So 4 years after the first Polar Vortex…How was the 2019 version?
Last week on January 30th, 2019 Chicago matched a record as the coldest day ever.
Power and gas supplies increased but not as severely as in 2014.
Here is why:
- Businesses and schools closed in anticipation of travel delays. This kept power needs down.
- Generators provided the power expected. This was not the case back in 2014. Changes made to generator contracts provided substantial penalties if power wasn’t delivered. Investments in cold weather operations and many of the power plants certainly prevented power shortages.
- Solar and wind kept operating. This was the first polar vortex with substantial solar and wind resources. They performed very well.
Overall, the markets reacted to past incidents and put into place corrections to continue to improve and safeguard the power grid.
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:
How this up-and-coming leader is improving energy equity in Illinois
Do you believe in Energy Equity? How about Solar for All or Future Energy Jobs?
These are just some of the initiatives driving Lavannya Pulluveetil Barrera, a recent grad with a degree in Environmental Sustainability and Sciences.
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:
A Clean Energy Revolution Is Rising in the Midwest
Major utilities envision reducing carbon emissions and using clean energy to facilitate those plans. The Midwest has stepped up to the plate promoting the shift to renewable energy. Low costs of wind power and growing use of solar are propelling Midwest utility executives to take charge in the climate change battle. Xcel, Consumers, and NIPSCO have proposed several plans to embrace renewable resources. Howard Learner, President and Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center says “utilities are beginning to make decisions based on the market of the future rather than that of the past” and “It’s a matter of environmental value and economic justification.”
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://insideclimatenews.org/news/02012019/renewable-energy-tipping-point-midwest-2018-year-review-utilities-wind-solar-xcel-100-percent
Tesla Solar Roof production to ramp up
Orders have been placed for Tesla’s Solar Roof since May 2017. Appearing as a traditional roof, the glass tiles will generate electricity with embedded solar cells. Ensuring an inexpensive product that will last 30 years and have an efficient installation process requires considerable engineering. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk is hoping to put these on the map and begin fulfilling orders next year.
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.cnet.com/news/tesla-solar-roof-production-to-ramp-up-in-2019-says-elon-musk/
US Solar Tariff Impact
It’s been about a year since Trump enacted a 30% tariff on solar imports to the US. Although it is set to last 4 years, each year is planned to decrease by 5%; in 2021 the tariff will be 15%. Hopes to benefit domestic manufacturers and residential solar projects are among the expected advantages. However, the high rate caused large scale developers to pause or cancel planned projects of $2.5 billion. This hold on utility scale arrays could dent advances the US made using these renewable sources. Research also shows the average consumer had a price increase for a standard system. Preceding the tariff’s implementation, costs had been falling. They are again decreasing but, at a lower rate. Ideally, the hope is to get back on track to at least the rate of decline prior to the tariff.
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/trump-issues-30-tariff-on-solar-panel-imports/515265/
https://news.energysage.com/2018-us-solar-tariff-impact-prices/
The most powerful becomes the most affordable
What’s the most powerful and abundant energy source on the planet? What about the cheapest…? Yep, solar energy.
Illinois requires that by 2025, 25% of their energy should be supplied by renewable resources.
So, they created incentives to help very large solar plants (called community solar farms- these can be up to 2 MW or enough for about 200 homes) and residential homeowners.
The installation can be very simple. The financial outlay is paying for roughly 25 years of electricity upfront. However, with the state mandate, the system that would cost $30,000 for a homeowner would now cost about $5,000 after all state and federal incentives are recovered.
Still, it is a significant investment and it does require the “right” location (sunny roof facing south). Another way of participating is through solar community farms. This is where a large solar array is located within Illinois and individuals can purchase a portion of the farm’s output. No installation at your own home is required.
The state is trying to provide the homeowners, small businesses and utilities with the opportunity to invest in and benefit from renewable electricity.
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
http://illinoistimes.com/article-19881-exploring-solar-systems.html
Opening of Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center Solar Array Expansion
PRESS RELEASE
Opening of Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center Solar Array Expansion
25 May 2018 | By: Realgy, LLC
The home of the historic Lake County Fair has begun operation of the expansion of their solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Lake Country Fairgrounds and Event Center (LCFEC) in Grayslake, IL now has a system more than double the size of the original array.
Realgy, LLC selected LCFEC for the initial and expanded project. Lake County will receive all solar energy produced by the panels. Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy said, “We are proud to have reinvestment at Lake County Fairgrounds. The expansion will allow greater environment and safety benefits.”
Eco Solar Solutions completed the expansion and will continue to maintain it over the duration of the next 20 years to ensure its productivity and efficiency. The array will produce enough power to supply about 11 Illinois residences every year for 25 years. “Eco Solar did a fantastic job and was the most professional contractor we have ever used,” Jon Brodzik Jr, the General Manager of LCFEC said.
The economic benefits that LCFEC will see are not limited to monetary savings. It will benefit the environment with limiting the carbon dioxide produced from gas emissions and reducing the amount of trucks on the road that would transfer coal which in turn creates safer roads and less pollution.
To commemorate the opening of the addition, LCFEC hosted an event to bring the community together. All were invited to attend such as Lake County officials, various media outlets, local organizations, environmental activists, state politicians, Grayslake trustees, local law enforcement, and many more. The attendees were treated to a great opening with all involved in making the project come to life.
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
Illinois Commerce Commission order a victory for solar, advocates say
New goals have been put in place for The Future Energy Jobs Act. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved an order defining aspects that solar advocates were concerned about.
The final order:
-Allows municipal and cooperative customers to participate in the solar renewable energy credit (SREC) program. Management of renewable energy purchases and the sale of SREC’s will be handled by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA).
-Eliminates spot procurements that were to take place in 2018 and 2019. It focuses on prioritizing long- term contracts even if budget constraints prove to be troublesome. To qualify for contract incentives, out-of-state projects will have to meet tighter requirements based on a point system.
-Implements community solar to make it more accessible to residents from all walks of life. Larger subscribers allow a more cost-effective way to build projects since they have more money to spend. The requirements will allow smaller subscribers to have a higher chance of buying into solar projects.
The IPA must monitor the program and make necessary adjustments throughout the growth of this Act. It is important to factor in sustainability over the long term for these projects and it is all part of the process. One thing for sure is that this will help put Illinois on the map as a leader in Solar Development.
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 6 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
Wind Energy development in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana as coal plants are closing.
In one day I came across 4 articles which all carried a similar message: coal is being phased out in favor of renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.). This is not a political statement; but economical. More coal plants have closed during President Trump’s first year in office as compared to the President Obama’s last year. What’s being planned to replace the coal fired generated electricity? Wind, solar and natural gas energy.
Illinois:
- Passed the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition last year. Goal is 100% renewable energy (accompanied jobs) by 2050
- Has generated more renewable energy jobs than all coal jobs combined
Michigan:
- Michigan electric utility companies must get 30% of their power from wind, solar or other renewables by 2030
- Consumers Energy vow to end coal generation by 2040
Indiana:
- Vectren plans to close 3 coal plants by 2023
- Natural gas 800 MW and 50 MW of solar generation would replace the coal
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 6 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
https://www.greentechmedia.com/amp/article/trump-cant-save-coal?__twitter_impression=true
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/02/19/coalition-launches-clean-energy-initiative/
https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2018/02/19/consumers-energy-emissions-coal-renewable/350559002/
https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/2018/02/20/vectren-natural-gas-plant-solar-farm-join-energy/356818002/