WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

Enhancing Energy Effectiveness in Buildings

Many efforts are being made to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of buildings by making them more efficient.

Virtual Power Plants and Cleaner More Resilient Electricity Systems

Virtual Power Plants' role in the clean energy transition is set to grow, driving both environmental and economic benefits.

If You Have an Electric Vehicle You Should Embrace Demand Response Programs

The rapid growth of EVs underscores the need to manage charging options and cost savings for EV owners, while ensuring grid stability and balanced system loads for utilities. One effective solution to address these challenges is through demand response (DR) programs.

Meltek Rewards by the Numbers

Last month, many Meltek users did a great job saving energy during the heat wave and ended up earning big with Meltek! We’ve crunched the numbers and July’s results are in. Here’s a look at some of the standout achievements.

Inside Meltek: Meet Frank Bruckner

Frank Bruckner is the Co-Founder and CEO of Meltek. A consulting and business development professional with a diverse background in finance and consulting in technology and HR, he previously worked as an Application Development Specialist at IBM and a Management Consultant at Aon.

Biofuels: Powering a Sustainable Future

In celebration of World Biofuel Day, explore the potential of biofuels to power a more sustainable future. This blog dives into the basics of biofuels, their benefits, and the challenges they face in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and driving economic growth. Join us as we examine how biofuels can help save energy and the planet, and why they remain an essential part of the global conversation on sustainable energy solutions.

Beat the heat: How to stay cool when the temperature’s rising

Summer is here in New York City, and that means staying cool is a top priority. But there are ways to keep cool without incurring high energy bills or hurting the environment. Here are some practical dos and don’ts to help you stay comfortable and save energy (and save money!) during the hottest days of the summer.

Understanding Demand Response: Who Initiates and Manages These Events?

Discover how demand response events help manage electricity during peak times and how Meltek notifies you to save energy and earn rewards. Learn who initiates these events and how you can participate effectively.

(Almost) Everything You Need to Know About Geothermal Energy

As we increasingly try to use the earth’s heat to decarbonize buildings (among other things), benefits and barriers are under discussion.

What You Should Do During a Demand Response Event

Demand response events play a crucial role in maintaining a stable and efficient energy grid, particularly on hot summer days. As a participant, your efforts help balance the grid and earn you rewards. Here’s how to prepare for and navigate these events effectively, ensuring you make the most of your participation.

Stay Cool and Save Energy This Summer

Stay cool and save energy this summer with Meltek's tips for reducing electricity usage. By making small adjustments at home, you can keep comfortable, lower your bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Enjoy a cool and energy efficient summer!

Inside Meltek: Meet Arjun Basu

Arjun Basu is the Chief Marketing Officer of Meltek. With more than 20 years experience in content, branding, marketing, and strategy, he leads Meltek’s marketing strategies, social media exposures and customer communication.

Sustainability in the Pets Industry

Pets are lovable companions – and cherished members of the family! Now how do we make owning a pet more sustainable?

Doubling Grid Capacity with Advanced Technology

Advanced reconductoring replaces old power lines with high-performance conductors to double grid capacity quickly and cost-effectively. This enhances grid reliability, supports clean energy, and, when paired demand response programs, reduces the need for polluting peaker plants, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.

A Path to Sustainable Mineral Mining for Energy Infrastructure

Greenhouse gas emissions from global mining and resource extraction cause up to £2.5tn ($3tn) in damages annually. The mining industry is transitioning towards sustainability and cost reduction, driven by the demand for electric vehicles and carbon emission reduction. Canadian startups are pioneering innovative solutions while USA corporations are looking to meet their net-zero goals.

Navigating Summer Grid Strains with Demand Response Programs

As temperatures soar, the demand for air conditioning puts immense pressure on the power grid, leading to potential outages. Demand response programs like Meltek offer a solution by encouraging users to reduce energy use during peak times. This helps manage electricity load, saves money, and reduces emissions.

Demand Response For the Changing Grid

Renewable energy sources are growing, but challenges in transmission and distribution emerge. As energy usage evolves with electric vehicles and electric heating systems, innovative solutions demand response programs are crucial to ensure a reliable and efficient power supply.

State of Geothermal Heating in New York

Geothermal heating and cooling is a key solution to reduce carbon emissions from buildings in U.S. The technology utilizes the consistent underground temperature to power HVAC systems efficiently, offering substantial reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. There has been recent initiatives ranging from large commercial installations to making residential systems more accessible and affordable, further supported by recent legislation in New York to promote geothermal adoption.

