How MS Services and Installation, LLC Can Lower Your Energy Costs
You flip the switch and your lights go on. You get your monthly electric bill, sigh as you notice the escalating rate increase, and reluctantly pay it. But there are steps you can take to bring down the cost of your electricity. Miriam Stiefel, founder of MS Services and Installations, LLC, shows business and residential customers how to save money on energy costs with a variety of options.
“One of the most exciting ways New Jersey residents can save money on energy is by participating in a Community Solar Program,” said Stiefel. “With energy use going up, and limited options for utilities to expand the grid, New Jersey is strongly encouraging the use of solar energy.” Stiefel said installing solar panels is a good option for some people, and she manages solar installations around the country, but that’s not viable for everyone. However, all New Jersey residents can participate in a Community Solar Energy Program and it will lower the cost of your monthly energy bills by 20%, or 35% for low-income residents.
New Jersey is giving developers tax credits to lease land or rooftop space to companies that will build solar farms to generate energy that is fed into the local power grid. When residents subscribe to a Community Solar Energy Program, they receive solar credits that match their monthly energy usage, which is shown on the bill sent by their utility company. When you opt in, you get a 20% reduction of your energy bill, or 35% for low-income residents, for the next 20 years at no cost. Even if you do not live near a solar farm, your credit will be matched to someone near a solar farm getting their energy from the sun.
New Jersey launched this program to rapidly build up solar farms, which can’t be activated until they are 100% full. Think of how a new business gives you a fabulous introductory special offer to develop their market share. The percentage of savings may be lowered after this introductory period but when you sign up now, your savings will be “grandfathered” and locked in for the next 20 years. Stiefel will guide you through all the steps necessary to participate in a Community Solar Energy Program.
Fluctuating energy costs can wreak havoc on a business’s budget. Fixed-rate energy costs can help. Stiefel works with a variety of suppliers to get the best rate and lock it in for a set period of time. Fixed-rate costs became possible when utilities were declared monopolies in the late 1980s and states had the option to deregulate energy costs. New Jersey opted for deregulation. The state allows utilities to keep control of the infrastructure—maintenance and billing—but lets consumers choose a supplier. That’s where Stiefel helps. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has relationships with suppliers and expertise in pouring through databases to find the lowest rates and best plan for her customers. Only commercial energy suppliers can offer fixed rate plans; they are not available from utilities like Public Service Gas and Electric (PSE&G). By locking in a fixed rate, business consumers can keep a tighter handle on their energy costs.
Stiefel has helped Hummus Elite restaurant in Englewood save money on energy costs for many years. “She locks in prices for my business. She is very trustworthy, and very nice,” said owner Giyora Malka. “She’s really great. If anyone wants to save money, especially in this economy, and lock in their prices on energy, this is the way to go.”
Do you know how much you are paying per kilowatt hour for your electricity? It’s easy to find out. Look at your bill and find the amount of the supply you are being billed for. Then find the number of kilowatt hours you used. Divide the cost of the supply by the number of hours billed, and you have your unit price. Stiefel not only helps her customers get a lower rate, she resolves any issues that might pop up in the billing. She monitors contracts to keep customers informed when their contracts are about to end. Interested? Send your most recent bill to Stiefel and she will search through her databases to find you a better rate.
MS Services and Installation, LLC also has an affinity program that benefits nonprofits and their members. When an organization such as a shul or school sets up an affinity program, they and their members get the best rates for energy usage, and Stiefel gives the organization a donation for every enrollment in any of her energy services. To date, the affinity program has generated over $2 million for nonprofit organizations. Stiefel’s shul, Congregation Shomrei Emunah of Englewood, has been earning several thousand dollars per year.
Contact Miriam Stiefel at MS Services and Installation, LLC for more information about the available energy saving programs in your area, including solar panel installation for your business or home; Community Solar for residents of New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois and Maine; fixed rate electric plans for businesses in states with deregulation and affinity plans for nonprofits.
Visit www.msservicesins.com or call Stiefel at (201) 638-3032.
Bracha Schwartz is special sections editor at The Jewish Link.