#water bill auditors

[appliedutilityauditorsusa]

9 Simple Steps to Save Water Bills by 30%

Reducing water bills is crucial for both environmental sustainability and financial savings. Here are nine simple yet effective steps that can help you decrease your water bills by up to 30%. If you need personalized advice or want to ensure you're maximizing your savings, consider reaching out to a Water bill auditing company like Applied Utility Auditors. They specialize in identifying cost-saving opportunities that you might not be aware of.

1. Fix Leaks Promptly

A dripping faucet or a leaking toilet can waste a significant amount of water. Regularly check your fixtures and repair any leaks to prevent water wastage.

Key Actions:

Check for leaks: Inspect all faucets, pipes, and toilets regularly.

Repair promptly: Fix any issues immediately to avoid excess water usage.

2. Install Water-Efficient Fixtures

Upgrade to low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. These fixtures use significantly less water than standard models without sacrificing performance.

Key Actions:

Choose WaterSense products: Look for EPA-approved WaterSense labeled products that use at least 20% less water.

3. Use Water Meters

Installing water meters can help you monitor your water usage more accurately. This helps in identifying high usage areas and making adjustments accordingly.

Key Actions:

Monitor regularly: Keep an eye on your water meter to track consumption.

4. Adjust Sprinkler Settings

Overwatering your lawn can lead to significant water waste. Adjust your sprinkler system to ensure it only waters when necessary and covers only the areas that need watering.

Key Actions:

Optimize watering schedule: Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.

5. Harvest Rainwater

Collecting rainwater for use in gardening, flushing toilets, or washing vehicles can substantially reduce your reliance on municipal water.

Key Actions:

Set up rain barrels: Install rain barrels to capture runoff from roofs.

6. Educate Everyone at Home

Make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of water conservation and knows how to use water efficiently.

Key Actions:

Promote awareness: Discuss the financial and environmental benefits of saving water.

7. Check for Hidden Leaks

Sometimes leaks aren’t immediately obvious. Check for hidden leaks by monitoring your water meter when all water is turned off. If it continues to run, there's a leak somewhere.

Key Actions:

Conduct a silent leak test: Use dye tablets or food coloring in the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak.

8. Upgrade Appliances

Old appliances can be inefficient and waste water. Consider upgrading to newer, more efficient models that use less water and energy.

Key Actions:

Invest in ENERGY STAR appliances: These appliances meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

9. Reuse Water

Find ways to reuse water wherever possible. For example, use cooking water for watering plants.

Key Actions:

Implement greywater systems: These systems recycle water from showers and sinks for use in irrigation or toilet flushing.

Conclusion

By following these nine steps, you can significantly reduce your water bills and contribute to water conservation. For tailored advice and detailed analysis of your water usage, contact Applied Utility Auditors. Our experts can help you optimize your water consumption and achieve even greater savings.

Ready to cut your water bills by 30%? Contact Applied Utility Auditors today to see how you can make it happen.

[godbirdart]

the fact that Neskantaga is still under a boil water advisory in 2024 is driving me insane.

for context: Neskantaga First Nation is a small community in Ontario 436 km [270 miles] northeast of Thunder Bay and 180 km [111 miles] northeast of Pickle Lake. They have been under a boil water advisory since February 1995 - nearly 30 goddamned years.

Progress on a new water treatment plant has been ongoing. Neskantaga First Nation's original water treatment plant was built in 1993, but the journey for a new one has undergone numerous issues involving the government and contractors, as well as shoddy construction and hazardous spills.

Construction is still listed as underway with no ETA on the advisory being lifted.

The Canadian Government perpetually drops the ball when it comes to safe water on reserves. In December 2023 the government introduced Bill C-61. It addresses clean drinking water across all First Nations communities, but Chief Chris Moonias of Neskantaga First Nation, the nation with the longest boil water advisory in the entirety of Canada, wasn't even consulted. The bill itself has also been met with much skepticism and criticism due to its vague wording, and rightfully so.

That said, despite the hells of the government there is some positive to be had. 144 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted between November 2015 and January 2024.

I like to hope the 2021 report from the Auditor General regarding Indigenous Services Canada and its shortcomings will give them insight on how to better optimize their management going forward. So far 2022 and 2023 has continued the downward trend with fewer and fewer long-term water advisories, but it's important to know if these completed projects are successful in guaranteeing clean water to these communities for the long-term future. Is ISC actually following up with proper support.

On February 1, 2024 Indigenous Services Canada posted a statement that the Minister of Indigenous Services has met with Neskantaga First Nation Chief Christopher Moonias to discuss resolving the water advisory and create a 12-point action plan. I know it's asking a Lot within 11 months, but I really really hope the Neskantaga community won't see their long-term water advisory hit 30 years.

In the meantime, Neskantaga First Nation receives donations through Gathering of Rivers for Community Care. If you're able, please consider donating.

thanks

[todaysdocument]

Telegram from the Executive Board of the San Francisco District of the California Federation of Women's Clubs Supporting the Raker Bill

Record Group 46: Records of the U.S. SenateSeries: Petitions and Related Documents That Were Presented, Read, or Tabled

The Raker Bill allowed San Francisco to build a dam on the Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park.

