How Duke’s Unique Energy Landscape Dictates Its Path to Net Zero
Based in North Carolina, Duke Energy’s customer usage is double in comparison to other areas around the country since most rely highly on electric appliances for both cooling and heating. Duke must be able to compensate enough energy for peaks of high loads throughout both winter and summer.
Some unique circumstances must be overcome if they continue planning to reach 50% carbon reduction by 2030. Options are limited, costly, and will require years of planning and building. Solar generation is weak due to low output during winter when there have been weeks on end of only 20% yield. Wind farms aren’t as reliable in the Southeast unless locations are offshore. However, Duke’s major load centers are inland. They would need to invest in transmission lines plus battery installations. Plans are already in motion to upgrade their pumped hydro storage as they are the most reliable long-duration storage system. This will ensure long term needs are met and will help Duke’s journey to reducing carbon.
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.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-duke-energys-southeastern-service-territory-dictates-its-path-to-zero-carbon
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
Fossil Fuels Make Up 84 Percent Of The Global Energy Market
BP released it’s annual report of global energy data. A new record in energy consumption was set for the 10th consecutive year. Fossil fuels still account for the primary energy consumption globally with oil, coal, and natural gas. Unfortunately, emissions has grown again but coal usage has decreased to the lowest level in 16 years. Green energy was the largest share of the increase overall, with wind being the largest contributor and solar a close second. While the U.S. and Germany had the largest decline in consumption growth worldwide, China’s consumption of renewables was the highest with the US and Japan following behind.
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://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Fossil-Fuels-Make-Up-84-Percent-Of-The-Global-Energy-Market.html
Amazon pledges $2 billion fund to invest in clean energy
Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder has constantly made rounds in the media for years. His recent projection of becoming the world’s first trillionaire created an uproar. However, the conglomerate has just promised to invest $2 billion towards green energy. Due to their large extent of worldwide business, their footprint has a significant environmental impact protested by many activists. Focusing on zero carbon, sustainable development, and a better future, Amazon has pledged to be net carbon neutral by 2040. Let’s see if any other retail giants follow suit in the next few years.
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.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/amazon-pledges-2-billion-fund-invest-clean-energy-n1231854
How wind turbines are changing
Taller than a 10-story building, able to be built on site, and can power 14,000 homes!
These are the newest machines in harnessing wind energy.
GE’s turbines reached a record last year at 12 MW and roughly 10 stories tall.
The latest is 14 MW and a bit taller. Wind speed increases about 10 MPH every 100 feet up from the ground.
Along with improvements in efficiency comes the next phase of 3D-printed concrete bases. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bpOLSWtE1U . This is so cool (engineering geek here).
A major limitation has always been transporting bases to site. This technique will allow for wider and taller bases with greater generation.
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.cnbc.com/2020/06/17/3d-printing-dizzying-heights-how-wind-turbines-are-changing.html
Renewable energy has now produced more electricity in the U.S. than coal for 40 days straight
Add another first stemming from this COVID-19 period: renewable energy surpasses coal in electric supply.
As demand for energy dropped off, utilities had to shut down power plants because they needed less power. The first to shut down are the most expensive. Coal is more expensive than solar, wind, and hydro-generated electricity.
Overall, energy demand is expected to fall at least 3% in 2020. Investments in new power generation are dominated by renewable energy sources due to their cost benefits. As renewable energy continues to grow, coal-generated electricity could fall by more than 20%. Renewable energy does not contribute to climate change as coal fired energy production does.
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.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-lockdowns-renewable-energy-overtakes-coal-record-40-days/
Oil Companies Are Collapsing, but Wind and Solar Energy Keep Growing
Despite delays and layoffs triggered by the coronavirus, the renewable energy sector is doing well. Wind and solar usage has increased and is forecasted to continue growing. 2020 is on track to breaking even more records within this sector. Projections at this rate show that 20% of all US electricity by 2030 will be solar generated; driving billions into the US economy while offsetting 35% of all electricity emissions.
Along with the utilization of other green energy sources, we will see lower bills and great environmental and health benefits. With constant changes, there will be adjustments in government policies and regulations. Hopefully we can ensure these will benefit all areas and people from various incomes and backgrounds.
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/energyinnovation/2020/01/13/five-2020-energy-predictions-solar-surge-coal-crash-gas-exorcism-clean-energy-incentives-public-mobilization/#3e8f68e51ece
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
Scotland Is on Track to Hit 100 Percent Renewable Energy This Year, Slàinte Mhath!
Scotland, like many countries, has been moving away from fossil fuels and replacing their energy generation with renewables. Wind is the largest power source in the nation and is continually growing. Enough energy is being created to power every resident’s home and more. Their target is to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Offsetting by planting more trees and using carbon-capture technology will allow them to emit some gases and still net-zero by their goal date. They are on the path to 100% green energy and seem to be able to do so by the end of 2020. Hosting the United Nations’ international climate talks in November this year will allow the world’s largest emitters to view firsthand the results of reaching those renewable 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://earther.gizmodo.com/scotland-is-on-track-to-hit-100-percent-renewable-energ-1841202818
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/