PRESS RELEASE
Opening of Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center Solar Array Expansion
25 May 2018 | By: Realgy, LLC
The home of the historic Lake County Fair has begun operation of the expansion of their solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Lake Country Fairgrounds and Event Center (LCFEC) in Grayslake, IL now has a system more than double the size of the original array.
Realgy, LLC selected LCFEC for the initial and expanded project. Lake County will receive all solar energy produced by the panels. Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy said, “We are proud to have reinvestment at Lake County Fairgrounds. The expansion will allow greater environment and safety benefits.”
Eco Solar Solutions completed the expansion and will continue to maintain it over the duration of the next 20 years to ensure its productivity and efficiency. The array will produce enough power to supply about 11 Illinois residences every year for 25 years. “Eco Solar did a fantastic job and was the most professional contractor we have ever used,” Jon Brodzik Jr, the General Manager of LCFEC said.
The economic benefits that LCFEC will see are not limited to monetary savings. It will benefit the environment with limiting the carbon dioxide produced from gas emissions and reducing the amount of trucks on the road that would transfer coal which in turn creates safer roads and less pollution.
To commemorate the opening of the addition, LCFEC hosted an event to bring the community together. All were invited to attend such as Lake County officials, various media outlets, local organizations, environmental activists, state politicians, Grayslake trustees, local law enforcement, and many more. The attendees were treated to a great opening with all involved in making the project come to life.
Media Contacts:
Sue Markgraf
GreenMark Public Relations
847-917-9654
smarkgraf@greenmarkpr.com
for:
Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center
1060 East Peterson Road
Grayslake, Illinois 60030
847-680-7200
www.lcfair.com
Eco Solar Solutions
317-201-4435
www.eco-solar-solutions.com
Realgy, LLC
675 Oakwood Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860-233-2270
www.realgyenergyservices.com
Compliance Audit Report On Ohio Corporate Separation
FirstEnergy Solutions (FES) is an energy supplier in Ohio focused on competitive wholesale generation sales. It has recently undergone an audit with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The report covers various issues with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and PUCO’s Corporate Separation Rules.
FirstEnergy Operating Companies along with PUCO has stated that a prior assignment with FES to FirstEnergy Service Company (Service Company) was “highly inappropriate”.
The Service Company’s Retail Sales and Marketing group formerly reported to FES’s President however, back in 2016, the Service Company’s reporting relationship was transferred when it was assigned to FirstEnergy Products (FEP). FEP does not sell CRES but provides products and services such as smart thermostats and electrician referrals.
Sales and costs of the competitive retail electric service (CRES) sales in Ohio are recorded by FEW but the sales and support for the function is provided by the Service Company. “The report states that, ‘The assignment of FES CRES retail sales and service responsibility to the Service Company and the designation of FES CRES sales and service leaders as Shared Services Employees is highly inappropriate.’ “
Successful CRES sales for FES is thought to be related to its FirstEnergy name due to customers belief that the name connotes that it is a part of FirstEnergy just as several others are a part of FirstEnergy. It causes them to give greater consideration to FES when choosing a CRES. The report recommends that FES remove “FirstEnergy” from it’s name.
” ‘FES is a legal entity with a clear distinction as a non-regulated competitive enterprise. The Service Company is intended to provide shared and common services to all FirstEnergy subsidiaries such as information technology, accounting, security, and the like. It is not intended to provide unregulated, competitive sales and service,’ the report said.’ ”
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
http://www.energychoicematters.com/stories/20180515b.html
Wind energy proposal may dictate industry’s future in Ohio
Regulation of wind energy in Ohio has been a battle over the past few years. Ohio’s wind energy capacity is one of the lowest in the Midwest and produced one-third of it’s neighboring state, Michigan.
Most new projects have not been approved due to the state requiring locations to be at least a quarter- mile from the nearest property line . While many wind projects are placed on hold, natural gas is being pushed into becoming the dominant energy source with new plants being built or planned.
Supporters of wind are hoping to enact a new plan where counties have the final say on location of turbines.
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
http://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/national-news-apwire/2018/02/wind-energy-proposal-may-dictate-industrys-future-in-ohio/
Illinois Commerce Commission order a victory for solar, advocates say
New goals have been put in place for The Future Energy Jobs Act. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved an order defining aspects that solar advocates were concerned about.