[preprinted Telegraph form reads "WESTERN UNION NIGHT LETTER THEO N. VAIL, PRESIDENT Form 2289 B RECEIVED AT"] B5A LY 477 NL 124 EXTRA SAN FRANCISCO CALIF DEC 2 1913 [purple ink stamp "1913 Dec 3 AM 1 49"] [blue ink stamp "1340"] THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES WASHINGTON DC WE THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT OF THE CALIF FEDERATION OF WOMENS CLUBS REPRESENTING A MEMBERSHIP OF SIX THOUSAND WOMEN VOTERS OF SAN FRANCISCO AND VICINITY RESPECTFULLY CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO A RESOLUTION PASSED BY OUR ORGANIZATION IN RECENT CONVENTION AT SANTA ROSA CALIF BEGGING YOUR FAVORABLE ACTION UPON THE RAKER HETCH HETCHY BILL WHICH YOU ARE NOW CONSIDERING WE BELIEVE THAT THIS RESOLUTION SHOULD BE GIVEN THE UTMOST WEIGHT AMONG ALL OF THE MASS OF ENDORSEMENTS OF AND PROTESTS AGAINST THE HETCH HETCHY BILL FOR THE REASON THAT THE WOMEN OF THIS DISTRICT HAVE BEEN FACE TO FACE WITH THE WATER PROBLEM OF SAN FRANCISCO FOR MANY YEARS AND KNOW IT AS NO OTHER WOMEN CAN POSSIBLY KNOW IT BECAUSE[stamp in purple ink "1913 DEC 3 AM 1 50"] (SHEET 2) IT HAS BEEN BEFORE US IN OUR HOMES AND IN THE MEETINGS OF OUR VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND WE HAVE GIVEN IT CONSCIENTIOUS STUDY WE HAVE PASSED THESE RESOLUTIONS WITH ACKNOWLEDGE OF THE FACTS AMONG OUR MEMBERS ARE MANY WHOSE HOMES IN SAN FRANCISCO ARE WITHOUT SEMBLANCE OF FIRE PROTECTION AND WHOSE HEALTH IS ENDANGERED THROUGH THE NECESSITY OF MAKING DOMESTIC USE OF WATER COMING FROM QUESTIONABLE SOURCES WE KNOW THE THOROUGHNESS WITH WHICH SAN FRANCISCO HAS STUDIES THIS QUESTION WE STAND UPON THE FINDINGS OF THE FEDERAL COMMISSION OF ARMY ENGINEERS APPOINTED BY OUR GOVERNMENT TO STUDY OUR PROBLEM WE HAVE GIVEN CONSIDERATION TO THE POSSIBLE INJURY OF CITIZENS OF OTHER SECTIONS AND BELIEVE THAT THE RAKER BILL IS A JUST AND HONORABLE BILL PROTECTING PERSONS WHO HAVE ANY INTERESTS IN THE WATERS FLOWING THROUGH THE HETCH HETCHY WE DO NOT AGREE WITH THOSE PERSONS WHO IN OUR OPINION ARE MISGUIDED IN ADVANCING FINE DRAWN DISTINCTIONS AS TO WHETHER THE HETCH HETCHY IS MORE PICTURESQUE AS IT IS THAN IT WILL BE WHEN ITS FLOOR IS COVERED BY A BEAUTIFUL LAKE[stamp in purple ink "1913 DEC 3 AM 1 50"] (SHEET 3) WE CANNOT BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL ALLOW THIS QUIBBLE TO ENTER INTO A QUESTION OF THIS KIND WHILE SAN FRANCISCO IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF WATER WE WANT WATER WITH JUSTICE TO ALL AND WE BEG TO AGAIN RESPECTFULLY CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO OUR FINDINGS AS EXPRESSED IN ON OUR RESOLUTIONS MRS PERCY S SHUMAN, PRESIDENT MRS PERCY KING VICE PRESIDENT MRS LEWIS E AUBURY COR SECRETARY MRS NATHAN FRANK REC SECRETARY MRS HENRY HANSEN TREASURER MRS H FINKLER AUDITOR MRS LILLIAN H COFFIN CHAIRMAN LEGISLATION MRS R V S BERRY CHAIRMAN ART MISS JENNIE PARTRIDGE CHAIRMAN CIVICS MRS J VICKERSON CHAIRMAN RECIPROCITY MRS C E CUMBERSON CHAIRMAN PEACE OR MARIANA BERTOLA CHAIRMAN HEALTH MRS NORMAN MARTIN CHAIRMAN PRESS MRS ELLA M S-EXTON CHAIRMAN EDUCATION MRS JOHN JURY CHAIRMAN MUSIC MRS C BURLINGAME CHAIRMAN HISTORY AND LANDMARKS MISS NELL H COLE CHAIRMAN FORESTRY MRS F F BOSTWICK CHAIRMAN PHILANTHROPY MRS W V GRIMES CHAIRMAN CIVIL SERVICE REFORM MRS NELLIE DENANN CHAIRMAN COUNTRY LIFE MISS M B VAIL CHAIRMAN HOUSEHOLD ECONOMICS MRS LOUIS HERTZ CHAIRMAN INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS. 113AM

[teecupangel]

Hello my dearest writer. I just wanted you to know I am amused by your creative brain.

So I wanted to ask a senario that ezio (modern au) was kidnapped in his childhood by abstergo and became a templar instead of an assassin. And then desmond, altair and connor(in one team) wanted to bring him back because he is the prophet and an old friend from childhood.

(Sorry for my english friend)

I’m glad you’re enjoying the ideas I’m throwing out in the wilds but, let’s be clear, these ideas come into existence because of wonderful asks and submissions like yours so you guys are the ones feeding my plot bunny who… isn’t even my pet, they just appear in my backyard one day.

.

Okay, so for the three to count Ezio as their old friend from childhood, that would mean they would have met Ezio a few times. In this case, I propose we give Ezio a very similar childhood to his canon self where he was raised without knowing of his Assassin lineage.

Altaïr, Ratonhnhaké:ton and Desmond are of similar ages (although I kinda like the idea that Altaïr is the oldest by 1 year, Desmond and Ezio are the same age and Ratonhnhaké:ton is a year or two younger) but they were raised as Assassin. They know the whole Assassin vs Templar thing, but they’ve been told to not tell Ezio anything. As far as Ezio knows, he’s just visiting an out-of-the-way place where he can play with three boys near his age (we can add that Federico is there for a monthly sparring or so with the older kids and Ezio thought it was just like a club competition or something?)

