The polar vortex inhabiting much of the Midwest continues to linger, with a thaw-out not expected until the weekend. That has led DTE Energy to call on its customers to conserve electricity, citing needs for stability of the power grid. “We know how important it is for our customers and Michigan’s economy to have reliable […]
January 31st, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia
The Michigan Public Service Commission recently approved a plan from DTE Energy that will have the utility bolstering its emergency storm response and funding public education efforts regarding the hazards of downed power lines after a Detroit woman was electrocuted by a downed DTE power line following a significant storm last May. “After the May storm, […]
January 30th, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia
Last week in Virginia, state regulators approved plans by Dominion Energy to build two solar plants totaling 240 megawatts, which is good news for clean energy. The interesting aspect is that Dominion Energy will be charging its customers via a “rate adjustment clause” for this right to do so over the next 35 years. Dominion […]
January 29th, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia
Power outages are typical during winter months, as the weight of snow and freezing rain, along with high winds, can wreak havoc on power lines. While power companies do work as quickly as possible to repair service, they can’t help everyone at once. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had a backup power source to […]
January 24th, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia
We’re well into the winter season, and for those with solar panels, you may be looking at your electric bill and wondering why you’re not seeing the production and savings you enjoyed during the summer months. Solar Panel Savings: Summer vs. Winter There are reasons for that, of course. The winter months are generally cloudier […]
January 23rd, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia
The great thing about electricity generated by solar panels is that it is clean and renewable. That stands in contrast to electricity generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, which emit massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. And in the case of coal-fired plants, there’s also the issue of […]
January 21st, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia
Sometimes it can feel like you’re powerless when working with power companies. But DTE Energy customers scored a win recently when the Michigan Public Service Commission fined the utility company $840,000 for violating the commission’s rules governing billing and shutoff practices. MPSC opened an investigation in December 2017 after receiving customer complaints that “DTE Electric […]
January 16th, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia
Interesting news came out of Virginia last week, with Appalachian Power customers being granted the opportunity to pay a small premium to get all of their electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Sort of. That plan, approved by state regulators, means that Appalachian Power customers can submit to this voluntary tariff if […]
January 15th, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia
One of the best things about installing a solar panel system at your home or business is the opportunity to receive a 30 percent federal tax credit on the system. The credit is similar to a 30-percent-off sale at your favorite online retailer or department store (though your savings are applied when filing your taxes), […]
January 14th, 2019 | By Roger Kuznia