Peoples Gas is spending billions to replace miles of aging pipe below Chicago by 2040. But will natural gas be obsolete before it’s complete?
In 2011, Peoples Gas began to replace 2,000 miles of pipelines below Chicago. Originally estimated to take 20 years and cost $2.6 billion, it is now projected to continue until 2040 and cost $7.7 billion. Interruptions have occurred due to “budget overruns, delays and charges of mismanagement”.
Many believe the project should be reviewed. By the time of completion, both gas and electric are anticipated to be very different from the systems we have now. Replacements are necessary to lower leaks and halt possible explosions as some pipes date back to the 1800s. However, costs have been passed along to customers. While Peoples has tried to keep those amounts down and minimize disruption in each neighborhood, consumers worry about paying their bills.
The Citizens Utility Board believes the focus should be on more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient alternatives such as electric-powered heat pumps. They want Peoples and the ICC to target and repair problem areas while pursuing their renewable energy goals.
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.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-peoples-gas-pipeline-replacement-renewable-energy-20201222-i6er5w2abjeazg34ywajhfvg7q-story.html
Fight Robo-Scams
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) advocates for Illinois’ citizens. They fight utility rate hikes, promote environmentally friendly programs, and keep their consumers informed. Last month, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a statement denouncing a robocall that told residents if they vote by mail, their information will be shared with various organizations.
CUB created a guide full of information on how to reduce calls from scammers and what not to do when you receive these calls. This is updated to warn you of the most recent scams people have encountered. For example: voting misinformation, government imposters, electric rip offs, bogus COVID-19 tests, and more. You can order a free copy or a printer- friendly version here which offers tips on avoiding scams that would rob you financially and/or of your rights.
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.citizensutilityboard.org/
Illinoisans demand stricter coal ash rules, denounce state proposal
Coal is still about 50% of the fuel used to generate electricity in the U.S. nationwide with a larger percentage in the Midwest.
Combustion of coal results in large amounts of non-combustible material called coal ash. The remains include heavy metals such as arsenic, chromium, lead, and mercury. All these substances are poisonous or carcinogenic and can leach into ground water.
Illinois residents insist Governor Pritzker propose rules for storing coal ash to prevent ground water contamination. Currently when coal ash piles without a liner are rained on, the contaminates flow into the ground water.
A primary concern for advocates is coal ash impoundments near sources of drinking water via municipal systems or private wells.
Coal use as a fuel is reducing, however, it will continue as a fuel source. Our science and technology should be used to prevent it from poisoning our water sources.
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://energynews.us/2020/08/14/midwest/illinoisans-demand-stricter-coal-ash-rules-denounce-state-proposal/
Ohio follows Michigan in providing steps to recovery
As all things are COVID-19 pandemic, local support is everything.
In Michigan, we have won awards from towns for the use of PPE in door-to-door marketing. Please see https://realgyenergyservices.com/kent-county-recognizes-realgys-safe-business-practices/.
Ohio, likewise, has provided guidelines and protocols for restarting door-to-door marketing to offer competitive retail energy.
Local application of public health rules along with adequate protections appear to be on to balance public safety and commerce.
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: http://www.energychoicematters.com/stories/20200812a.html
Kent County Recognizes Realgy’s Safe Business Practices
PRESS RELEASE
Kent County Recognizes Realgy’s Safe Business Practices
24 JULY 2020 | BY: REALGY, LLC
Realgy’s Michigan Sales Team Before and After
Safety comes first at Realgy Energy Services for employees and for customers. Even when new challenges arise such as the current Covid-19 outbreak. The company’s Grand Rapids, MI sales team is no exception. Through the Kent County Back to Work Initiative, Realgy qualified to receive assistance with provisions of personal protective equipment. Kent County implemented this program due to the many concerns with acquiring safety gear for small businesses.
Realgy’s sales agents are approved and recognized as practicing safe business following a regimen of safety checks each morning. MI Sales Director Frank Blazek says employees are “constantly reminding each other to go through the checklist to ensure they have their gear along with all PPEs”.