Anyway, my initial thought was Ezio getting kidnapped during the Great Purge but, if he’s the same age as Desmond, he’d be 13 by then, and I think we should push for Ezio’s ‘indoctrination’ at an earlier age.

So let’s use Haytham’s age of 10 instead and Abstergo learned of the Auditores’ Assassin lineage by luck (and tenacity). They abduct Ezio while he was in school then made the poor child believe that his family left him when they showed him an empty house as the rest of the Auditores have fled to keep their other children safe. There were actually Assassins stationed near the house, just in case Ezio comes back or if Abstergo comes knocking, but they were killed by Abstergo before bringing Ezio there.

So, in this case, Ezio grows up believing he was abandoned. He would miss his family but also, either believes he hates or pretends to hate them for abandoning him. He would be indoctrinated into thinking the Assassins are killer deluding themselves into thinking they’re saving the world without understanding how their actions have only brought misery and destruction to the world.

Unorganized Notes:

Desmond doesn’t run away because Altaïr and Ratonhnhaké:ton are on the Farm as well. (Although, Altaïr did say that if Desmond was running away, he was running away with him, and they’ll drag Ratonhnhaké:ton with them who just goes “you don’t need to drag me, I’ll come with you guys.”)

Ezio’s kidnapping is the cold water that made Desmond realize that Templars are real, and the three actually spent years believing that Ezio is already dead.

Umar is alive in this one (yey!). He’s Bill’s best friend and is one of the best Assassin in the fields, maybe there are even talks of him becoming the mentor’s successor. Because he’s usually being sent for dangerous missions, he left Altaïr on the Farm and Altaïr is Desmond’s childhood friend who may or may not be Bill’s ward. Of course, when the Great Purge hits, Umar dies (aww) for maximum angst!

Ratonhnhaké:ton’s mother is an Assassin, but he’s staying with his grandfather on the Farm as his mother goes to the field a lot. Maybe partner Kaniehtí:io with Desmond’s mother for field missions to give us a reason why Ratonhnhaké:ton and Desmond got close in the first place? Or, if you’d like, Edward is the cousin of William Miles’ grandfather, so they’re ‘distantly’ related. (Haytham either being an Assassin, dead ala Tyranny of King Washington, or still a goddamn Templar in this one is up to you)

They learn Ezio is alive because he starts appearing on cameras and public after he officially became a Templar. He was raised by Vidic and goes by Ezio Vidic instead.

Ezio and Cross don’t really see eye to eye. Ezio thinks Cross is too reckless and should get more medical aid and tests before being cleared for duty. Cross thinks Ezio acts too ‘nice’ and Cross is the only one who calls Ezio out and tells him straight that he knows Ezio still haven’t let go of his past.

Berg joins the Order for the same reason as the canon but, instead of being Cross’ equal/sorta-lackey, he becomes Ezio’s second-in-command. He is secretly ordered to kill Ezio if Ezio ever shows any hints of returning to the Assassins.

I think in this scenario, we should not add the Animus because that would complicate things too much (also, Ezio would be a descendant of Renaissance!Ezio and putting him into the Animus would mean that Abstergo would have access to the Apple sooner)

In this scenario, let’s make the ‘Prophet’ a title which means that Ezio alone can open a specific door that houses the most powerful Isu artifact (your call if that’s true, or it’s actually the final door to the Grand Temple, and we’re gonna kill Desmond again XD).

Abstergo doesn’t have the location, but they have the Prophet. The Assassins have the location but not the Prophet, so both sides want Ezio.

His three childhood friends just want their friend back.

(What about the other Auditores? I think it would really push the plot if Ezio actually shoots Federico, whether he doesn’t know it was Federico or he deliberately did it to show where his loyalty stands, Federico survives because Ezio miss his vital organs. Whether on purpose or not, they can’t be sure)

.

I have to admit, this scenario reminds me of an idea I have (which I was thinking of writing for Halloween… if time permits… probably won’t, idk) of a Canon Divergence AU where Ezio was raised by Berg and joined the Order and became part of Sigma Team. He knows he’s adopted, but he doesn’t know who his birth parents are, all he knows is that Berg adopted him when he was born.

Anyway, Sigma Team gets called in for an urgent mission because a secret Abstergo facility in Fairport, New York (which was pretending to be just a plastic surgery clinic) lost all communication and the entire place went dark.

The last camera footage they saw was two men entering the facility, they wore hoods but facial recognition from cameras providing other angles confirmed they are two known terrorists code-named ‘Altair’ and ‘Connor’.

And Abstergo knows what they’re there to get…

In the deepest part of the facility sleeps ‘Sample 17’.

(So the main idea is: Ezio is trying to take down Altaïr and Ratonhnhaké:ton while the two are trying to find ‘Sample 17’. And… uuhhh… it’s meant to be of more on the body horror side… kinda like… Dead Space type of body horror because ‘things are not as they seem’)

.

(Your English is fine, dear friend :))

[tanoieyt]

Inspo:

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Sources (I did some research for this.):

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Also, I want to say that some of these entries might be biased! Also maybe spoilers for Project Nexus?? AND I HAVE HORRIBLE MEMORY SO I MIGHT OF FORGOTTEN SOME STUFF WHICH MIGHT OF MADE ME USED MISINFORMATION FOR THIS!

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Hank = Bataleur eagle

I don’t know why I wanted Hank to have a bird of prey.. Apparently this site said that bataleur eagles are very agile and they do silly aerial stuff in the sky.

I always see Hank flip and dip all the time so this is perfect.

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Sanford = Everglade Snail Kite

Gives the vibe. Also in my bird book (Birds of the World), it states, "It flies low over the water with slow wingbeats, swooping to catch snails with its talons. (Wright)" It kind of reminds me of how San just swoops grunts in with his hook. Also this is from the MadCom wiki, "The battle hook is a meat hook attached to a wire to be used as a weapon. It is the main weapon of Sanford, who uses it as both a melee and a ranged weapon, as a stabbing tool or to pull enemies closer.”