Everything You Need To Know About Heat Pumps

Summer is just around the corner! With recent temperatures hitting 80 in New York, it’s time to consider some cooling technologies.

The Future of Home Battery Systems

Recent advancements in battery technology are transforming applications in home power systems. The rise in these home battery usage is spurred by new technologies and environmental policies. Companies like Energy Dome and ESS are developing safer, long-duration storage solutions like CO2 and iron flow batteries, reducing reliance on rare earth minerals and lowering environmental impacts.

Energy for the Future: Solar

For homeowners, solar is becoming a sustainable and affordable energy option, either on their own building’s roof, or contracted from a “Community Solar” provider.

The Road to Sustainable Transportation

Discover the benefits of sustainable transportation in cities like New York, where cleaner transport options like electric vehicles are improving air quality, enhancing public health, and driving economic savings. Join us in exploring how these changes contribute to a better quality of life.

The Future of Electric Vehicles and New York’s Progress

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set new pollution standards to transition the U.S. automotive market towards electric vehicles (EVs) by 2032, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate EV adaptation. Various companies are addressing historical challenges by innovating in EV charging infrastructure, making systems more widely adaptable and efficient. In this front, New York is leading in the investments of charging infrastructure, supported by significant federal grants, to facilitate the switch to electric transportation and achieve a major cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Inside Meltek: Meet David Buchwald

As Meltek’s Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, David Buchwald plays a pivotal role in leveraging our business plan and shaping our strategic initiatives. With his extensive experience in governance and policymaking, David also contributes to Meltek’s regulatory navigation and public affairs strategies. David has been a member of Meltek’s Board of Advisors for more than 2 years.

This Spring, update your house to be more energy efficient

Spring is the perfect time to not only clean up and renovate your living space but also enhance its energy efficiency. Undertaking renovations focused on energy conservation is an investment that promises immediate comfort and significant returns for the long haul.

Data Centers' Impact on the Electricity Grid

Data centers are crucial for digital operations across various sectors but pose significant environmental and energy challenges, prompting countries to limit their expansion and operators to adopt efficiency measures like renewable energy.

What are VPPs? And, how can they help?

Your smart home devices, electric vehicles (EVs), rooftop solar panels, smart thermostats, heat pumps, and battery energy storage systems.... help us do things in our homes, but they can do more!

Eating Green: The Food-Climate Connection

Discover how your food choices impact the planet and your health. By making mindful choices about what we eat, we can lessen our impact on the planet. Switching to plant-rich diets, reducing meat consumption, and minimizing food waste are key steps towards a healthier, more sustainable world.

Smart Home, Smart Savings

If every home in America were to use smart thermostats, it would prevent 13 billion pounds (about 5,896,696,000 kg) of annual greenhouse gas emissions and save energy costs up to $740 million annually!

The Ins and Outs of Demand Response

Utilities (or grid operators) pay commercial and industrial (and now residential!) consumers to reduce their energy consumption in response to peaks in electricity demand, reducing the necessity of turning on peaker plants in the first place.

The Interconnections between Health and Climate

Understanding the link between health and climate is vital. Lowering our electricity usage improves overall health by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and, in some cases, peaker plants. These sources contribute significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, harming our air quality. Learn how we are actively working to reduce peaker plant usage and make a positive impact on health outcomes.

Inside Meltek: Meet Mark Bruckner

Welcome to Inside Meltek! COO and co-founder Mark Bruckner spent more than 37 years with Entergy, a large electric utility in the middle south region of the USA. He lives in Louisiana and is a senior member of IEEE.

Powering Efficiency: Energy-Saving Tips for Apartments and Small Businesses

Thinking of ways to lower your electric bill while also conserving energy? We got you covered! Whether you rent or own an apartment or are small business owner, adopting energy-saving practices is not only beneficial for your wallet but also for the planet.

Last Year in (Good) Numbers

Discover how Meltek users are making a difference! Save energy, earn big $$, and help reduce CO2 emissions. Sign up starts March 1st, Let's create a greener future together!

Supercharged: the pros and cons of EVs

Despite claims that sales are slowing down, U.S. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are predicted to hit a record high this year. As more EVs are sold, conversations about the drawbacks of EVs have gained traction. It is important to assess the pros and cons of EV ownership. If you have ever had questions or curiosity about the realities of EV ownership, keep reading.

Winter is here, which means the holidays are right around the corner. Here are some basic ways to cut your energy usage this holiday season!

