Electricity

This Company Is Converting Energy Efficiency Into Currency

September 11, 2019
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Redaptive works to guide companies to increase energy efficient practices in a cost-effective manner. They assess energy usage then identify and refit less efficient appliances. Old appliances are recycled, preventing more waste and emissions from landfills. Analytics also track and forecast to plan for future needs.

No payment is required up front. Instead, customers compensate them via a share of the energy bill savings through monitored programs and AI validated by utility meter data. Once Redaptive’s contract is up, clients continue to net those funds. Along with saving money, these necessary changes benefit shareholders and the environment.

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 Savings^TM, ManagedPrice^TM, ManagedGreen^TM Index, Fixed and PriceAssurance^TM.

Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.

Additional Information: https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalieparletta/2019/09/09/this-company-is-converting-energy-efficiency-into-currency/#44c920ee4238

Reversing Emissions-Reducing Lightbulb Energy Efficiency Standards

September 5, 2019
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President George W. Bush’s administration implemented energy standards to phase out high energy usage light bulbs. Obama’s administration was set to finalize that legislation in January 2020 to include specialty bulbs becoming more energy efficient. Trump’s administration wants to undo these regulations. Not only would this encourage consumers to spend more money on bulbs with lower life expectancies, it would increase their bills due to less energy efficient products and increase carbon dioxide emissions. If regulations are reversed, they will be challenged.

Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.

Additional Information: https://www.npr.org/2019/09/04/757623821/trump-administration-reverses-standards-for-energy-efficient-light-bulbs

A cyber-attack just disrupted grid operations in the U.S. But it could have been far worse.

August 27, 2019
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I have experienced it, perhaps you have…your computer screen goes blank and it instructs you to call a number to get your data back.

Now imagine it on the electric grid.

A “disruption” or hack of the US grid occurred and was attributed to a basic web hack; bombarding a website with clicks. Unlike overseas, this disruption did not cause anyone to lose power… yet. Everyday the US consumes several trillion dollars worth of electricity. Any disruption would be consequential.

The federal government must stay engaged in maintaining world standards of business conduct . Utilities can and do take steps to safeguard the grid. However, unlike concluding a foreign government attempted to influence our elections, a foreign government causing a power outage would undoubtedly be an act of war.

Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.

Additional Information: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-cybersecurity-202/2019/05/06/the-cybersecurity-202-a-cyberattack-just-disrupted-grid-operations-in-the-u-s-but-it-could-have-been-far-worse/5ccf61eda7a0a46cfe152c3e/

10 ways to cut utility bills and conserve energy during the hot summer

August 13, 2019
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Summer 2019 brought us the hottest month ever recorded and higher than average temperatures are predicted through September. With the way July played out, we want to remind you of some tips to lower your energy bills and help the environment.

Regulating thermostats and keeping your home comfortable means ensuring doors and windows are tightly sealed. Use a ceiling fan while in occupied rooms and together they will keep you cool while reducing annual costs.

Cool down the house by using less electricity and heated water. Unplugging devices when not in use and limiting appliances that generate heat really makes a difference. Try colder meals or grilling out instead of using the oven. Use cooler water for laundry and take lukewarm showers. These aren’t just for lowering your bills and helping the earth- there are health benefits to these concepts for you as well.

Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.

Additional Information: https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/08/13/10-ways-to-cut-utility-bills-and-conserve-energy-during-the-hot-summer/

Choose your own electric company in Arizona?

August 7, 2019
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Arizona has been discussing energy deregulation to decide if they will allow customers to choose where their energy supply comes from. The utilities currently monopolize the state and consumers must use the utility they are assigned. Through competition, the prices would be driven down and improvements in dependability and customer service would occur.

Commissioner Justin Olson states, “Data shows that since 2008, there has been a significant decrease in rates in the 14 states that have competition compared to a significant increase in rates to states that still prohibit competition in the energy sector.”

Another option would be partial competition in which only businesses or aggregates would be able to shop around for their energy. It is unclear when a vote will take place. Until more questions are asked and answered, Arizona will remain regulated by the state.

Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.

Additional Information: https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/energy/2019/08/06/arizona-energy-deregulation-rules-corporation-commission-aps-tuscon-electric-srp/1871816001/

A green power seller reacts to pending industry reform—with sky-high prices

July 25, 2019
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Green Energy doesn’t have to be much more expensive than grid supplied energy.

An energy marketer is complaining that under recent changes to the Illinois Customer Choice program, their offer of green energy will increase dramatically. Their current offer is 78% higher than ComEd’s rate or $0.12 vs. $0.0672 for 12 months. They are expressing surprise that customers are complaining when they find out.