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Deimos = Great cormorant

In my bird book it states, "Cormorants are clumsy on land... (Wright)" this relates to the fact that Deimos fell off that platform in CHASE.fla in 1:04.

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Doc (2BDamned) = Red-billed oxpecker

Oxpeckers help other animals, and I’m pretty sure that Doc resurrected Deimos & Hank back to life. BOOM! MIND BLOWN! HAAHAHSHSJSI

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Jebus (Jebediah Christoff) = Whooping crane

Soo in my book, The World of Birds by Michael Wright (go check it out it’s good, I’m not advertising.) It said something about how whooping cranes in some Asian countries symbolizes life, and you know, Jebus is like Jesus but in MadCom??? I’m trying to make sense of this, I sound very bad at this.

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Tricky = Hoatzin

Its the little mohawk?!? Ok?

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Sheriff = African Pygmy kingfisher

Did not specify which kingfishers bateluer eagles eat so, I’m guessing it eats African Pygmy kingfishers since they live in the savannas and woodlands like the Bataleur eagle. Also, I just assigned Hank as a bataleur eagle. And Hank killed Sheriff.

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Auditor = Palm cockatoo

For me it looks like the Auditor but “bird-ified.” From the little mohawk looking like the little things on the Auditor’s head to the red stripe under the bird’s eye kind of resembling the Auditor’s red eyes, it just makes sense I guess.

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MAG AGENT : TORTURE = Secretary bird

Bit of a headcanon for this one (actually this is probably a hc…) but I feel like TORTURE would stomp on his victims like how the secretary birds stomp on their prey.

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Phobos = Harpy eagle

Harpy eagles are “powerful” creatures according to the WWF. And also in the MadCom wiki, it says that “He shows extreme power..” So yeah... Connect the dots I guess..? I hope I make sense.

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Crackpot = Noisy friarbird

“It is an aggressive bird whose loud rancorous calls...” Yeah this reminds me of Crackpot. Also, the birds feed with each other in “squabbling groups. (Wright)” And that detail reminds me of the fanatics.

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Church = Victoria crowned pigeon

Blue and has some sort of mowhak going on.

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Jorge = False sunbird-asity

Beak represents gas mask I guess? I don’t know I had a hard time with this one.

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Skittles = Rainbow lorikeet

Skittles is very colorful. Like this silly bird.

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Gabriel Barsch (idk just wanted to add him.) = American golden finch

Barsch’s persona has a simplistic but, nice design. Perching birds are pretty simple, but nice too. I also did a yellow perching bird from Nevada. (I also let my friends choose between the Bullocks oriole or the finch. They chose the finch for Gabriel.)

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hope you liked it! :D

- grim elloe

[popculturelib]

Today, August 7th, is National Lighthouse Day in the US! The event was established during the bicentennial of when the US government created the US Lighthouse Establishment in 1789.

To kick off a week of lighthouses, we're starting with a book by the National Park Service and the Cabrillo Historical Association about the Old Point Loma Lighthouse (1978), located in San Diego, California. Included here are two pages about how the lighthouse was lit. Image transcripts below the cut.

For more information, check out these links:

National Lighthouse Day history from the US Lighthouse Society

The Lighthouses of Point Loma by the National Park Service

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse in our catalog

The Browne Popular Culture Library (BPCL), founded in 1969, is the most comprehensive archive of its kind in the United States.  Our focus and mission is to acquire and preserve research materials on American Popular Culture (post 1876) for curricular and research use. Visit our website at https://www.bgsu.edu/library/pcl.html.

Image caption

Fresnel (fra-nel) lighthouse lenses came in seven different "orders," or sizes; first, second, third, three and a-half, fourth, fifth, and sixth. The first order were the largest, and the sixth the smallest. Generally, the larger the lens the greater its range. The larger lenses could be seen from further away than the smaller ones. Also, if a lens was high above sea level, it could be seen from further away than if it was at the water's edge. The ranges given in the illustration are median distances for a lens with a 1,000 watt bulb.

Lenses and Illuminants

Until the 1850's, nearly every lighthouse in the United States used a number of Argand lamps and parabolic reflectors for illumination. These lamps were placed "side by side around the circumference of a circle," and the number of lamps used depended upon the arc of the horizon it was desired to illuminate. For years a bulls-eye magnifying lens was used on each lamp, but these lenses were practically useless, and in 1840 they were removed, leaving the reflectors.

This system, which had become known as the American system, had but one virtue—the lamps were inexpen-sive. But their faults were legion: They were complicated, they used a vast amount of oil, they required constant attention, and, most important of all, they produced relatively little light.

In 1822 Augustin Fresnel, a French physicist, developed a lens apparatus which was to revolutionize lighthouse illumination. A Fresnel lens is like a glass barrel whose outer surface is made up of prisms and bulls-eyes. In a revolving or flashing light, the bulls-eyes are surrounded by curved, concentric prisms, concentrating the light of a central lamp into several individual beams, radiating like the spokes of a wheel. In the fixed, or steady light, the bulls-eyes become a continuous "lens belt," with the prisms [next page] parallel to it, producing an uninterrupted, horizontal sheet of light. Fresnel lenses were classified into seven orders. The order was determined by focal distance—that is, the distance from the illuminant to the lenses.

The United States was slow to adopt the Fresnel lenses, and for years a controversy raged in this country over the merits of the old and new systems. Finally, in 1841, the United States purchased its first Fresnel lens and installed it at Navesink Light, New Jersey, to test the new system. The Fifth Auditor conducted the experiment with all deliberate speed (the accent being on deliberate); 10 years later there were only three light stations in the country which had Fresnel lenses. On March 3, 1851, Congress expressed confidence in the new system by approving an appropriation bill which included permission for the Secretary of the Treasury to place the Fresnel lens system in new lighthouses, in lighthouses not having lenses, and in lighthouses requiring new ones.

