Utilities vs. grid edge upstarts: Turf battles in an increasingly DER-centric world
You’ve heard of the Internet of Things… devices using a network to transfer data such as door bells, Alexa, light switches, TVs, thermostats, etc.
What about solar panels or car chargers? Think about this:
The fastest growing portion of the US electric market is in solar panel installation and EVs (Electric Vehicles).
Consider the following growth:
PV Solar and EVs produce as near real-time information about their energy production or usage.
This data is the issue.
Utilities want the data to be part of the electric grid while almost everyone else disagrees.
Regulators will be hearing both sides of the arguments about data control and best-practices. Given the importance of the issue for all parties, a final decision is likely years away but, initial decisions seem to favor the utility.
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.utilitydive.com/news/utilities-vs-grid-edge-upstarts-turf-battles-in-an-increasingly-der-centr/572718/
Michigan regulators demand changes to DTE Energy’s long-range plan
Last July, we summarized the difference between the 2 largest Michigan utilities. Consumers was attempting to reduce costs by moving to renewables and closing high cost power plants which included legacy coal. DTE on the other hand, stayed with legacy power plants. A summary and link are below.
https://realgyenergyservices.com/consumers-vs-dte-long-term-planning-winners-and-losers/
The MPSC basically rejected DTE’s plan as inadequate in addressing Michigan law to address long term planning. DTE must now resubmit their plan to focus on reducing costs and complying with environmental policy by March 21, 2020.
Consumers’ plan on the other hand was approved.
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.michiganradio.org/post/public-service-commission-sends-much-dte-energy-plan-back-drawing-board
Warren Buffett Has Started The Biggest Energy Revolution
Green energy has been on the rise with governments pledging to invest and countries committing to using 100% renewable energy in the upcoming decades. In the past several years, the cost of solar has decreased drastically and has grown ten-times more efficient. For the first time, solar energy is cheaper than fossil fuels.
Warren Buffet struck a deal in September to build America’s largest solar farm. Located in the desert outside of Las Vegas, the sunshine will power the world’s largest battery and produce 6-7% of LA’s electricity needs. Costs are half of that of a natural gas power plant. Solar became 2019’s best performing exchange-traded fund and forecasts show solar stocks increasing exponentially if we continue to see progress.
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.forbes.com/sites/stephenmcbride1/2020/02/11/warren-buffett-has-started-the-biggest-energy-revolution/#38c11d204494
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/
Projected Load Growth
Many changes have occurred over the past several years with energy capacity. Coal-fired plants actively retiring, renewable energy installations increasing, and storage capacity surging in the near future are some aspects taken into consideration when projecting load growth rate. The anticipated rates through 2029 are showing growth from -0.5 to 2% for NERC regions. The focus now is to assess the current resource base to accommodate these expectations.
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.spglobal.com/en/
The Ultimate Energy Efficient Holiday Gift Guide
‘Tis the season for gift giving. Before you shop, check out some of these ideas for energy saving developments. They not only cut your carbon footprint but, promote saving money doing everyday tasks. From LED bulbs to tech savvy devices, there’s an energy efficient present for every recipient. Or you might just keep these gadgets for yourself. Don’t forget to use eco-friendly or reusable gift wrap to really amp up your clean energy lifestyle.
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.nrdc.org/experts/emily-deanne/ultimate-energy-efficient-holiday-gift-guide
http://www.energymaxout.com/14-cool-eco-friendly-and-energy-saving-gadgets-gifts/
https://www.volunteerenergy.com/6-energy-saving-christmas-gifts/
Amazon Announces Three New Renewable Energy Projects
One of the largest internet retailers announced a huge step in its venture towards a green future. Amazon, your favorite online retailer is investing in several solar projects to continue with plans to cut their carbon footprint. The three new projects will be in Spain, Virginia, and Illinois. Combined, they will produce about 700,000 MWh annually; enough to power over 67,000 homes. These are in addition to the existing 70 clean energy projects they have around the world. Amazon’s goal is to use 100% renewable energy by 2030 and net zero carbon by 2040 as stated in their sustainability commitment “The Climate Pledge”. We look forward to seeing them hit their target and hope similar companies follow suit.
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.businesswire.com/news/home/20191202006013/en/Amazon-Announces-New-Renewable-Energy-Projects-Spain
Powerhouse building produces more energy than it needs
Cities around the world are ensuring a greener future through various requirements. One way is to confirm new construction meets certain emissions standards. Trondheim, Norway is home to a building that produces surplus clean energy which feeds into the surrounding micro-grid. As aesthetically pleasing as it is, the structure’s shape optimizes solar production and is built with intentionally placed materials that will be re-used at the end of its life cycle. We look forward to seeing similar structures created globally with the same focus on renewable energy.
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.corporateknights.com/channels/built-environment/powerhouse-produces-energy-needs-giving-back-community-15722857/
Secretive energy startup backed by Bill Gates achieves solar breakthrough
Concentrated solar power has never made enough heat to be used in certain industrial processes such as creating cement, steel, or glass.
Until now.
Bill Gates’ startup Heliogen uses technology that uncovered the ability to generate heat over 1,000°C. Using their software and materials, greenhouse emissions can be dramatically decreased in the industry that creates “more than a fifth of global emissions”.
Although the investment may be high at first, it will save companies money while also providing green heat. Among these developments, Heliogen is also using their discoveries to produce clean hydrogen and further their renewable energy uses.
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.cnn.com/2019/11/19/business/heliogen-solar-energy-bill-gates/index.html
Virtual power plants could solve renewable energy’s biggest problem
Unpredictable weather can be a problem for renewable energy sources such as those that rely on clear skies or a steady wind. A virtual power plant can potentially close the gap between those challenges without supplements from fossil fuels. By connecting various sources of clean energy production, generation, and storage through a cloud-based platform, these aspects can be controlled to ensure adequate energy meets distribution needs.
Forecasts, production and storage data along with market prices help match demand with supply in real time. However, it is not without faults and finding a balance between all locations is key. Cyber security is also a threat and must be a priority investment. Another large step towards a green energy future in the making.
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.channel3000.com/news/virtual-power-plants-could-solve-renewable-energys-biggest-problem/1140159601