Kent County provided Realgy’s Michigan staff with the proper equipment to safely continue working. Being gifted with gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and thermometers has made employees feel they can continue providing the best possible service without risking anyone’s health. Community response along with Realgy team members provided great feedback for diligently pursuing cautionary steps. Residents have mentioned they are “happy to see representatives wearing masks and taking the virus seriously”. Some even said if they hadn’t seen representatives wearing masks properly, they wouldn’t have opened the door or been willing to discuss services.
Blazek’s philosophy involves leading by example and focusing on teamwork. He keeps in mind Zig Ziglar’s quote “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want”. The transition hasn’t been as difficult for his employees due to “They’ve always maintained the Realgy code of conduct and best sales practices. Ensuring customers are treated respectfully and prompting them with information up front is part of the procedure to ensure protection for both the agents and residents. We are happy to have gotten positive feedback and everyone seems thankful we’ve put their wellbeing first”, says Blazek.
Realgy has taken various steps throughout the last several months to continue business in each state during the pandemic. “We are proud of Frank and the Grand Rapids team for continuing to provide great service throughout Michigan” says Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy Energy Services. Recognition goes to all involved in taking the lead during this difficult time worldwide. The healthcare workers, first responders, and all essential employees working each day. Realgy upholds best practices to ensure safety comes first.
Realgy, LLC
Michael Vrtis, President
675 Oakwood Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860-233-2270
Coronavirus And Slumping Prices Hit Ohio Valley’s Oil & Gas Sector
The entire world has been adjusting during the coronavirus outbreak. Many companies that contribute greatly to the economy are facing challenges to stay in business. The changes in energy demand have led to the sector taking a huge hit with oil and natural gas prices dropping drastically. Construction has been put on hold, jobs have been altered, and the extent of damages done by this pandemic is still a shifting status. Oil and gas producers may seek a bailout and lawmakers are being asked to alter the Jones Act to ease requirements.
Utilities have been suspending their disconnection policies and are ensuring they prioritize safety to stop the spread of the virus. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is requiring this of the entire state. The impact of this virus is affecting everyone in various ways and PUCO is prioritizing that their residents will not go without shelter, water, food, heat, and communication. We commend all essential workers that are putting their lives at risk to ensure citizens are safe and receiving more than just the necessities of life.
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://wfpl.org/coronavirus-and-slumping-prices-hit-ohio-valleys-oil-gas-sector/
Transforming Energy Education In The Digital Age
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 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:
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
Don’t squander America’s leadership in nuclear energy
Nuclear energy in the private sector has been beneficial but certain needs may not be met if energy innovation is purely in their hands. Federal control is necessary for national security. To maintain a leadership role worldwide, the U.S. must instill several strategies within the nuclear energy realm.
- Ensure significant and safe production
- Compete in the international marketplace and win for the private sector
- Actively partner with countries that have no nuclear energy
- Lead innovatively
Continuing to employ private-public partnerships domestically and internationally will prove the U.S. can grow their influence and safely lead the way for the next generation.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. 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.
Additional Information:
Space Heater Safety
Space heaters can be a convenient way to temporarily heat a room or a small space, but if used improperly, space heaters can cause nasty burns or worse, create a fire hazard.
According to The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are associated with an estimated 25,000 residential fires and nearly 300 deaths each year. More than 6,000 people receive ER care for non-lethal burns resulting from contact with the heating elements or hot surfaces of space heaters.
Here are a few tips to use your space heater safely:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing, operating, and maintaining your space heater.
- Keep anything that may be flammable at least three feet away from space heaters.
- Place your space heater on a level, hard, non-flammable surface. Do not ever place on rugs or carpets.
- Avoid using extensions cords, but if absolutely necessary, use a heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger.
- Never use your space heater near water because of the possibility of shock or electrocution.
- Always turn off your space heater when leaving the room or going to bed.
Source:
energy.gov, Portable Heaters