Image caption

In the fall of 1855 craftsmen installed a third order, fixed light lens in the lighthouse lantern. Made in Paris, it stood over five feet high and three feet wide. In the center, a lamp with three circular wicks, one inside the other, produced a flame of 168 candlepower. The finely ground and highly polished prisms, and the bulls-eye that encircled the lens, captured the light from this flame, focused and magnified it to about 19,000 candlepower, and sent it out in a horizontal sheet of light. According to the 1862 edition of the "Directory for the Pacific Coast of the United States," the lens of the Point Loma light which is 462 feet above sea level "illuminates the entire horizon, and in clear weather should be visible—From a mast height of 20 feet above the sea, at a distance of 28 miles."

[esgjuly]

The Influence of Information: Recognizing the Advantages of Energy Auditing

Being an Agile Advisors Energy Audit, an energy audit evaluates a building or facility's energy use and efficiency to identify areas for cost savings, efficiency gains, and environmental advantages. This procedure entails a thorough assessment of the facility's systems, equipment, and energy use patterns and an investigation of the building envelope's influence on energy use. Energy audits are usually carried out by qualified experts who collect data and offer suggestions for enhancements using specific instruments and methods. Businesses, organizations, and households who want to lower their energy expenses, lessen their environmental effect, and enhance the comfort and usefulness of their buildings should consider doing energy audits. Energy audits can assist stakeholders in making well-informed decisions on investments and energy-saving measures by pointing out areas of energy waste and inefficiency.

As Energy Consultant for Agile Advisors, energy audits can offer insightful information on the overall effectiveness of a building's energy systems, which can guide long-term planning and maintenance plans. One of the main advantages of energy audits is the possibility of large cost reductions and efficiency gains. Energy audits can assist stakeholders in making well-informed decisions on investments and energy-saving measures by pointing out areas of energy waste and inefficiency. This can involve adjustments to operational procedures and behaviors and improvements to HVAC, lighting, insulation, and other building components. These upgrades can enhance building occupant comfort and productivity and decrease energy bills and maintenance expenses. Energy audits can assist companies and organizations in finding chances for financial incentives and rebates in addition to helping them save money directly.

In order to assist you as an Agile Advisors Energy Auditor, Refunds for installing energy-efficient equipment or grants for installing renewable energy systems are only two examples of the many energy-saving incentives provided by utility companies, governments, and other organizations. Stakeholders can shorten the payback period for these upgrades and offset the upfront costs of energy-saving investments by utilizing these incentives. Energy auditing can significantly affect the environment, cost savings, and efficiency gains. Businesses, organizations, and households can minimize their carbon footprint and other environmental consequences related to energy production and use by reducing energy use and increasing efficiency. This can lessen climate change's effects, decrease air and water pollution, and preserve natural resources. Energy audits can also help identify potential for installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to lessen dependency on fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources.

We are renowned Energy Audit; by generating clean, renewable energy on-site through net metering or other incentive programs, stakeholders can further reduce their environmental impact and save more money. One of the main goals of an energy audit is to find areas of energy waste in a building or institution. This can include air leaks, old lighting fixtures, inadequate insulation, inefficient equipment, and other elements that contribute to needless energy use. Energy auditors can identify areas of waste and inefficiency by employing specific tools and methodologies to collect data on energy usage patterns and performance metrics for different building systems. After these areas have been identified, interested parties can take action to address them by making enhancements and targeted improvements. To minimize heating and cooling loads, this may entail upgrading old equipment with more energy-efficient ones, caulking air leaks, enhancing insulation, or implementing intelligent building technology to optimize energy use based on occupancy patterns and other variables.

As one of the leading Energy Consultant, by addressing these waste sources, stakeholders can lower their energy costs, enhance building comfort and functioning, and lessen their environmental effects. Energy audits can increase property value in addition to the immediate cost savings and environmental advantages. Potential renters or owners find energy-efficient buildings more appealing because they offer lower running costs, more comfort, and less environmental impact. This may result in increased demand for the building in the market and greater property values and rental rates. Stakeholders can improve their buildings' overall performance and desirability by investing in energy-saving solutions based on the recommendations of an energy audit. Upgrades that increase occupant comfort and energy efficiency can be made to windows, insulation, HVAC systems, lighting, and other building elements.

[kiratrajsingh]

Kirat Raj Singh  Green Energy Advice You Really Need To Know

Kirat Raj Singh Professional tips provider. When you go green you don't have to hurt your wallet, and it doesn't take a lot of time either. Making some changes to the home can lower electricity bills and benefit the environment. Read this article for learning how to effectively use green energy, while helping the environment in the long run.

If you want to conserve energy, adjust your air conditioning unit so that it is set two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter. You will probably not be able to tell that you have changed it, but taking that step will save you on your monthly bill and bring down your carbon emissions.

If you are planning on switching to green energy, it can seem too discouraging to jump in and do it all at once. While an entire home and land can be overwhelming, try narrowing your efforts to one room at a time. A good first step is a bedroom, where you can use solar power for just a reading lamp and a radio or alarm clock. Then work up from there!

Learn about energy sources within your community. Calculate the expense of using these types of utilities while noting any recent legislation pertaining to energy costs. You may choose, for example, to go from electric to natural gas for heating, or using a well instead of city water.

A very easy and cheap way to save on your high energy bills is to try installing some low flow shower heads and faucets. Switching from the standard, 2.5 gallon/minute shower heads, to the low flow 1.5 gallon/minute ones, can help you save a lot with your hot water energy costs.

