In 2010, commercial buildings consumed roughly 20 percent of all energy in the U.S. In response to this alarming number, the Better Buildings Challenge was introduced by President Obama in December 2011, as an added component of the Better Buildings Initiative launched earlier that year. With the introduction of the Better Buildings Challenge, President Obama hoped to encourage leaders of commercial buildings, multifamily housing, and industrial plants to make a voluntary public commitment to make their buildings 20 percent more energy efficient by 2020. The project aimed to provide a means for...Continue Reading
Don’t think you’re alone if you feel that glossy look come over your eyes when people start discussing BCFs or BTUs and how your LDC relates to your ISO or RTO. The energy industry is constantly changing and advancing so it comes as no surprise that this industry jargon can feel overwhelming at times. Deregulation of energy has allowed for increased consumer choice and we like to help make you as informed and knowledgeable as possible. In this week’s blog we have provided definitions to some common terms used in...Continue Reading
There has been a lot of buzz in the energy world over the past few years regarding renewable energy choices. At the height of this discussion is solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) technology. As the price of solar panels decline, solar technology is becoming increasingly popular for businesses looking to stabilize their energy costs as well as help to provide a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Government incentives at both the national and state levels coupled with 3rd party investors make many opportunities for the transition to solar power become a reality....Continue Reading
The heat is being turned up. And for the future of coal power in America, not in a good way! Growing competition from cheaper, cleaner alternatives combined with stricter regulations imposed by government and environmental agencies is making it more difficult for coal-fired facilities to survive. Such regulations have recently led several power producers to announce plans to retire coal plants. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2012 the three main sources of electricity generation in the United States were attributed to coal (37%), natural gas (30%), and nuclear...Continue Reading
This past March, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) launched an online advocacy group called the United Shale Advocates (USA). The group’s mission is to encourage individuals in favor of natural gas exploration and drilling in the Marcellus Shale to come together and have their viewpoint heard. United Shale Advocates provides a means for those who have a passion about the positive impacts of the Marcellus Shale, but may not be directly involved in the natural gas industry, to speak out and engage in conversation. This group will act as a center...Continue Reading
ate last week the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) recognized a new capacity pricing zone called the Lower Hudson Valley capacity zone (LHV). The Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved this new capacity pricing zone which includes the NYISO Load Zones G, H, I, and J. Capacity is a cost component included in the overall supply price; it is based partially on a rate determined by the market and the natural influences of supply and demand, but also on a business’ individual peak consumption from the prior year. The purpose...Continue Reading
What is a demand response program? With increased pressure on the grid especially during peak times, reducing energy use is becoming more and more important. One way system operators and utilities are urging companies to aid in this needed relief is through participation in a demand response program. Demand response programs assist with balancing the supply and demand of electricity during peak times. Users are asked to reduce or shut off portions of their power, or use a generator, at specific times when there is a predicted emergency or if...Continue Reading
A few months back, we wrote a blog post warning of energy scammers and tactics they may use. We were recently informed by some of our customers of the most recent scam they have been personally affected by. Below we have given a description of a specific situation so that other customers may learn from this and be on guard: On January 2nd, a business owner received a call from someone claiming to be from National Grid. The caller indicated that a recently submitted security deposit was insufficient and if...Continue Reading
