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”
2012 Energy Star Tax Credits
For the year 2012, the Federal Government is offering a tax credit for the purchase of geothermal heat pumps, small residential wind turbines, and solar energy systems including solar water heaters.
This tax credit will expire on December 31, 2016, and will cover thirty percent of the cost with no limit. The only restriction is that the products purchased must be for an existing or new construction home that is a main residence or second home, and unfortunately rental properties do not count.
Although Energy Star qualified products may cost more initially than a standard model in the long run they will result in lower energy bills. The savings from these energy-efficient products can add up to thousands of dollars over the life of the unit.
Check out the Energy Star website www.energystar.gov to learn more about the Energy Star tax credits for 2012
So what exactly is Natural Gas Storage?
Natural gas as you know or may not know is a colorless, odorless gas that can be stored in a number of different ways for an indefinite period of time. Natural gas that is transported through the pipelines is not always needed right away, and is put into storage for later use. Most natural gas in the United States is stored in depleted natural gas or oil fields underground. These underground storage fields take advantage of existing wells, gathering systems and pipeline connections. Natural Aquifers, Salt caverns and abandoned mines are also used to store natural gas.
Types of Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities
The demand for natural gas is normally higher in the winter than in the summer. This is mostly due to the fact that most homes and organizations use natural gas for heating in the winter. The stored natural gas delivered during the summer months normally at a lower price again due to supply and demand, is ready and available for use during the increased demand of the winter months. The natural gas in storage can also be used as insurance against natural disasters or other unforeseen accidents which may affect the production or delivery of natural gas.
Before 1992 natural gas was a regulated commodity and storage was required for the operational requirements of the pipelines to meet the needs of the utilities. In 1992 the Federal Regulatory Commission introduced Order 636 which opened up the natural gas market to deregulation. What Order 636 did was make storage available to industry participants for commercial reason. For example Realgy Energy Services Storage program which stores gas when prices are low, and withdraws it when prices are high.
Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities in the Lower 48 States
Most utilities and industry participants pocket the savings from storing gas at a lower rate and sell it at an increased rate for a profit. What makes Realgy Energy Services Storage program unique is that the savings from stored gas is always passed along to our customers.
Realgy Energy Services offers the Summer Storage Program to our customers to help offset the cost of winter natural gas usage. Under the program customers put away 20% of their historic usage into storage at the lower summer rates to be used in the winter when the price of natural gas normally increases.
If you would like more information on The Realgy Energy Services Storage Program you can contact one of our Energy Brokers at (877) 300-6747 or check out our website www.realgyenergyservices.com
Sources:
U.S Energy Information Administration The Basics of Underground Natural Gas Storage
NaturalGas.Org Storage of Natural Gas
Spring Cleaning Tips to Increase Energy Efficiency
Spring cleaning usually involves making sure all the nooks and crannies are clean after the long winter months. This year why not use these helpful tips to increase the energy efficiency of your home or office. Not only will your energy usage decrease so will your energy bills!
Refrigerators account for up to eleven percent of the total energy used, which has a major impact on your energy bill. Make sure you clean the condenser coils to ensure that air can circulate freely, if dust builds up clogging the coils the motor must work harder and use more electricity. You should also check the door seals to ensure they are air tight. You can do this by placing a piece of paper in-between the door, if you can pull it out without difficulty you may need to adjust the latch or consider replacing the seals.
Don’t forget about your Air conditioner call to schedule a checkup to make sure it is operating at peak efficiency. If you have central air conditioning, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees. You can save approximately six to seven percent off your cooling costs for each degree above 78. If you are in the market to replace your old central air conditioner, make sure to look for a new ENERGY STAR qualified model. These energy-efficient models can reduce your cooling costs by 20 percent.
If you do not have an AC, proper ventilation of your home or office can provide the same level of comfort at a much lower cost. A whole house ventilation system will draw cool air through the house. Ceiling fans are another option to create a cool breeze and keep the air circulating in your home, ensure that all fans are working properly and are dust-free.
Last but not least, if your home or office has a sliding glass door, make sure to keep its track clean. A dirty track can ruin the door’s seal, resulting in gaps where cold air can escape.
Now that your home and or office is clean and energy-efficient, why not save even more money by checking out Realgy Energy Services low monthly rates on Natural Gas and Electricity. Our customers have saved upwards of 19% on their energy costs over a twelve month period as compared to their local utility. Check out our website www.RealgyEnergyServices.com, or call one of our Energy Brokers at (877) 300-6747 to learn how you can save on your energy usage.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Energy Savers Tips on Saving Money & Energy at Home”
Home Energy Team, “Energy Efficient Solutions”
Money Crashers “House Spring Cleaning Tips & Checklist – How to Spring Clean“
Natural Gas Storage Season is here
Realgy Energy Services Natural Gas Storage Program is just one more way we help our customers save money on their energy usage.
Natural Gas Storage is the service of purchasing a percentage of your annual gas usage during the summer months and storing it. This stored gas is then delivered to you during the winter months. That is why we call it “winter gas at summer prices.”
Natural Gas Storage injections begin in April and run through October. As part of our customer Benefits Realgy Energy Services purchases approximately 20% of your annual Natural Gas usage during the months of April, May, June, July, August, September and October. For each of these seven months we will buy approximately 2.85% more gas than you use, at the low spring and summer variable rates.
Then during the 5 winter months of November, December, January, February, and March, this stored Natural Gas will be withdrawn and delivered to you. Since you have already purchased this Natural Gas, you will see an even greater savings during the winter months.
Realgy offers this storage program whenever we can. If your Utility allows Realgy to offer a storage program, it will be listed in our Service Plan table on our website www.realgyenergyservices.com, or you can contact customer service at 877-300-6747.
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.
What is PriceWatch™?
Realgy Energy Services offers our PriceWatch™ winter fixed-price program to all of our Natural Gas customers who have a valid email address on file.
PriceWatch™ utilizes Realgy Energy Services’ proprietary trading and computer services. PriceWatchTM is designed to send out alerts when fixed pricing is such that it can reduce costs over the winter months.
It’s that time of year again when Realgy’s staff of Energy Advisers start to look into the future to see whether locking in your natural gas at a certain price for the winter months will save you money.
Our Energy Advisers start monitoring the market prices of natural gas in early August and continue to monitor prices through September and October. Historically, natural gas prices are lower in September and October before rising again in the winter months due to rising demand.
Realgy’s staff of Energy Advisers monitor future prices every day to recommend the best time to lock in a price so our customers save the most money on their natural gas usage this winter season.
PriceWatch™ is time-sensitive and requires all customers who want to participate to have a valid email address on file with Realgy Energy Services.
Our Energy Advisers need a response within 48 hours in order to lock in the best price.
PriceWatch™ Benefits
- We monitor the market and recommend pricing
- We charge no additional fee
- You choose to participate
- You are protected against rapid price increases
- Not a one-time purchase but proactive consultation
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact a Realgy Energy Services Customer Service Representative by phone, (877) 300-6747, by email, support@realgy.com, by fax (860) 233-3884, or by mail, 675 Oakwood Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110.