MC Squared Energy Services

🎃👻 It’s finally here—Happy Halloween!
Whether you're trick-or-treating, dressing up in your spookiest costume, or just enjoying a night of scary movies and sweets, tonight is all about fun and frights!
Stay safe, have a hauntingly good time, and may your night be filled with all the candy and spooky magic you can handle.
Happy Halloween to all!

As the fall season sets in, it’s the perfect time to take steps to use your energy wisely and save on costs! Here are some tips to help you conserve energy and stay cozy:
1. Seal Drafts: Check windows and doors for drafts and seal them with weather stripping or caulk to prevent heat loss.
2. Thermostat Efficiency: Lower your thermostat by a few degrees and use a programmable thermostat to maintain energy-saving settings when you're away or asleep.
3. Maximize Sunlight: Open curtains during the day to let in natural sunlight, warming your home without extra energy.
4. Service Your Heating System: Get your furnace or heating system tuned up to ensure it’s running efficiently.
5. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: With darker fall evenings, switch to LED bulbs for lower energy consumption.
Small changes can lead to big savings! 🍁🔥

Illinois is leading the Midwest in the transition to a sustainable energy future, thanks to aggressive renewable energy goals, innovative legislation, and various incentives for residents and businesses. By investing in clean energy like wind and solar, Illinois is cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and boosting the local economy. The state’s push for 100% clean energy by 2050 promises both environmental benefits and new job opportunities for its communities.
The benefits of renewable energy in Illinois go beyond cost savings on electricity bills. Programs like Illinois Shines and Solar for All make solar energy more accessible, while net metering allows homeowners to earn credits for excess energy they produce. Wind energy is also playing a big role, with Illinois ranked fifth in the nation for wind capacity.

🎗️ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️
This month, we stand with those fighting breast cancer and honor the resilience of survivors. Let us reflect on their strength, support their journey, and spread love to those affected by this disease.
Whether in the battle or standing tall as survivors, your courage inspires us every day. You are not alone—we're here with you, supporting you, and sending strength your way.
Together, we are stronger.

Did you know that just one large wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power up to 1,400 homes! As long as the wind blows, we’ll have power! Wind is an inexhaustible resource, making wind turbines a sustainable choice for energy production.

Today, we remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. It’s a day that forever changed our world and touched countless lives.
🌺 The poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope. While it is often associated with honoring fallen soldiers from World War I, today, it also serves as a poignant reminder of those who sacrificed on 9/11—first responders, civilians, and all who showed incredible bravery. The poppy reflects our collective commitment to never forget, to honor their memory, and to stand united in hope for a brighter future.

Excited to announce that the 2024 National Community Choice Aggregation Conference is just around the corner! Join us in Washington, DC, from Oct 8th-10th for a unique opportunity to connect with community choice and clean energy leaders nationwide. 🌍 This event will provide valuable insights into building a reliable and clean grid infrastructure. Explore your role, get inspired, and share your success stories. Follow for updates, review the full agenda and speaker lineup, and register here: https://www.leanenergyus.org/2024-national-cca-conference.

As we celebrate Labor Day, let's take a moment to recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and resilience of all workers. From those on the front lines to those behind the scenes, every contribution matters.
Today, we honor the individuals who continue to shape our communities and drive our industries forward. Let's remember that our collective progress is built on the foundation of their efforts.
Happy Labor Day to all the hardworking professionals out there—your commitment makes all the difference!

Did you know, by blocking direct sunlight, blinds reduce the amount of heat that enters your living space, thereby lowering the indoor temperature? This can reduce the need for air conditioning, leading to energy savings. Blinds, especially those with reflective or light-colored surfaces, are particularly effective at minimizing heat gain.

Studies have shown that proper use of blinds can lead to significant energy savings:

1. Reduction in Heat Gain: Blinds can reduce solar heat gain by up to 45% when completely closed during the hottest part of the day.
2. Energy Savings: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45%, which can translate into energy savings on cooling costs.
3. Seasonal Savings: During summer, effective use of blinds can lead to a reduction in cooling energy usage by up to 10-15%.
Overall, while the exact savings will depend on individual circumstances, closing blinds during the day can contribute to noticeable energy savings and improve the comfort of your living space.

