Michigan Launches Inquest into Power Outages
Last week’s Michigan storms left over 1 million customers without power. Many were in the dark for over a week. Damage assessment and restoration are a priority as is planning and preparation for these disasters. Residents want to see improvement in all areas and the MPSC states “… we have more work to do, and we have to do it faster.”
Concerns aren’t limited to the Midwest and are voiced across the country since the increase in frequent, intense storms are apparent. We can’t rely solely on historical data to prepare for the ever-changing weather. The MPSC is pushing utilities to be more transparent around their efforts while encouraging customers to discuss impacts of outages, especially those that are more at risk.
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://thesuntimesnews.com/g/chelsea-mi/n/39406/state-launches-inquest-power-outages
How Extreme Cold Turned Into a U.S. Energy Crisis
Over the past several days, extraordinary cold weather in the US from a polar vortex caused record temperatures across the country. Electricity and heating fuel costs skyrocketed while energy demand hit record levels. Millions of customers dealt with blackouts for the first time in a decade. Gas lines seized, wind turbines froze, and oil wells shut in. Across the grid in Texas, all energy sources had problems with some reasons still unknown. Texas’s emergency state will allow for more resources to become available and ensure residences, medical facilities, and related consumers are the priority to receive fuel first. The energy market in Texas is one of the most competitive in the US and power providers have to be prepared for extreme events such as this one. If not, they are set up for failure. Texas and Washington policy makers may need to review their system and make some changes to ensure a similar crisis is prevented or handled better.
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.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-15/how-extreme-cold-turned-into-a-u-s-energy-crisis-quicktake
Micro Power Grids Emerge as Way to Keep Electricity on During Shutoffs
California residents recently underwent massive blackouts due to PG&E’s decision to shut down power in hopes to decrease the wildfire risk. Hundreds of thousands were left without power for days. However, Fremont, CA installed “a microgrid, a small, self-contained electrical system, around a fire station”. Using solar panels, batteries and a generator, they can operate independently and focus on public safety. These microgrids are better for the environment, save customers money on energy bills, and provide safety nets for many that require electricity. The CA Public Utility Commission is exploring similar projects to see how these technologies could be implemented, especially for blackout situations.
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.kqed.org/science/1948951/micro-power-grids-emerging-as-a-way-to-keep-power-on-during-shutoffs
How to keep your food safe during a power outage
Food in the refrigerator will be safe for up to 4 hours without power. Any longer than that and perishables such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and any leftovers should be discarded. Along with the perishables, toss anything that has been above 40 degrees for over 2 hours, according to federal food safety guidelines.
Freezers will stay cold for up to 48 hours if it is full and 24 hours if half full (just another reason to get that extra ice cream!) As long as the temperature does not go above 40 degrees for more than two hours food should be useable; even partially thawed food can be refrozen.
The key things to keep in mind:
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed – each time you open the door precious cold air is lost.
- NEVER taste food to tell if it is still good – it is safer to just toss it.
- Discard anything that has come in contact with raw meat or its juices.
- 40 degrees is the magic number – if it is 40 degrees discard it.
Sources:
FoodSafety.gov, Refrigerated Food and Power Outages: When to Save and When to Throw Out
FoodSafety.gov, Frozen Food and Power Outages: When to Save and When to Throw Out
CDC, What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly
The power has already gone out a few times this summer, were you prepared?
Here are 10 power outage tips from Realgy Energy Services to help you prepare for the next time the lights go out.
1. If you lose power, report the outage to your local utility
Many utility’s now have mobile apps that you can use to report your outage.
2. Stay away from downed power lines and call 911 to report them
Always assume electric lines are live and treat them with caution and respect. Even low-voltage electric lines and cords can be hazardous if damaged or improperly handled.
3. Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings before the storm hits
Be sure to return the settings to their normal position as soon as electricity has been restored.
Use Ice to keep your perishable food cold
4. Get extra ice to help maintain the temperatures in your freezer and refrigerator during the outage
Use plastic bags filled with ice (or water, if you have enough time to freeze it) in the freezer. Use block ice, if possible, in the refrigerator. And should the ice melt, you can drink the water.
5. Set aside water
Sanitize and fill spare containers with water for drinking. Fill your bathtub with water for use in the toilet. A bucket of water poured in the toilet bowl is all that’s needed for flushing.
6. Be prepared to cook outside
It is possible that your stove will not work, so you may wish to use your backyard grill for cooking. Do not use your grill indoors, without proper ventilation it can be deadly.
7. Stock up on batteries and easy-to-prepare food
Don’t forget flashlights (one for each person in your family), batteries and a manual can opener.
8. Unplug sensitive equipment
Voltage irregularities can occur for any number of reasons during or after a storm, especially if there has been damage on or near your home. Unplug any sensitive electrical devices such as your television, DVD Player, stereo, microwave, computer, iPod, answering machine, and garage door opener to name just a few.
9. Fill your car’s gas tank
It is important to fill your tank before a storm, since gas stations may not be operating during an outage.
Example of a “Lights out” kit
10. Prepare a “lights out” kit
Your kit should contain a flashlight, battery-operated radio, fresh water, prescription medicine, prepared foods and any other items you may need when the lights go out. It’s also a good idea to have some extra cash on hand and to fully charge your mobile phone.
Before the power goes out again make sure you are prepared!
Sources:
American Red Cross, Power Outage Checklist
FDA, Power Outages: Key Tips for Consumers About Food Safety