The changes to the Illinois Customer Choice program will require disclosure or comparison to the utility price and prevent short term fixed prices (trial offers) from renewing into long terms.

Realgy Energy Services discloses every month how our price compares to the utility rate at www.realgyenergyservices.com.

Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.

Additional Information: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/utilities/green-power-seller-reacts-pending-industry-reform-sky-high-prices

Transforming Energy Education In The Digital Age

July 9, 2019
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Advancements within technology have allowed the furthering of knowledge across nearly all topics. However, it is believed that we can greatly increase learning around the energy industry. Data sharing could grow efficiency, improve safety, decrease educational costs and enable many benefits across the board. Starting with our academic system, we can provide education and train students to lead to more opportunities and developments. The potential to affect various sectors of the industry is large and we need to focus on bettering all involved in its entirety.

Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.

Additional Information:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/uhenergy/2019/07/08/transforming-energy-education-in-the-digital-age/#81888e14d21a

Consumers vs. DTE long term planning – winners and losers?

July 3, 2019
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How do the 2 largest utilities in Michigan plan to continue to provide electric services?

Their planning is part of each utilities submission of their long range plans required to be submitted and approved by the MPSC.

Consumers’ plan is approved and was praised by environmental groups and energy professionals for aggressively moving to renewable energy that is less costly than fossil fuels.

DTE on the other hand just recently submitted their plan. It was of course compared to Consumers. Most environmentalists and energy professionals found it to be less ambitious and more likely to maintain current status.

A comparison of the 2 plans is below.

DTE made the case they need a new solar plant while Consumers demonstrated that solar and wind can supply much of their forecasted need.

Unlike solar energy which requires no fuel, natural gas is a volatile commodity that can increase in price dramatically over time.

DTE customers will pay for any increase if the operating costs for the new gas plant are above predictions. Likewise, Consumers customers could see declining energy prices.

Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.

Additional Information:

https://energynews.us/2019/06/28/midwest/praise-pushback-for-michigan-utilities-divergent-carbon-reduction-plans/

US Renewables energy capacity surpasses Coal for first time

June 18, 2019
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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 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/

June 12, 2019
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PRESS RELEASE

12 JUNE 2019 | By: Realgy, LLC

Midwest Groundcovers, LLC solar array installation at St. Charles facility increases their existing system.

Realgy, LLC announced today the completion of their newest solar photovoltaic (PV) system consisting of 325 Watts at Midwest Groundcovers, LLC. Their 240-Watt system installed 8 years ago underwent a complete overhaul. Midwest Groundcovers is the leading wholesale container nursery in the tri-state area.

The rooftop PV system was installed on the maintenance building and is part of the 96-acre site of Midwest Groundcovers’ facility located in St. Charles, Illinois. Stan Schumacher, Vice President of Midwest Groundcovers said “We are glad to continue our partnership with Realgy Energy Services to expand our Solar PV System by 25% and upgrade the existing telemetry and inverters to increase the solar PV’s efficiency. The additional panels and upgrade should increase our cost savings by 33% by reducing our usage charges and distribution charges.”

Eco Solar Solutions, LLC of Illinois installed the addition. The project is the second Realgy collaboration this year with Eco Solar in Illinois. According to Terrence Black, Vice President of Eco Solar Solutions, “Upgrading Midwest Groundcovers’ solar system allowed us to maximize the amount of solar production at this location. The overall performance has improved and the savings from avoiding delivery costs went up as well. We also helped lower their costs and carbon footprint.”

Realgy, LLC is an alternative energy service supplier in Illinois and is the owner of the PV system. They paid for the project and continue to supply the property’s electricity. Midwest Groundcovers was selected for the original installation to generate renewable energy locally as part of Realgy’s sustainable commitment.

Midwest Groundcovers’ solar array will produce over 100,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually and more than 2.5 million kWh over the next 25 years. That’s enough energy to power about 9 average U.S. homes annually. Beyond the economic value are the environmental and health benefits associated with the PV system such as:

Reduction of 136 tons of coal burned each year to produce an equal amount of electricity. That’s the same as getting 272 pickup trucks of coal off the road.

Substituting the use of coal means the removal of 1.76 million lbs. of CO2 into the environment each year. That’s the equivalent of planting over 5,400 trees.

“To be asked to reinvest in an existing project after several years is always gratifying. We are excited to contribute to Midwest Groundcovers’ increase of green energy production,” said Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy.

Contacts:

Midwest Groundcovers

Stan Schumacher, Vice President

6N800 Route 25

St. Charles, Illinois

www.midwestgroundcovers.com