If you want to save energy, try not to use your dishwasher very often. Instead, let your dishes air dry. Dishwashers tend to use a lot of energy and because they use so much power, your electricity and your water bill will be through the roof. If you have to use the dishwasher, put it on a low setting.

When you are working at home on your computer, take the time to turn it off along with the printer and any other speakers or accessories attached to it. These constant drains on your cost you a bundle in the long run and make your overall impact on society less green.

Kirat Raj Singh Qualified tips provider. If you want to make better use of energy in your home but aren't sure where to start, schedule a home energy audit from a professional auditor. These auditors can thoroughly investigate your home, and suggest ways to reduce your energy consumption, with green technology and other improvements.

Always have a backup power source for a wind generation system. Your system needs to be able to account for low-wind days. This backup could be another type of renewable source, such as a battery system powered by solar, or a diesel generator. Another option is to have the home plugged into the utility power grid.

You do not have to leave your electronics behind to live a green lifestyle. Recharge your electronics with solar chargers and you no longer have to be concerned with your electronics being a drain on the environment. It is a small investment that pays off quickly in electric bills and a guilt-free conscience.

Pay attention to any federal or local rebates offered for making alternative-energy updates to your home. In some situations, your local utility company may provide rebates to offset some of the cost of such upgrades. You may also qualify for tax credits or deductions from your state or from the federal government. These credits and rebates could reduce the cost associated to installing green technology in your house.

If you are trying to achieve a greener lifestyle, there are many options for you. Even if you don't have a ton of money, you can do simple things, like monthly cleaning of the filters in your furnace or lowering the thermostat to 60 degrees when you're not going to be home. Reducing the water heater temperature to 120 degrees can save money too. Anything you can do will help!

Insulating the home can prove to be really helpful in reducing your home's energy usage. Insulation can help keep heat inside the home during the cold winter months. In addition, it prevents the heat from entering your home during the summer. If your home's insulation is lacking, then you should make sure you put in more of it.

Kirat Raj Singh Expert tips provider. An easy way to make your home greener is to replace your old light fixtures with ones, which are ENERGY STAR qualified. If you are unable to install ENERGY STAR qualified lighting fixtures at the moment, at least replace your standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which use much less energy.

If at all possible, consider switching your electric or oil heating to gas. This is both better for the environment and your pockets. Just be aware that this is can be a complicated job that should be taken on by a skilled expert, should you decide to make this switch.

A great way to go green is to replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights or LED's. These light bulbs use about one fifth of the energy as regular light bulbs but can last up to twelve times longer. They also don't generate as much heat so they are particularly useful in the summer months.

Opt for rechargeable over disposable batteries. The debate on using disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries has long been a heavy conversation. Of course, rechargeable batteries are better for the environment, and that is a point that cannot be argued against. After many years, studies have shown that rechargeable batteries also concretely save you money on energy costs as well. It looks like there is nothing to argue about now.

Kirat Raj Singh Most excellent service provider. Anyone can see benefits from using green energy, even if they don't believe global warming is harmful. It saves a lot of money on energy costs, just by making easy changes, like turning lights off when you leave a room.

[readblogs]

Finding the Balance: Exploring the Limits of Home Insulation

Short Intro:

Yes, it is possible to over-insulate a house. While insulation is important for maintaining comfortable temperatures and reducing energy costs, excessive insulation can lead to issues such as poor indoor air quality, excessive moisture retention, and reduced ventilation.

Over-insulating a house can trap moisture inside, leading to mold and mildew growth. It can also restrict airflow, which is necessary for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Additionally, if a house is tightly sealed without proper ventilation, it can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants and allergens.

Furthermore, over-insulation can contribute to overheating during warmer months if the insulation is not balanced with proper ventilation and shading strategies.

Therefore, it's essential to strike a balance between insulation levels, ventilation, and moisture control to ensure optimal comfort and energy efficiency in a home. Consulting with building professionals or energy auditors can help determine the appropriate insulation levels for specific climates and building types.

Introduction:

In the quiet countryside of suburban America, nestled between rolling hills and whispering trees, lies a quaint home. Its white picket fence stands as a sentinel, guarding against the elements that Mother Nature hurls its way. Inside, warmth dances through the halls, and comfort is woven into every nook and cranny. Yet, beneath the cozy facade, a question lingers: Is it possible to over insulate a house?

The Quest for Comfort: Understanding Home Insulation

Unraveling the Layers: A Primer on Home Insulation

Home Insulation, the unsung hero of home comfort construction, works tirelessly to maintain a delicate balance of warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer. From fiberglass batts to spray foam, the options are as varied as the colors of autumn leaves. Yet, amidst this abundance, lies a labyrinth of choices that can confound even the most seasoned homeowner.

The Science Behind the Seal: How Insulation Works

Picture this: a chilly winter's night, the wind howls outside, but inside, serenity reigns supreme. Insulation, like a loyal sentinel, traps heat within its embrace, refusing to let it escape through the cracks and crevices. It's a delicate dance of physics and engineering, where thermal resistance reigns supreme, and energy efficiency becomes the holy grail.

Insulation SpacesBy Joe: Bridging the Gap

Amidst the myriad options, there exists a beacon of hope: Insulation SpacesBy Joe. With their expertise and dedication, they navigate the murky waters of home insulation, offering guidance and solutions tailored to each unique abode. From attic to basement, no space is too obscure, no challenge too daunting.

The Perils of Over-Insulation: Walking the Tightrope

Beyond the Threshold: When Insulation Goes Too Far

Imagine a house cocooned in layers upon layers of insulation, like a fortress against the elements. While the intentions may be noble, the consequences can be dire. Excessive insulation can lead to a phenomenon known as "overheating," where trapped heat becomes a suffocating blanket, stifling comfort and inviting a host of issues.

