US predicts lower heating bills this winter
US as a whole may have lower heating bills, however, in the article details the Midwest; Illinois, Indiana and Michigan are forecasted to have a colder than average winter.
Frosty is coming to Town!
Find the full abc news article, “US Predicts Lower Heating Bills This Winter”
Realgy Supports a Review of the January 2014 Energy Price Spikes
REALGY couldn’t agree more with the need to investigate this winter market reaction. As highlighted in the various articles posted on the Realgy blog, the cost borne by utilities, marketers and our customer’s sky rocketed.
This winter weather required every energy marketer and utility to purchase the energy being used by our customer’s (above their planned usage) at the going market price; there is no planning or negotiations during such periods.
Therefore, any manipulation by traders or owners/operators of power plants or pipelines that took advantage of this weather to inflate the market price needs to be investigated.
Realgy will look to send a letter in support of FERC investigating the market response and all/any irregularities. For instances, Feb 2014 pricing is above Jan 2014 pricing!
Realgy is continuing to work hard, as the weather vortex is back (as of Feb 26th 2014) to reduce the impact of this winter weather on our customers.
Check out the full Citizens Utility Board article “As Electric/Gas Bills Skyrocket, CUB and Consumer Advocates In 10 States Request FERC Review Of January Price Spikes”
From the PriceWatch™ Service Desk
It happens every year when the temperatures start to drop; more people start to turn on their furnaces and gas prices rise due to the increased use. Realgy has a solution to the price increases: PriceWatchTM
PriceWatch™ is a Realgy exclusive service that monitors the natural gas market to pin-point the most advantageous time for our natural gas customers to lock in a rate for the winter heating months.
This year the PriceWatchTM analysts here at Realgy have determined that customers will show a significant savings by locking in a natural gas rate for the winter months, November to March. Realgy has already started sending out emails and calling customers to let them know that it’s time to fix their gas rates using PriceWatchTM.
Already we have had many customers lock in their rates; this, along with Natural Gas storage, will ensure that the winter bills will not be as high as they normally would have been if a customer merely relied on with their local utility company.
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)-23 -3884, or by mail 675 Oakwood Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110.
Are you ready for the cold weather?
Now is the time to start winterizing your home. Here are a few tips brought to you by Realgy Energy Services to help you prepare for the colder weather and increase your energy efficiency.
Just like your air conditioner, your furnace should also get an annual check-up from a certified HVAC technician before the heating season. Keeping your furnace and ducts clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use and save you money.
At the very least, make sure to clean or replace the air filter on your furnace before starting it for the first time and check it every month. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and increase energy use and even possibly lead to premature failure of the unit.
While you are checking on your furnace, don’t overlook the hot water heater; if it is warm to the touch, it needs more insulation. Consider installing a water heater blanket or jacket insulation around the tank which will help prevent heat loss; be sure to leave the air intake vent uncovered. You should also insulate hot water pipes to further reduce heat loss.
Insulating your hot water heater and pipes will decrease your energy consumption and increase your savings; as a bonus this will even allow you to turn down the water temperature to around 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have a fireplace always keep the damper closed when not in use to prevent heat loss. Ensure the chimney is clean and soot free; you should also cover the top of the chimney with a protective cap or screen to keep out unwanted debris and small animals.
Take the time now to seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors using caulk or weather-stripping. If you have old windows and are not planning on replacing them before the cold weather, consider using a shrink plastic kit to keep hot air in and cold air out.
Use these simple tips to get your home ready for the winter chill and increase your energy savings.
Sources:
EnergySavers.org, Stay Warm, Save Money
U.S. Department of Energy; Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy, Thermostats and Control Systems
Energy Star, Winter Energy Savers
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