Looking Back
As we prepare to ring in the new year, most are looking back on an incredible year of innovations and historical moments. Events such as these do not occur without hard work, inspiration, and dedication. Look back at the last year and relish the ups and downs, the hurdles and accomplishments; whether minor or grand, know that 2019 set the precedence for our future. And it sure is looking bright.
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://realgyenergyservices.com/illinois-100-clean-energy-bill/
https://realgyenergyservices.com/midwest-groundcovers-completes-addition-to-solar-power-project/
https://realgyenergyservices.com/transforming-energy-education-in-the-digital-age/
https://realgyenergyservices.com/wind-energy-supplies-nearly-7-of-us-electric-demand/
https://realgyenergyservices.com/powerhouse-building-produces-more-energy-than-it-needs/
Realgy Energy Services Receives 2019 West Hartford Award
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Realgy Energy Services Receives 2019 West Hartford Award
West Hartford Award Program Honors the Achievement
WEST HARTFORD December 2, 2019 — Realgy Energy Services has been selected for the 2019 West Hartford Award in the Gas Company category by the West Hartford Award Program.
Each year, the West Hartford Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the West Hartford area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2019 West Hartford Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the West Hartford Award Program and data provided by third parties.
About West Hartford Award Program
The West Hartford Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the West Hartford area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The West Hartford Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.
SOURCE: West Hartford Award Program
CONTACT:
West Hartford Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@2019organization-awardsadvisory.com
URL: http://www.2019organization-awardsadvisory.com
More wind, solar and storage could add up to savings for Midwesterners
Do you want to pay less for energy used to run all your electronics? What’s keeping costs high? Would you believe it’s the use of coal, oil and natural gas?
In the Midwest and Great Lakes area, the cost of electricity could decrease by over $48/year for the average residential customer. How? By eliminating the way electricity is priced at the wholesale level.
When oil, coal and nuclear energy were the primary fuel sources, payments for energy were based on the ability to deliver energy quickly. This meant the large fossil fuel plants had to be kept in a ready-to-generate mode.
Today’s wind and solar energy are kept in a ready state without any fuel costs. So, transferring to wind and solar while not paying fossil fuel plants to stay ready would result in large and sustainable cost reductions.
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.renewableenergyworld.com/2019/10/02/report-more-wind-solar-and-storage-could-add-up-to-savings-for-midwesterners/#gref
NICOR is spending $168 million; increasing your monthly bill.
Just as a chill returns, NICOR plans to increase your heating costs.
NICOR, the largest gas utility in Illinois, asked for $180 million which was reduced in a 3-2 vote by commissioners. Still, the increase is expected to raise every residential customer’s bill by over $3/ month.
This increase is on the distribution side of the bill for the delivery of gas through their pipes. The Illinois Customer Choice Program still offers consumers direct pricing from energy suppliers. Realgy publishes our price compared to NICOR every month; resulting in nearly 5% savings over the last 12 months which is typically between 4-8% monthly. This is about an $85 savings for an average residential customer.
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.chicagobusiness.com/utilities/nicors-168-million-rate-hike-will-cost-typical-household-3-plus-month
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
More renewable energy options available under Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage
Duke Energy has expanded renewable energy choices for their large energy users. Through the Green Source Advantage (GSA) program, customers can choose their renewable supplier and negotiate preferred price terms and contract length. They will take applicants until the 600 MW capacity is fully subscribed. Partial capacity is set aside for military installations and University of North Carolina institutions. Duke has been investing in renewable energy and increasing solar energy awareness for all customers “to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves”.
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://finance.yahoo.com/news/more-renewable-energy-options-available-122900991.html
Realgy Settlement with IAG
PRESS RELEASE
Realgy Settlement with IAG
20 AUGUST 2019 | BY: REALGY, LLC
Realgy Energy Services recently settled an investigation with the Illinois Attorney General (IAG) over allegations of non-compliance with consumer protection laws.
The IAG investigation stemmed from a TV report and a unique Realgy offer; Guaranteed Savings below the utility. Realgy is the only energy marketer in Illinois that guarantees its energy rate will be below the utility. The investigation covered 7 years, the entire time Realgy Energy Services provided service to residential customers in Illinois.
The result, Realgy provided savings per below:
| Utility | Savings | Energy Savings ($) |
| NICOR, Peoples and North Shore | Yes | Over $300,000 |
| Ameren | Yes | Over $400,000 |
| ComEd | Yes | Over $110,000 |
Michael Vrtis of Realgy Energy Services stated, “The investigation looked at our energy costs paid by the customer compared to what the customer would’ve paid for the utility’s cost each month during the 7 years we served residential customers. Customer savings resulted from the fact that Realgy’s energy costs were on average less than the utility.”
So, Realgy saved Illinois customers money.
However, Realgy reached a settlement with the IAG to refund $181,000 to ComEd customers. Again, Michael Vrtis, “Yes, even though our energy costs were less during this time, we had a high turnover of customers. The resulting early termination fees paid by these customers when added to the savings brought the total costs to ComEd customers above the utility.”
Realgy acknowledged the IAG findings in agreeing to the refund as its goal is to provide savings as compared to the utility costs. “The IAG conducted a fair review of Realgy’s practices and we agreed to the refund and to changes already made to our sales practices like eliminating door to door enrollments and monitoring our sales agents more closely,” stated Michael Vrtis. The IAG assembled a list of transgressions they uncovered during their investigation of many other energy marketers. The list was included in the settlement even though Realgy was already in compliance with them.
Realgy reported that the bulk of the refunded amount of $100,704.06 will go to 1,871 existing customers and the remainder to clients that were served by Realgy between January 2012 and January 2019. The average refund is $36.60.
Realgy, LLC
Michael Vrtis, President
675 Oakwood Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860-233-2270
A green power seller reacts to pending industry reform—with sky-high prices
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 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.chicagobusiness.com/utilities/green-power-seller-reacts-pending-industry-reform-sky-high-prices
Midwest Groundcovers’ newest solar power project completed.
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
Eco Solar Solutions, LLC
Paul Szczesny, President
847-220-8786
Realgy, LLC
Michael Vrtis, President
675 Oakwood Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860-233-2270
Illinoisans deserve a better energy market
Balance is essential. For instance, you cannot disrupt a practice unless there is change. The Illinois legislators overwhelmingly passed Illinois Customer Choice over 15 years ago. The cost of energy in Illinois is lower as a result.
However, with change comes competition which must be fair.
Some Energy Marketers have pursued very aggressive and even dishonest marketing and sales campaigns.
Fortunately, the Illinois Senate has singled out some of the worse practices such as to:
- Stop alternative suppliers from automatically renewing a contract from a fixed rate to a variable rate (a rate that changes monthly) and then jacking up the price. The bill would require companies to get a customer signature before those contracts renew.
- End termination fees on supply contracts for residential and small-business customers.
- Protect Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds from supplier overcharges; making sure the money available can help as many people as possible.
- Require alternative supplier marketing materials as well as utility bills to clearly state the utility’s price, so consumers can make an apples-to-apples price comparison.
Realgy welcomes these changes and encourages all Illinois utilities to provide accurate information to consumers.
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: