Have you ever wondered just how that electricity got to your light bulb or microwave?
The electricity powering your light bulb is produced in a power plant by generators. Energy cannot be created or destroyed just changed from one form to another. Newly generated electricity is then transported over the power grid to your electrical outlet.
The United States has three power grids that keep the lower 48 states powered:
- The Eastern Interconnected System east of the Rocky Mountains
- The Western Interconnected System from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains
- Texas Interconnected System
These three separate systems are interconnected and require constant oversight to ensure that all the components are linked together. Since large quantities of electricity cannot be stored effectively or efficiently, electricity must be produced as it is used, this increases the need to watch over the grid. Control centers are utilized to monitor the supply and demand to safeguard against blackouts. To avoid blackouts there must always be a perfect balance between supply and demand.
From the control centers electricity is constantly monitored as it travels from the power plants to high-voltage power lines that transport electricity throughout the three grids. The higher the voltage the more efficiently they transport electricity. In other words the higher the voltage the more electricity will get to the end point. However, there will always be losses as electricity flows through the power grid.
From the high voltage power lines the electricity is “stepped-down” to lower voltage power lines, utility poles and wires before it can be safely used in your home or office.
Do you know how much you are paying for the electricity you use?
Why not reduce your electricity rate with Realgy Energy Services. Give one of our Energy Brokers a call (877) 300-6747 or check out our website for more info www.realgyenergyservices.com
Source:
BoingBoing, Where electricity comes from
US Energy Information Administration, Energy In Brief, What is the electrical power grid, and what are some challenges it faces?
4 Reasons why Natural Gas is So Cheap
1. Markets are Local
Natural gas from American wells is transported through pipelines on land across the US. Unlike oil which must be shipped in from overseas
2. Mild Winters
The mild winter of 2011 resulted in less demand for natural gas to heat homes, leaving suppliers with too much natural gas still in storage.
3. Fracking
Fracking has greatly increased the supplies of natural gas in America.
4. Lack of Consumer Demand
Only 19% of natural gas consumption in America is used by end consumers, 31% is used to create electricity in power plants and 28% is used in industrial settings.
Read the whole story at Investopedia
More Americans are concerned with reducing Energy Costs than going on vacation this summer
According to a poll by the AP -NORC Center for Public Affairs Research which surveyed 1,008 Americans nationwide, most Americans are more concerned with savings money on Energy Costs, than taking a summer vacation or having the latest electronic. In fact saving money on energy costs came in second only to having reliable transportation.
The most common ways American are choosing to reduce energy costs include turning off lights, turning down the heat, installing energy-saving appliances and driving less. While Americans are generally aware of the most effective ways to save energy, they report that many of these actions would be extremely or very difficult for them and their families to implement in the next year.
However, there is another way to cut energy costs that is very easy and requires just a phone call. Third party suppliers such as Realgy Energy Services supply the same energy at lower rates than your local utility. Check out Realgy Energy Services rates for June 2012 at www.realgyenergyservices.com or call one of our Energy Brokers 877-300-6747 to learn more.
Learn more about the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll on Energy Issues:
Associated Press – NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Energy Issues: How the Public Understands and Acts
Star Tribune, How the AP-NORC Center Poll on Americans’ energy priorities was conducted
Realgy Energy Services has qualified for the Connecticut Small Business Express Program
Last Thursday May 24, 2012 Governor Malloy announced that five Connecticut small businesses had qualified for assistance through the state’s Small Business Express Program. The program was created as a part of the Jobs Bill passed last year, to encourage Connecticut business expansion and job growth.
“I am very pleased to announce that Realgy Energy Services was one of the five Connecticut businesses that qualified for assistance under this bill.” Stated Michael Vrtis President of Realgy Energy Services “I would like to give credit to the state of Connecticut for making this program available. It is competitive to programs in other states and has encouraged Realgy Energy Services to stay in Connecticut and continue to grow and expand.”
Realgy Energy Services is combining company funds of $309,800 and a matching grant of $59,500 to invest in computer software and equipment, employee training, marketing and contractual services. Realgy will also hire 7 new employees, which will more than double the existing work force of 13.
“Realgy’s plan to increase its workforce by 50 percent with the help of this state grant is proof positive that Connecticut is committed to helping local businesses grow and thrive,” State Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford) said.
“This is the result of our jobs bill walking the talk,” State Representative Joe Verrengia (D-West Hartford) said. “Not only are we saving existing jobs in West Hartford, but we’re creating new jobs and providing the training and infrastructure to make these jobs last.”
Read the official Press Release from the State of Connecticut
What is budget billing?
Many utility companies offer a budget billing plan to their customers. This basically means that you will end up paying a set amount each month for your utility bill. Your utility company will generally take an average of your past energy usage and estimate future gas or electric costs to come up with your monthly set amount. While this may seem like a great idea, you should carefully consider several things before enrolling.
First you should find out if a refund or credit will be issued if less energy is used. Some utility companies may not issue a refund if less power is used than planned. Additionally you may need to set aside extra money to cover the cost after the settle-up if more energy was used than the utility planned for.
Second you should also look at administration fees associated with the service. Many will charge a monthly fee. The fees will vary from utility to utility, but anything more than two or three dollars a month is too much for this service.
Third you should consider the contract that you sign when enrolling for the budget plan offered by your utility. There may be penalties applied if you move or turn off the service. For example you may end up paying extra when you move if you have used more power than was budgeted.
Fourth if you are enrolled with a Registered Energy Supplier such as Realgy Energy Services, it is important to find out if all charges will be covered under the budgeted amount. Some utilities will not allow for budgeting if the customer is enrolled with a supplier.
It is important that you fully understand what you are signing up for, check out your local utilities website before signing up for a budget plan or request to see a copy of the contract.
However, the easiest way to reduce your monthly utility bill would be to enroll with a Registered Energy Supplier to lower your energy rates, check out Realgy Energy Services rates for June 2012 and see how much you could be saving www.realgyenergyservices.com.
Natural Gas Safety
Natural gas in one of the safest energy sources available; it is non-toxic and has no odor in its natural form. Natural gas will not ignite by itself, but combined with air and a spark it will catch fire.
When not burned completely natural gas produces carbon monoxide (CO), which can cause flu-like symptoms including:
headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, burning eyes, confusion and loss of coordination
Over 10,000 people receive medical treatment and hundreds die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. In many cases, victims are aware they are not well, but become too disoriented to save themselves. Particularly vulnerable are pregnant women, small children, senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems.
It is always recommended to have a working CO detector in your home or business if you use natural gas as an energy source.
In its natural state natural gas has no smell, so your utility company adds a chemical odorant called methanethiol to help make natural gas leaks easier to detect. If you smell rotten eggs, it’s most likely not a well hidden Easter egg, but a natural gas leak, leave the building and call your Utility Company right away. You can find an emergency hotline on most utility invoices if there is not emergency number call the customer service number.
Learn more about Natural Gas Safety and Emergency Procedures:
Nipsco, Stay Safe “Natural Gas Leak Emergencies“
Semco Energy, Safety and Emergency Information “Reporting a Gas Leak”
DTE Energy, Safety “Natural Gas Safety”
Citizens Gas, Safety “If You Smell Gas”
Michigan Gas Utilities, “Emergency Procedures”
Nicor Gas, Safety “Emergency Information”
Consumers Energy, Safety “Gas Leaks and Safety Tips”
Peoples Gas, Safety “Emergency Procedures”
North Shore Gas, Safety “Emergency Procedures”
Homes with Natural Gas appliances save approximatly $518 annually
According to The American Gas Association households that have natural gas appliances, such as cooking ranges, clothes driers and heaters save about $518 compared to homes that use electric appliances.
Benefits of using natural gas for key appliances includes:
Lower energy bills
Decrease in greenhouse emissions and pollutants (up to 37% less emissions compared to electric appliances)
Safety and Reliability
“The direct use of natural gas provides three times more useful energy to consumers than electricity,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of AGA.
To read more about the benefits and savings of natural gas visit the American Gas Association website
New Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential Clothes Washers and Dishwashers
The Department of Energy announced yesterday the most recent in a series of common-sense efficiency standards made by the Obama Administration. The newest efficiency standard focuses on residential clothes washers and dishwashers and will save consumers $20 billion in energy and water costs.
These new standards add to previous energy efficiency requirements and will go into effect in 2015 for clothes washers and 2013 for dishwashers.
Approximately 3% of residential energy use and more than 20% of indoor water use can be attributed to clothes washers and dishwashers.
The new standards will reduce the energy consumption for front-loading clothes washers by 15% and will cut water consumption by 35%.Top loading clothes washers will save 33% on energy and 19% on water use.Residential dishwashers will use about 15% less energy and more than 20% less water, directly providing consumers with savings on monthly bills.
Learn more about the energy and cost-saving standards adopted under the Obama Administration on the Department of Energy website
Researchers are generating power using viruses
This might sound weird but researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to generate power using a virus.
The harmless M13 bacteriophage virus converts mechanical energy into electricity, and is the first generator to produce electricity by harnessing the piezoelectric properties of a biological material.
Testing the generator produced enough current to run a small liquid-crystal display. Image courtesy of Berkley Lab
This new technology will one day make it possible to charge your smartphone as you walk, thanks to a paper-thin generator on the sole of your shoe. Can you imagine all the other great uses for this type of generator.
Learn more about this amazing technology and even watch a video on how it works at the Berkeley Labs website
The Easiest Way To Save Money On Your Energy Bills
Great post by Energy Saving Tips The Easiest Way To Save Money On Your Energy Bills.
So what is the easiest way to save money on your energy bills, switch to a supplier like Realgy Energy Services.
Check out Realgy Energy Services electric rates