Happy National Burger Day! Nothing better than getting outdoors, eating good food and enjoying the evening. Who are you grabbing a burger with?

How does Solar energy impact us? Solar energy is a renewable source of power that doesn't produce air pollution or greenhouse gases when operating. Solar energy can also have an indirect positive impact by reducing the use of other energy sources that have larger environmental effects. Solar facilities can also create jobs and income in the areas where they are built.

Last week a few of our team members participated in the Wolverine Volleyball Tournament. Getting to enjoy some time out of the office with coworkers is always a great way to break up the work week. Looking forward to playing again next year!

If your municipality is starting an electric aggregation program with MC2 and you have question, please see this link for more information. We provide FAQs that go into more detail on what our programs offer for your specific town. https://www.mc2energyservices.com/municipal-aggregation/illinois
If you have other questions that our FAQs do not cover, please feel free to contact us by emailing [email protected]. We are happy to answer any questions.

Stay up to date with us by exploring our News Center! Here, you can find our latest press releases, newsletters, and special alerts. https://www.mc2energyservices.com/About-Us/News-Center

Happy National Park and Recreation Month! 🌳🌲
July is the perfect time to celebrate our beautiful parks and the joy of outdoor recreation. Whether you’re biking, picnicking, or simply soaking in nature’s beauty, let’s get outside and enjoy all that our parks have to offer.

As we celebrate the spirit of freedom and independence, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing customers and community members. Enjoy the fireworks, BBQs, and quality time with loved ones. Stay safe and have a fantastic Independence Day!

Illinois Solar helps the environment! Did you know, by using the EPA emissions calculator, 900 MW’s of solar capacity would offset the equivalent to CO2 emissions from over 1 billion pounds of coal burned or over 200,000 homes’ electricity usage for a year.

The warm weather we’ve all been looking forward to! Get outside, take a walk and breath in the fresh air. ☀

Special Alert – Extreme Heat/Humidity
The National Weather Service is forecasting extremely high temperatures combined with humidity across the Midwest for the next several days. To that end, we recommend the following tips and suggestions for successfully managing through this event:
• Drink lots of water and natural juices; avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and sodas.
• Avoid going outside in extreme heat for prolonged periods.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Keep electric lights off or turned down.
• Minimize use of your oven and stove.
• Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.
• Take cool baths and showers.
• Don’t leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
• Know the symptoms of heat illness/heat stroke.
• Check on the elderly, sick & those without air conditioning.
• Call your local municipality for information on cooling centers located within your community.

Community solar and distributed generation are two approaches to providing renewable energy, often from sources like solar panels, but they differ in how they are structured and who benefits from them. Let's break them down:
To learn more about MC2’s Community Solar program follow this link to our website.

Honoring those who gave everything for our freedom. On this Memorial Day, we remember and thank the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

MC2’s community solar experts, Sharon Alegado and Charlie Sutton, recently attended the Midwest Solar Exposition in Rosemont, IL. There, they collaborated with community solar project owners, developers, policymakers, and utility professionals to explore opportunities for expanding and enhancing community solar programs in Illinois.

To learn more about the expo, follow this link. https://www.midwestsolarexpo.com/en/

With Community Solar, you can:
• Lower your energy bills
• Support renewable energy without installing panels on your property
• Contribute to a greener environment
It's a simple and effective way to embrace solar energy without the upfront costs of traditional solar installations. Join us in making a positive impact on our planet. 🌎
Visit our website to learn more about how Community Solar can benefit you and your home!

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms! Today, we celebrate the love, dedication, and strength that mothers bring to our lives.

Gear up for a budget-friendly summer! As the warmer weather approaches, here are some savvy tips to slash those energy costs:
1. Embrace the breeze: Opt for natural ventilation before reaching for the AC.
2. Smart thermostat, smart savings: Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you're away, and let it cool down when you return.
3. LED it shine: Swap out those old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs to keep your space well-lit and bills low.
4. Laundry day strategy: Run your washer and dryer during off-peak hours for reduced energy costs.
5. Unplug and unwind: Power down electronics when not in use to prevent "phantom" energy consumption. Let's make this summer cool for your wallet too!