Outdoor Electrical Safety
Did you know that May is National Electrical Safety month? To celebrate Realgy Energy Services has compiled a list of the top 10 tips to keep you safe while outdoors.
Electricity can be very dangerous if not used correctly, but sound safety practices can help minimize electrical hazards and cut down the risk of accidents.The more you know about electricity, the safer you will be both at work and home.
10 outdoor electrical safety tips
1. Never use electrical equipment or tools near pools or other wet areas, such as wet grass. Always use extension cords rated for outdoor use.
2. Be aware of and stay at least 10 feet from overhead power lines when carrying and setting up ladders or when using long-handled tools.
3. Call before digging. Call 811 to locate any underground power lines before digging. For more information check out the call 811 website
4. Get help installing antennas if needed. Remember to keep yourself, tools, materials or equipment at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines.
5. Fly kites and model airplanes in open areas well away from trees and power lines.
6. Inspect all outdoor power tools and electric lawn mowers for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housings. If the cord is damaged, stop using it.
7. Never climb or play in trees that are near or touching power lines.
8. Do not play on or with utility poles, this includes throwing objects, such as sneakers, at or onto electric power lines.
9. Use caution when trimming trees. Before attempting any tree pruning, look for overhead power lines that may be near and/or hidden by the tree foliage. If in doubt hire a professional qualified contractor.
10. 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.
If you are ever unsure about the safety of electrical wires or another form of electricity either at home or at work contact your local utility. You can find an emergency hotline on most utility invoices if there is not emergency number call the customer service number.
Sources:
Love to know Safety, Electrical Safety Tips for children
ComEd, Be aware of the power lines where you live and work
National Safety Council, Practice Safety around Electricity
In Response to “IBM’s Battery 500 Project”
Written by Michael Vrtis President of Realgy Energy Services in response to “IBM’s Battery 500 project”
The known amount of natural gas in the US has increased over the last 5 years to the point that it now represents over 20% of all the US’s energy reserves (remember some call the US the Saudi Arabia of coal). The natural gas recoverable by the use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a game changer for the US.
Map of Shale Gas in the US courtesy of US EIA (July 2011)
There is discussion among business leaders (not politicians) that the conversion to natural gas vehicles and investment in natural gas distribution could reduce oil imports over 60% within 5 years! This is not a political aspiration it’s business.
How has the electric energy industry responded?
Well electricity and natural gas have always been competitors through technology. Natural gas heating applications have been constantly targeted by electric heating. Electric motors have been challenged by natural gas driven engines. Large electric driven air conditioning systems have competed with natural gas driven absorption technology.
So given that natural gas resources (from fracking) has allowed natural gas to truly challenge gasoline as a transportation fuel I am not surprised that an electric option will not be far behind!
Let’s keep competing.
Huffington Post, Tech “EV’s Holy Grail: 500 Miles on a Single Charge”
How to protect your natural gas and electric meter this winter
Outdoor natural gas and electric meters are designed to withstand winter weather conditions, but heavy or hard-packed snow and ice can present a safety hazard.
Accumulated snow can place unnecessary stress and strain on your gas meter piping which can increase the chance of a gas leak.
Blocked regulator vents, which allow your system to “breath”, can affect operation and interrupt service.
To avoid problems, follow some basic meter protection tips:
Meter Protection Tips:
Keep you meter clear of snow and ice.
Do not shovel snow up against your meter.
Take care in using a snow blower or plow near your meter.
NEVER kick or hit a meter to break away built-up snow or ice.
Remove icicles from overhangs.
Protect your meter from dripping water which could freeze.
If you find your meter or pressure regulator covered in frozen ice or snow, do not attempt to remove the ice or use de-icer, contact your Utility.
It is always a good idea to keep a clear path to your meter to avoid estimated meter readings. If you can’t get to your meter, the individual who reads your meter will not be able to either.
These helpful tips provided by Realgy Energy Services
Deregulation and how it can help you save money with Realgy Energy Services
Deregulation is the separation of purchasing energy, and the distribution of the energy. While your utility will continue to deliver your energy, deregulation offers the opportunity for third party suppliers such as Realgy Energy Services to supply you with the same energy at a lower rate.
Lawmakers are carefully protecting consumers, as the energy industry implements the restructuring of itself from a regulated monopoly to a competitive service. Strict requirements and rules have been imposed on all new energy suppliers.
At Realgy Energy Services, we take consumer protection very seriously and provide you with protection beyond what the law requires at every step of the way.
Realgy Energy Services, like other companies selling to industrial, commercial and business customers, must:
· Register with the Public Utilities Commission or local utility
· Be approved by the Public Utilities Commission or local utility
· Provide financial guarantees to the public Utilities Commission or local utility
· Demonstrate customer service
You have the right to file a complaint against your supplier with the Public Utilities Commission or local utility. Any company violating the rules will have its registration revoked and will no longer be allowed to sell.
How does deregulation help you save money?
Deregulation of natural gas and electricity puts the power in your hands as a consumer; it gives you the choice to decide whether you purchase your energy from your utility or from a third party supplier like Realgy Energy Services.
In addition to saving you money on your energy usage throughout the year, Realgy Energy Services also offers to all of our customers:
Direct contact with our friendly Customer Service Team – We are here to answer any questions you may have (877) 300-6747
PriceWatchTM – Alerted when fixed pricing will reduce costs
Summer Storage Program – Purchase a percentage of gas at low summer rates to use during the winter
RealgyOfficeTM – Allows online access to account information quickly and conveniently
Check out our competitive rates at www.realgyenergyservices.com just enter your zip code in the Service Plan Offers box.
Realgy Energy Services and Lake Line Deliveries completes installation of first solar power project
PRESS RELEASE 27 DECEMBER 2011 | BY: REALGY, LLC
Lake Line Deliveries’ central warehouse is now powered by 37.5 kW of solar energy.
Realgy, LLC today announced the completion of a 37.5 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system for Lake Line Deliveries, a privately held moving and storage company serving the moving needs for Illinois and Wisconsin for 25 years.
The solar PV system was installed on the roof of the main warehouse of Lake Line Deliveries located in Evanston, Illinois. “The roof wasn’t being used but to keep us dry” laughed Mr. Jay Collier, President of Lake Line Deliveries. “The addition of the solar panels will generate clean solar energy enough to satisfy most of our annual electricity requirements. It’s really exciting to see the roof area is really exciting and builds on our sustainable commitment.”
The solar PV system was installed by Renewable Energy Alternatives of Northbrook, Illinois. This is the first solar project that Renewable Energy Alternatives has completed for Lake Line Deliveries. “Lake Line’s warehouse with a flat roof and southern exposure was a great building to install solar PV system,” said Bernie Schmidt, President of Renewable Energy.
“Adding solar to the warehouse so that it will now be able to generate most of its ongoing energy needs for the next 25 years is very exciting and a great investment.”
Realgy, LLC is an alternative energy service supplier in Illinois and is the owner of the solar PV system. Realgy supplies Lake Line Deliveries their electricity and selected them for this installation. Realgy paid for the installation so as to generate renewable energy locally as part of its sustainable commitment.
“We are excited to announce the completion of the Lake Line Deliveries solar PV project,” said Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy. “Realgy made this investment as a trial and looks forward to Illinois promoting renewable energy so that we can continue to install and provide the benefits of renewable energy to businesses in Illinois.”
The Lake Line Deliveries system will produce over 48, 907 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually and more than one million kWh over the next 25 years. That is enough energy to power about 2 average U.S. homes every year. The environmental benefits associated with the system will offset about 900 thousand pounds of carbon dioxide over the initial 25 years of operation.