The holiday season is a time for celebration and gatherings with loved ones, but it can also be a time when energy usage spikes due to all the extra lighting, cooking, and gift-giving. However, there are ways to save energy and still have a festive holiday season that doesn’t break the bank!

The weather is changing and so should you! Here are the best ways to cut down your home electric bill this fall!

Are you fed up with expensive energy bills each month? Well, you have come to the right place. In this blog you will find out three different ways to reduce your electricity bill as the weather changes. These strategies will not only save you money, but they will also save the planet as you are actively reducing your carbon footprint and carbon emissions!

Consuming Less Reduces Emissions More Than Any Other Technology

What To Do as the Heatwave Hits Worldwide, and Now New York?

We’ve been surrounded by news about heatwaves, record-breaking temperatures, and emergency heat warnings. Right here in New York, we’re getting days with almost 100 degrees temperatures. what can New Yorkers do to relieve the heat AND avoid power outages these days? Meltek has got something up our sleeves!

How to save energy during a demand response while staying cool in your home.

We know what you may be thinking. How can I save energy on hot days without overheating in my home? While turning off your AC saves lots of energy, it can definitely make your space a bit too warm for comfort. Don’t worry though! We have plenty of ways for you to save lots of energy in your home while staying nice and cool at the exact same time. Meltek wants to be your tool to save energy and earn money this summer, so check out these great tips!

Complete guide for your hangout on a hot day NY edition

Summer is about outdoor fun under the sun. However, with the hot days ahead in New York, being under the sun is not the best for your health. No worries! This blog is your complete guide for a FUN & SAFE hangout on a hot day! Buckle up and sit tight till the end - the last suggestion won't let you down!

Energy Saving Tips for This Summer

It is starting to get warmer out which means energy consumption will be higher than usual. When an excessive amount of energy is being consumed Peaker plants are activated. These plants get their energy from fossil fuels and emit a large amount of carbon dioxide when used. Most of these plants are in the minority low-income areas and Peaker plants are negatively impacting these individuals due to high energy usage. To prevent this here are 6 tips on how to be more energy efficient this summer.

An Energy-Efficient ThanksGiving: Ways to Give Back to our Planet This Holiday Season!

It's the season of giving and being thankful, and here at Meltek we are incredibly appreciative of our planet and our customers who work hard to save energy. The holiday season can be busy, especially when it comes to electricity. Spending time with family, hosting holiday parties, cooking delicious food and more can cause our electricity usage to increase. No worries though, Meltek’s got you! Here are a few ways you can save energy and give back to our planet this Thanksgiving.

Mitigating the Environmental Impact of the 2nd Largest Polluter: The Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is the second largest polluter after the oil & gas industry. Textiles, when returned is often landfilled, considered too time- and cost-intensive to add back into inventory. 87% of all textiles will be landfilled or incinerated, never getting sold or kept by shoppers.

Food Waste Increases Global Warming

Thanksgiving is one of the most wasteful times of the year, with 200 million pounds of turkey alone tossed out annually. Three times more food waste occurs between Thanksgiving and New Years than other times of the year.

Your Daily Actions That Can Worsen Climate Crisis: From Small Actions to Big Results

Small actions can lead to big results – that is what we tell ourselves for everything we do to reverse climate change and save the planet. However, this saying can also go the other way round: small, subconscious actions can lead to the big results of climate change getting more serious. Let's dive deeper into this!

Don’t Get Spooked By Your Energy Bills This Halloween! Here Are Some Energy-saving Tips.

Don’t know what you’re going to be for Halloween? Let's be energy-efficient and lower our energy bill. As the cold starts settling in, it is time to think of preparing yourself and your home for it with these useful energy efficiency tips and checklists. Leave the scaring to the witches, ghosts, and vampires this Halloween. Your utility bills should not scare you away, and you can guarantee that by following these energy-saving tips this spooky season!

Go Green, Don't Go Broke: Top 5 Affordable & Sustainable Products to Buy

Have you ever thought of protecting the environment by starting to use sustainable products? If you’re that person who would love to go green but got intimidated by the price tags of eco-friendly products, Meltek is here for you.

3 Things to Do in NYC For Under $20 That Will Help You Save Energy and Earn Money!

Spending a summer in New York City can be a lot of things. It can be hot, expensive, and overwhelming, but don’t worry! We’ve got you! There are so many amazing things to do in the city that are not only exciting and fun, but environmentally friendly and cheap as well! Here are some of the most popular activities to do this summer in NYC with your friends and family for just $20 or less. You don’t want to miss out!

