CUB warns of electricity market ‘rip-offs’
The Citizens Utility Board is an excellent watchdog organization. Their warnings and advice could not be more timely and on target.
Saving energy plays a significant role in saving the environment. When you use energy, you should know what it costs and that you are treated fairly.
There are two components to an energy agreement, price and terms. As the saying goes, what looks like a good deal is a good deal UNTIL it isn’t. This winter has certainly exposed the insider terms of energy marketers’ agreements and how cost recovery works for the utility.
In some cases, the energy suppliers provide “teaser rates” that are below utility rates but only last from 2-12 months. You are sure you will stay on top of it but time passes quickly and the next time you look at your bill, you could be paying two to three times the utility price. These “teaser rates” have a reset price that is purposely vague or that you cannot discover from any public information. Then when you want to cancel, it becomes a voice, logic, and perseverance test from the automated answering system.
As this year’s winter showed everyone that terms are important, a low rate is fine IF EVERYTHING is perfect, but that’s not the world we are in.
Realgy is proud of our price, our terms, and our customer service team. We know we offer tremendous value compared not only to the utility, but also to any other energy supplier in Illinois. In fact we put it in writing in our agreement; we call it ServiceMatchTM. It’s simple; we guarantee to beat or match any comparable proposal for your service.
Illinois is implementing real-time metering and municipalization so the complexity in energy purchases is built in. However, in our role as energy experts, Realgy offers energy service that delivers savings in an easily understandable manner as compared to the COMED or Ameren. Call our sales team today, and you’ll understand the difference.
Read the full Chicago Tribune article, “Watchdog warns of ‘rip-offs’ in electricity market”
New Ideas in Lighting Get Closer to Market
So for the last 100 years humans have had two types of light sources: natural daylight and incandescent light from the ubiquitous light bulb (there has been only one type).
Today we still have natural daylight and we still have the light bulb, but we now have choices about the light bulb!
The Finally Light Bulb Company Debuts First Ever Acandescent(TM) Light Bulb. Credit: Finally Light Bulb Company
Bowing to efficiency, the US Government (along with other governments) has banned the sale of the original incandescent light bulb technology.
In its place are technologies that provide light and do so much more efficiently but the light “quality” is a little different (we will all learn about the light spectrum). Some people are complaining about this change in “quality.” We will get over it in due course.
Replacing something so commonplace will, of course, be met with resistance; consider how energy choice was first received! But this innovation and the accompanying options will be exciting and beneficial.
This Times article highlights two new light bulbs! Think about that; after 100 years of only one kind of light bulb, we will now have some five different competing technologies all to do the same thing…only better.
Long live change.
Realgy Energy Service is bringing change; we recently opened up electric choice to MidAmerican Electric in Illinois. We are the first energy marketer authorized to serve this utility market.
Read the whole NY Times article “New Ideas in Lighting Get Closer to Market”
Justices Back Rule Limiting Coal Pollution
The use of coal in electric generation is an issue where, on a national level, we should determine the optimum balance for the nation’s mix of energy used, air quality, and cost.
In producing electricity, coal plants emit carbon dioxide and other gases/particles that flow along the prevailing winds. These winds blow predominantly from West to East. Consequently, coal generation in the Mid-West accumulates higher concentrations of those emissions on the East Coast. This results in lower air quality and restrictions on what East Coast states can emit because their air is then already considered unhealthy.
The ruling by the Supreme Court will cause EPA to issue rulings that, when implemented, will try to rebalance coal usage (which is still our most abundant fuel) with air quality and cost.
One result will be greater reliance on natural gas for power generation. Generally the emissions are less and costs are less, but depending on a single source of energy (be it coal, wind, natural gas or nuclear power) puts the nation at greater risk of a single event causing widespread interruption.
Take this winter as an example; between January and March 2014 the phrase “winter vortex” was coined to describe a FIRST of its KIND EVENT for the tri-states of Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. Such severe cold weather caused a simultaneous spike not only in natural gas (and propane) but also in electric costs because 30-60% of peak electricity is generated from natural gas. A move to retire existing coal-fired power plants and replace them with natural gas will further concentrate the impact that severe weather conditions or a natural gas pipeline disruption could have on consumers.
That balance will have to be agreed upon and with it will come a variety of different outcomes.
Please let us know what issues you think should be taken into consideration to achieve a workable balance.
Read the entire New York Times article, “Justices Back Rule Limiting Coal Pollution”
Save Water, Save Energy
Water heaters are not something you ordinarily think about much. Count me as one who does not dwell on such things, but there is a company that does take them seriously and it’s starting to build a product that appears superior to what is currently available.
I am excited when engineering, hard work, and combine as effectively as they have on this product called MODEL1
MODEL1 by Heatworks
Water heaters use a lot of energy and a lot of cool water is wasted before hot water arrives where you use it. This product looks to solve those two problems, without creating new ones!
To be transparent, I will say that Realgy is not an investor and has no interest in this product other than as a customer.
We plan to install one in our building as soon as we receive it. I promise to keep you updated on its performance.
Additional press is at Nikkei Asian Review “And the most promising green technologies of 2014 are…”
In Response to “Synthetic natural gas from excess electricity”
Written by Michael Vrtis President of Realgy Energy Services in response to the Science Daily article Synthetic natural gas from excess electricity
The old adage; where there’s a will, there’s a way!
One of the complaints about solar, wind and most renewable energies is that they cannot be efficiently stored.