Moisture Misery: The Hidden Dangers

In the battle against the elements, moisture emerges as a formidable foe. Over-insulation can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, turning a once-dry sanctuary into a damp dungeon. Condensation gathers like a specter, haunting walls and ceilings, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The Cost of Comfort: Balancing Efficiency and Excess

In the pursuit of comfort, the line between efficiency and excess blurs into obscurity. As insulation layers multiply, so too does the financial burden. What once promised savings now threatens to bankrupt, as energy bills soar and wallets shrink. Finding the equilibrium becomes paramount, a delicate dance of cost and comfort.

Conclusion:

In the labyrinth of home insulation, finding the balance is both art and science. As we navigate the maze of options and considerations, one thing remains clear: Insulation SpacesBy Joe stands as a beacon of guidance, illuminating the path to comfort and efficiency.

Yet, amidst the quest for equilibrium, a question lingers: Can we ever truly insulate ourselves from the uncertainties of nature? As we ponder the limits of insulation, one thing is certain: the journey towards balance is never-ending, a testament to the resilience of human ingenuity and the eternal dance between comfort and compromise.

[appliedutilityauditor]

Unveiling the Hidden World of Utility Bill Auditors: Your Key to Cost Savings

In the bustling world of business, where every penny counts, keeping a close eye on your expenses is crucial. One often overlooked avenue for potential savings lies in utility bills – the monthly charges that keep the lights on, the water flowing, and the office humming. Enter the unsung heroes of cost management: utility bill auditors.

Understanding the Role of Utility Bill Auditors

Utility bill auditors are financial detectives, armed with a keen eye for detail and a mission to uncover overcharges and billing errors in your utility statements. These professionals specialize in scrutinizing electricity, water, gas, and other utility bills to ensure that you're only paying for what you actually use. It's like having a personal financial watchdog for your utility expenses.

The Hidden Costs in Utility Bills

In the complex world of utility billing, errors are surprisingly common. Overcharges, miscalculations, and even outdated tariff rates can silently inflate your bills. Think of it as a leaky faucet – a slow drip that, over time, can add up to a significant waste of resources and money. Utility bill auditors are equipped with the expertise to detect and rectify these issues, plugging the leaks and putting your hard-earned dollars back where they belong – in your pocket.

How Utility Bill Auditors Work Their Magic

Engaging a utility bill auditor is a straightforward process that begins with a comprehensive audit of your existing utility bills. The auditor will carefully review each line item, checking for discrepancies and potential areas for optimization. This meticulous examination may uncover billing errors, redundant charges, or opportunities for negotiation with service providers.

Once the audit is complete, the utility bill auditor will present their findings in a clear and concise report. This report serves as a roadmap to potential savings, outlining actionable steps to reduce costs without compromising on the essential services your business relies on.

The Benefits of Hiring a Utility Bill Auditor

The advantages of enlisting the services of a utility bill auditor are manifold. First and foremost, it's a cost-effective strategy to identify and rectify billing errors that may have gone unnoticed for years. This immediate impact can result in substantial savings, providing a quick return on investment.

Furthermore, utility bill auditors often have established relationships with service providers. This can translate into enhanced negotiation power when it comes to securing more favorable rates and terms. By leveraging their industry knowledge, auditors can navigate the complex landscape of utility billing to ensure you're getting the best possible deals.

The Sustainability Angle

Beyond the financial benefits, engaging a utility bill auditor aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability in business practices. By optimizing your utility consumption, you not only reduce costs but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly operation. It's a win-win situation – a lighter ecological footprint and a heavier wallet.

Choosing the Right Utility Bill Auditor

Selecting the right utility bill auditor is a critical step in unlocking the full potential of cost savings. Look for professionals with a proven track record, industry certifications, and a transparent fee structure. A reliable auditor should be able to provide references and case studies showcasing successful cost-saving interventions.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Business through Smart Expense Management

In the dynamic landscape of business operations, every opportunity to save money should be explored. Utility bill auditors offer a unique and often overlooked avenue for cost optimization. By entrusting these financial detectives with the task of scrutinizing your utility bills, you not only protect your bottom line but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient business model.

In the end, a small investment in a utility bill auditor can yield substantial returns, providing your business with the financial freedom to thrive in a competitive market. So, don't let hidden billing errors drain your resources. Uncover the potential for savings with a utility bill auditor and watch your business flourish. Contact us now!

[olko71]

New Post has been published on All about business online

New Post has been published on https://yaroreviews.info/2023/12/thames-water-says-turnaround-will-take-time

Thames Water says turnaround will 'take time'

PA Media

By Nick Edser

Business reporter

Thames Water has said that reviving the business will “take time” as it reported sliding profits and an increase in its huge debt pile.

Profits for the first half of its financial year more than halved to £246m, while debts rose 7% to £14.7bn.

Thames Water secured extra funds in July, but questions have been raised over the nature of the support.

The head of the Environment Committee said he could recall the firm’s boss to be quizzed by MPs over the deal.

Concern over Thames’ financial strength earlier this year led to speculation it might be taken over by the government.

But the company’s two interim chief executives have said that will not be necessary, as it has more than £3bn in cash and recently got a £500m cash injection from its shareholders.

However, the Financial Times reported recently that the source of that money was a further loan to its parent company, Kemble Water Holdings.

The chairman of the Environment Committee, Sir Robert Goodwill, has questioned whether Thames has represented its finances accurately.

Speaking to the BBC’s Today programme, Sir Robert said: “The question I think we need to ask Thames Water is… how will that debt be serviced, because unless they increase dividends, to enable Kemble Water Holdings to service that debt, they could end up in an even more difficult situation.”

Sir Robert said he was meeting Thames Water later. “My suggestion will be that we invite the chief executive, Cathryn Ross, back to the committee to just explain why it is that although they say they’ve had more equity introduced, the FT report suggests that it is actually more debt piled upon the debt that’s already there.”

The company has already written to Sir Robert saying that the £500m “does not increase the debt burden” on Thames Water.