Top 5 Sustainable Clothing Brands to Buy From

Shopping for a new wardrobe to express your own style is amazing but buying from sustainable brands and companies is even better! Not only do you want to look and feel awesome in your new clothing, but you also want to know that what and who you are wearing encourages sustainability and supports our planet. Below are the top five sustainable brands to buy from this summer, check them out!

6 Energy and Money-Saving Ideas for the winter

It's never a bad time to save money. Though our demand response events take place in the summer, Meltek is here year-round to offer money-saving tips. Try some of our around-the-home saving strategies this winter.

It’s Demand Response Season!

Meltek is changing the way people save money and create a cleaner environment. Our service enables its users to conserve energy when it matters most - and then get paid for it! As a result, these people have a larger budget to spend the dog days of summer doing what they love instead of worrying about another bill!

Orange Skies, How You Can Improve Air Quality

Wildfires in Canada have led to significant smoke affecting air quality in the tri-state area. Climate change has prolonged and intensified the wildfire season, while the smoke disrupts rainfall patterns and poses health risks. To address future smoke-related events and improve air quality, individuals can protect themselves, preserve indoor air quality, and participate in Meltek's demand response program, reducing reliance on peaker plants and earning money while contributing to a healthier environment.

Join World Environment Day This June 5th & Get PAID!

Looking for the best way to join the World Environment Day this Sunday, June 5th? Meltek is here to offer you 4 suggestions that you can do easily and even earn you money. Don’t miss out on what you can do to join the world on celebrating this day while adding some bucks to your wallet!

Passive Income Ideas for Beginners: Five Ways to Earn Money and Build Wealth

The key to building wealth comes from two main actions: earn more and spend less. Many have turned to passive income streams to supplement their salary to build financial security and achieve financial freedom. Read our blog to find out five different actions you can take to earn money.

3 Budgeting Methods for When Money is Tight: How to Make Your Budget Work for You

When it comes to sound financial decisions, you’ve heard it before: spend less than you make. Rising prices from inflation make it crucial to keep an eye on how to save your hard-earned money. As of March 2022, the inflation rose to 8.5%, the highest rate seen since 1982.

Your ConEdison Bill Explained: Why Your Bill Went Up & What You Can Do About It

If you’ve seen a spike in your energy bill, you’re not alone. Nationally, electricity prices for residential customers rose 4.3% last year in 2021. In the New York area, however, electricity prices were 59.9% higher compared to the United States as a whole. Read our blogpost to find out what you can do to reduce your electricity costs.

Why Everyone Should Participate in Demand Response

When demand exceeds supply, fast-acting power plants, known as peakers, are fired up. In New York State, peakers contribute as much as 94% of the state’s greenhouse emission's. The peakers in NYC are primarily located in low-income neighborhoods, where they are linked to many life-threatening illnesses. And, the cost of electricity from them is up to 1,300% more expensive than the average cost of electricity in the rest of the state.

New York City Residents Are Saving Money On Electric Bills With This Simple Service

Consumption of energy from burning fossil fuels supplied through Con Edison gets reflected on your electricity bill to give you an average monthly cost that has spiked since the start of 2022. Power down your energy usage during peak demand with the help of Meltek and save money on your bill! Read more to find out how.

Three Energy-Saving Smart Home Devices to Help You Save on Your Energy Bill.

Have your utility bills been getting a little too high recently? Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Here are three different smart home devices to help you lower your Con Edison bill and live more energy efficiently, especially while working from home and spending more time indoors.

The Biggest Inflation Drivers in New York? Food And Energy costs.

Have you found that you have less money left over at the end of the month than usual? Prices everywhere have skyrocketed in the past month, especially in New York. Everyday commodities such as food and energy expenses have increased drastically, pushing inflation to the highest rate of 8.6% since 1981.

Save Money or Save The Planet? Here are 3 apps that help you save both.

There are ways to save both money and the planet! You read that right. Let us show you a few mobile apps where you do not have to compromise the planet or your wallet. Downloading these apps can help you take the first steps towards a sustainable and affordable lifestyle.

Ways to Share Your Meltek Earnings Between You and Your Roommates!

Meltek offers an array of gift card selections that you may choose from. We recognize and appreciate that more than one roommate may be contributing to saving energy during peak demand, and we want to be sure that everyone involved is rewarded! Check out these ways you can share the earnings with your roommates.

Land of the Free, Home of the Savings

For many Americans, Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. But, summer fun comes at a cost and also higher electric bills to keep us cool. Read this blog for our top 5 energy reducing tips for the summer.