So, with that problem in mind, the scientists get to work.
Zeolites bind the water produced during methanation of hydrogen, thereby increasing the methane yield from the new process. Image courtesy of Empa
Of course, what is capable in a laboratory isn’t always immediately transferable to the “real world”. But give it time.
Realgy invest in technologies that produce energy today that is cost effective and with the lowest emissions possible. The future holds much promise that we will be able to continue to do that in many ways.
Check out The Science Daily article: Synthetic natural gas from excess electricity
In Response to “New Campaign Encourages Michigan Residents to Cut Down on Wasted Energy”
Written by Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy Energy Services in response to the Market Wired article “New Campaign Encourages Michigan Residents to Cut Down on Wasted Energy”
Public service reminders, are normally quite humble. Successful campaigns (forest fire awareness and anti-smoking) began as simple public service notices. Smokey the Bear in now part of our national consciousness and no one likes to be around smokers.
So it could be with energy. The new Michigan campaign seems so simple; energy is a cost than can be mitigated with insulation; use less to heat as leaks are found and eliminated and with more informed purchase plans.
It only takes math to figure it out; spend $100 and save $25 on energy the pay back on the $100 is 4 months.
Realgy offers lower cost ways to buy energy than the utility offers; it only takes math to figure out the savings; talk about NO DRAMA!
Stay warm and do so with math.
Check out the article in Market Wired: “New Campaign Encourages Michigan Residents to Cut Down on Wasted Energy”
In Response to “Nest Gives Google Its Next Big Data Play: Energy”
Written by Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy Energy Services in response to the Forbes article “Nest Gives Google Its Next Big Data Play: Energy”
As technology advances, so does everything else.
The thermostat remains a humble device to call for more heating or cooling to occur, but when connected to the Internet, it is transformed into a retail energy service.
Commercial businesses did this at the meter long ago and continue to do this. Certainly more utilities are moving toward implementing the capabilities of the Internet at the meter. However, Google has the interest and the financial capabilities to at least challenge the utility meter offering, if not win it.
This is a great addition to the ongoing implementation of technology into our every day.
Realgy offers choices that deliver savings. The consumer should understand the better the information, the better the energy choices. Realgy will continue to advocate for open access to any data collection device a customer or utility chooses to install.
Check out the article in Forbes: “Nest Gives Google Its Next Big Data Play: Energy”
Ten Wood-burning Fireplace Safety Tips
A nice wood burning fireplace will help decrease your winter heating bills and keep the house warm. But beware, heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires every year. Make sure to have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year. And throughout the winter, practice these 10 fireplace safety tips from Realgy Energy Services.
Five Fireplace Safety Dos:
- Use only seasoned hardwoods such as maple, oak, ash, and birch, which will burn hot and long. Green and soft woods produce more creosote.
- Check for creosote build ups. Creosote is a flammable byproduct that can build up in the chimney if wood is not burning completely.
- When building a fire, place the logs at the back of the fireplace on a metal grate.
- Install Smoke Detectors on every floor and keep a charged fire extinguisher on hand.
- The area around the hearth should be clear of decorations and debris.
Five Fireplace Safety Don’ts
- Do not use flammable liquids to start the fire; instead use kindling, or small dry twigs.
- Do not build the fire too big. A smaller fire will generate less smoke and creosote buildup. An overly large or hot fire could end up cracking the chimney.
- Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Always extinguish the fire before leaving the house or going to bed.
- Never empty ash directly into a trash can. Always allow ash to cool completely before disposal.
Sources:
U.S. Fire Administration, “Fireplace and home fire safety”
DIY network, “10 tips for maintaining a wood-burning fireplace”
Realgy Energy Services has installed Two New Solar PV systems in Illinois
At the beginning of December 2013, Realgy announced the start of construction on two of its newest solar power projects in the state of Illinois. Once completed, the two new systems in total will produce over 90,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually and offset almost 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide during the initial 25 years of operation.
The first Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system has been installed on the roof of the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, home to the historic Lake County Fair and other year-round events. The second Solar PV system was installed at Seven Oaks Farm, a historic dairy and horse farm in Saint Charles.
Both PV Systems have been installed by Renewable Energy Alternatives of Arlington Heights. “We are excited to be a part of this venture,” said Kacie Peters, Director of Sales and Marketing at Renewable Energy Alternatives. “The array is in a very public space and will be seen by thousands annually. We hope that this array will inspire others to know solar is possible—and practical in Illinois.”
“Realgy made this investment as a part of our sustainable energy commitment with the support of Illinois Department of Commerce Renewable Energy Program and the Illinois Solar Energy Association.” Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy. All of the energy produced by the panels will be used by the companies, and will reduce their reliance on fossil-generated energy produced primarily from coal in Illinois.
Good Bye Incandescent Bulbs
On January 1, 2014, as part of a 2007 energy efficiency law, the U.S. stopped producing and importing standard 40- and 60- watt incandescent bulbs. The law signed by former President George W. Bush requires new light bulbs to meet tighter standards.
For those not ready for the switch, most stores will continue to sell the 40- and 60- watt bulbs until supplies run out. However, switching out those old incandescent bulbs will reduce the energy needed to light up your room. Ninety percent of the energy used by an incandescent bulb is given off as heat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading 15 incandescent light bulbs to CFL or LED bulbs could save about $50 per year.
Sources:
Energy.Gov, “Lighting Choices to Save You Money”
CBS News, “The old-fashioned light bulb is disappearing”