Commodities such as natural gas, electricity, other energies, precious metals, grains, etc., are all driven primarily by the supply/demand relationship, and secondarily by speculation by traders/institutions/market makers. We cannot really forecast or predict speculation, but we can attempt to track the factors that drive the supply and demand of commodities. To better understand the natural gas market (and electricity market, which is correlated to NG movements), we track the following 8 market factors: (continue reading …)

With the inception of Con Ed’s new Commercial System Relief Program (CSRP), many curtailment customers currently enrolled in the NYISO’s ICAP Special Case Resources Program (SCR) are wondering if they should make a switch.  We’ve crunched some numbers and wanted to share our findings. (continue reading …)

One of the most significant ways electricity is lost occurs when reactive power travels along power lines. Reactive power is required for electric motors, fluorescent ballasts and other equipment to start up. The more reactive power that customers use, the more energy the electric system loses.

To encourage businesses to reduce their use of reactive power, Con Ed will be introducing a new reactive power charge. As of the January 25, 2010 filing, large commercial customers will be charged $1.10 per kVar for any billing period in which their power factor, or efficiency, is less than 95 percent (continue reading …)

Demand Response programs (sometimes referred to as Load Curtailment Programs) offer customers with the ability to curtail their electricity use during peak load times substantial revenue opportunities. (continue reading …)