The final order:
-Allows municipal and cooperative customers to participate in the solar renewable energy credit (SREC) program. Management of renewable energy purchases and the sale of SREC’s will be handled by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA).
-Eliminates spot procurements that were to take place in 2018 and 2019. It focuses on prioritizing long- term contracts even if budget constraints prove to be troublesome. To qualify for contract incentives, out-of-state projects will have to meet tighter requirements based on a point system.
-Implements community solar to make it more accessible to residents from all walks of life. Larger subscribers allow a more cost-effective way to build projects since they have more money to spend. The requirements will allow smaller subscribers to have a higher chance of buying into solar projects.
The IPA must monitor the program and make necessary adjustments throughout the growth of this Act. It is important to factor in sustainability over the long term for these projects and it is all part of the process. One thing for sure is that this will help put Illinois on the map as a leader in Solar 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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
LAKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS & EVENT CENTER SOLAR ARRAY EXPANSION
PRESS RELEASE
Lake County Fairgrounds & Event center Solar Array expansion
18 May 2018 | By: Realgy, LLC
Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, Grayslake, IL has recently incorporated an addition to their solar photovoltaic (PV) system more than doubling the size and efficiency of the current system.
Realgy, LLC has announced the start of usage with the new 99.84 kilowatt (kW) roof installation. Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, operated by Lake County Fair Association, is home to many popular events including the historic Lake County Fair. The fair will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary this July with the help of the new solar array. Jon Brodzik Jr, the General Manager of the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, said, “The expansion is more than welcome and we are all looking forward to its usage and the events surrounding it.” The destination’s significant space allowed the capability of higher production to be more than just a day dream. With the help of Eco Solar Solutions, the goal to expand has been made a reality.
Eco Solar Solutions completed the new addition. “This project will provide great environmental benefits to the local community, and we’re ecstatic to have been part of the team to make this happen. We will be maintaining this system for the next 20 years to make sure that it continues to operate,” said Paul Szczesny, President of Eco Solar Solutions.
Realgy, LLC is a choice energy supplier in Illinois and selected LCF for both the initial and expanded project. Lake County will receive all solar energy produced by the panels. With its popular events comes high consumption that leads to environmental disadvantages. Renewable energy sources such as PV arrays help to combat those issues. This expansion will save LCF approximately $12,000 each year while improving the environment and safety in the area as follows:
- The Lake County solar PV system will produce over 121,324 kW hours (kWh) or enough power to supply about 11 average Illinois homes every year for the next 25 years.
- Some environmental and safety benefits associated with this array’s solar energy production:
- Over 84 thousand pounds of carbon dioxide WILL NOT be produced over the initial 25 years of operation.
- The level of offset emissions is equal to planting over 6,500 trees.
- Over 327 thousand pounds of coal would be necessary to produce the same amount of electricity.
- Reduction of 328 half- ton trucks used to transport that coal annually means less trucks on the road and less pollution from those trucks.
“We are happy to be partnered with Lake County on such a great endeavor,” said Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy. “Realgy is pleased with the extension of this project and the boundless support of the municipality. We look forward to everyone coming together with us for this Solarbration.”
Please join us at the Lake County Fairgrounds on May 18th, 2018 at 1 PM for this celebration.
Media Contacts:
Sue Markgraf
GreenMark Public Relations
847-917-9654
smarkgraf@greenmarkpr.com
for:
Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center
1060 East Peterson Road
Grayslake, Illinois 60030
847-680-7200
www.lcfair.com
Eco Solar Solutions
317-201-4435
www.eco-solar-solutions.com
Realgy, LLC
675 Oakwood Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860-233-2270
www.realgyenergyservices.com
Utility Implementing TOU
Under a settlement filed for approval, TOU (Time-of-Use) customers would be charged distinct on-peak and off-peak rates. This would be based upon the winning wholesale supplier’s on-peak and off-peak generation prices (set using multipliers noted below), plus the following non-TOU rate components: the default service administrative cost, E-factor, merchant function charge, transmission service charge, and applicable State Tax Adjustment Surcharge.
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
http://www.energychoicematters.com/stories/20180314a.html