IDT Energy New York - Switch and Save with IDT Energy

Four City Montana Tour Showcases Renewable Energy

Keeping you informed about the latest goings on the world of energy is one of the goals at IDT Energy in New York.  IDT Energy searches far and wide to find interesting and relevant events to keep you informed of the latest developments in the world of renewable, clean energy.

Embarking on a four-city tour this week is mobile presentation which will showcase what is on the cutting-edge today of renewable and common sense projects designed to conserve energy in a sensible and effective way.

The main goal of this tour is to educate the public, farmers and homeowners, as to what is available out there now, and what is practical, by way of bringing the latest technologies for energy conservation into our lives.

The tour will bring interested parties to four cities in Montana, Lewistown, the C.M Russell wildlife Refuge Office, Fergus High School and one other location, at a cost of $10. Participants will see a 10 kilowatt wind turbine at the wildlife refuge, a 2.4 kilowatt wind turbine at the school, and solar panels at the Lewistown Fire Department.

Obama Allocates Major Funds for Clean Energy

In recent news, Obama announced in his weekly address that the Department of Energy has awarded two solar companies with nearly $2 billion as part of the Recovery Act. These companies are Abengoa Solar and Abound Solar Manufacturing.

As Obama explained, “These are just two of the many clean energy investments in the Recovery Act. Already, I’ve seen the payoff from these investments. I’ve seen once-shuttered factories humming with new workers who are building solar panels and wind turbines; rolling up their sleeves to help America win the race for the clean energy economy.” 

Google Looking at Wind Farms

Everyone is getting into the act trying to focus on alternative energy sources. In recent news, even Google Inc. has invested in this renewable resource, putting $38.8 million towards two North Dakota wind farms.  This is actually the first direct investment by Google in the utility-scale renewable energy generation.  It’s certainly interesting to read about this growing resource and about large companies, like Google, that are getting into the act.

Many Benefits of Solar Electricity

Not every home has enough sunlight to sustain itself with solar electricity.  Most of us need to continue using an electric company such as IDT Energy to supply us with our electricity and gas.  For some, however, solar electricity might just be a great answer.  Solar electricity involves placing PV panels on the roof or walls that create electricity from the rays of the sun.

They cut down on the carbon footprint as a green, renewable energy source.  They certainly cut down on the electricity bill since the sunlight is free.  Once you’ve paid for the installation, the electricity costs are going to be vastly reduced.  While the PV system doesn’t produce all of the electricity for the home, it can produce about 40% of the needed electricity for the year.

Some people can even store electricity they generate for future use.  If your home isn’t connected to the national grid, you can actually store your excess electricity in batteries and then use it as you need it.

Before jumping into using solar electricity, you need to have your home evaluated.  You’ll need to see if you have a sunny place to put the PV panels and see if your roof is strong enough to hold the panels.  In some places, you’ll need planning permission as well.

Corny Idea Just Might Work: Ethanol Replacing Oil as Biofuels Grab Hold

The Midwest of the United States is showing potential for helping the country become less dependent on foreign sources of energy such as oil, and improving the condition of the environment. The new “cash crops” such as corn and soy beans, are sources of ethanol, which is an eco-friendly additive to gasoline; and biodiesel, which is a clean fuel used to run trucks and buses.  The corn is being transformed into these biofuels using great wind turbines at giant industrial plants.

Analysts who support development of biofuel technology claim that if more energy is purchased from the Midwest instead of the Middle East, energy prices will stabilize and oil imports will be reduced. They estimate that over the long haul wind power could grow from a mere 1% of the U.S. power supply of today to more than 20%. They also predict that ethanol and biodiesel fuels could eventually rise to 20% of transportation fuels from only 4% today.

Stimulus/Recovery Act Gaining Momentum

Due to ignorance many potential beneficiaries are not taking part in government’s program to not only stimulate the economy but to increase the use of renewable and green energy alternatives.

"The largest barrier to adopting a green building policy nationwide is buyer awareness of the significant savings that can be achieved by incorporating these features," said Helen Kendrick, spokeswoman for SunPower Corp. (SPWRA), which supplies solar panels to buildings.

The long-awaited list of procedures and rules for the application for either cash grants or tax deductions was finally released on July 9th by the Treasury Department under the directive of the stimulus package. Up to 30% of the cost of fixing up buildings or properties to make them more energy efficient or to change those into facilities for renewable energy are available to eligible applicants.

But the real benefit will be felt in the significant savings in energy expenses over the long-term for the newly refurbished buildings. These improvements are not only a financial investment but an investment in our future as well.

New York’s Empire State Building Going Green

In addition to several other improvements to increase energy management, the Empire State Building is upgrading its windows to make them more insulated, holding in cool air in summer, while keeping out the heat, and doing the reverse in the winter. The Building expects to save on its energy use by 38% after the work is completed.

The new windows for the Empire State Building were made possible in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, legislation designed to help stimulate the sagging economy and also increase the use of renewable and green energy modalities. This Act empowers the government to offer rebates and tax credits to companies which utilize green technologies. About $4.5 billion is available to change federal buildings into more environmentally friendly “green” facilities.

The Empire State Building to Become State of the Art

Here in New York, the home of IDT Energy there’s a lot going on to create a more environmentally friendly city.

As one example, the Empire State Building, one of New York City’s most beloved landmarks, and also a modern center of commerce, is getting a its windows redone.

In order to improve energy efficiency by reducing bills for heating and cooling the enormous skyscraper, Johnson Controls Inc. is updating the windows in the Empire State Building.

Under the terms of the Obama administration’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, JCI has been awarded approximately $25 million in government contracts in the hope that this will increase energy efficiency in buildings.