Investors have also said they will pump in an additional £750m but that is contingent on the regulator agreeing to bill increases of 40% by 2030.

Thames Water’s co-chief executives, Cathryn Ross and Alastair Cochran, said: “It is clear that immediate and radical action is required.”

They added: “Turning around Thames will take time. We simply cannot do everything that our customers and stakeholders wish to see at a pace and for a price that everyone would like.

“We will continue to make the tough choices required to deliver what matters most to our customers and the environment.”

A spokesperson for Thames Water added the company was “in a robust financial position and are extremely fortunate to have such supportive shareholders”.

Last week, the auditors of Kemble Water Holdings warned there was a “material concern” over its future.

This was partly due to uncertainty over how a £190m loan, which is due for repayment in April 2024, will be refinanced.

Thames’ latest results show that the number of pollution incidents increased during the six months to September.

It admitted performance had “deteriorated”, with the number of category 1-3 pollutions – where category 1 is the most serious – had risen to 257 from 217 in the same period last year.

The company said its three-year turnaround plan “addresses and mitigates the major drivers of pollutions across our wastewater network and sewage treatment works”.

“We are committed to tackling the root causes of pollutions to meet the expectations of our communities and the needs of the environment.”

Earlier this year, Thames Water was fined £3.3m after it discharged millions of litres of untreated sewage into two rivers near Gatwick in 2017, killing more than 1,400 fish.

Later on Tuesday, Labour will table a motion calling on the government to give the water regulator, Ofwat, powers to ban the payment of bonuses to water bosses if their companies are discharging “significant” levels of raw sewage into UK waterways.

Related Topics

Companies

Thames Water

More on this story

Thames Water nationalisation ‘not the way forward’

12 July

Thames Water secures £750m cash injection

10 July

Ofwat complacent over Thames Water affair – MP

9 July

Water should be a simple business – why isn’t it?

29 June

[appliedutilityauditorsusa]

Strategies for Businesses to Reduce Water Consumption and Costs

Reducing water consumption is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility but also a crucial strategy for cost savings. Businesses of all sizes can benefit significantly from implementing effective water management practices. This article will explore practical strategies that companies can employ to reduce their water usage and lower their utility costs. If you're looking to optimize your water expenses, partnering with a Water bill auditing company like Applied Utility Auditors can provide expert guidance and significant savings.

Understanding Your Water Usage

The first step in reducing water consumption is understanding where and how your business uses water. Conducting a comprehensive water audit can reveal key areas where improvements can be made. This involves reviewing your water bills, identifying baseline consumption, and inspecting facilities for leaks or inefficient equipment.

Key Actions:

Regular Audits: Schedule regular water audits to keep track of consumption patterns and identify unusual spikes in water use.

Employee Training: Educate your staff on water conservation techniques and the importance of reporting leaks immediately.

Upgrading to Efficient Fixtures

Modern water-efficient fixtures can significantly reduce water usage without compromising operational efficiency. Consider replacing older models of toilets, faucets, and showerheads with those that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense standards.

Key Actions:

Install Low-Flow Faucets and Toilets: These fixtures can reduce water use by more than 20% compared to traditional models.

Use Water-Efficient Appliances: Opt for ENERGY STAR certified appliances that are both water and energy-efficient.

Implementing Water Recycling Systems

Recycling and reusing water within your operations can dramatically cut down on your overall water consumption. Systems such as greywater recycling or rainwater harvesting can be integrated into your existing infrastructure.

Key Actions:

Greywater Systems: Use water from sinks and showers to irrigate landscapes or flush toilets.

Rainwater Harvesting: Collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses like watering gardens or cooling systems.

Regular Maintenance and Leak Management

Leaks can account for a significant portion of water wastage in any facility. Regular maintenance of plumbing systems and quick responses to leaks are essential for water conservation.

Key Actions:

Regular Inspections: Perform frequent inspections of all pipes, joints, and faucets.

Immediate Repairs: Fix leaks promptly to avoid wasting water.

Employee Engagement and Policy Development

Creating a culture of sustainability within your organization can amplify your water conservation efforts. Develop policies that promote water efficiency and encourage employees to contribute ideas for water savings.

Key Actions:

Water Conservation Policies: Implement clear policies that prioritize water efficiency.

Incentivize Conservation: Offer incentives for departments or individuals who achieve significant reductions in water usage.

Reducing water consumption is a viable strategy for businesses looking to decrease operational costs and enhance their commitment to environmental stewardship. With the right practices and technologies, along with expert advice from professionals like Applied Utility Auditors, your business can achieve substantial water savings.

Don't let your water bills drain your budget. Contact Applied Utility Auditors today to find out how you can optimize your water usage and reduce costs.

[navigatepower]

Economic Advantages of Utility Bill Auditing: Boosting Financial Health

In an era where every penny counts, businesses are actively seeking ways to improve their financial health and remain competitive. One such strategy that's been gaining significant traction in recent years is utility bill auditing. This process involves a meticulous review of your utility bills to uncover errors, overcharges, and inefficiencies. The result? Tangible economic advantages that contribute to a healthier bottom line.

Understanding the Utility Bill Audit Process

Before we dive into the economic benefits of utility bill auditing, let's grasp the audit process itself. This systematic examination of your utility bills seeks to identify discrepancies between what you're billed and what you should be billed. Professional auditors scrutinize every aspect of your bills, including electricity, natural gas, water, and more. Here's how it works:

1. Bill Verification

Auditors meticulously verify each utility bill to ensure it accurately reflects your consumption and rates.

2. Identifying Errors and Overcharges

Energy Consultants will pinpoint errors, overcharges, or discrepancies in your bills, no matter how minor they may seem.

3. Negotiation and Refunds

Auditors negotiate on your behalf to correct these billing issues and secure refunds or credits.

4. Cost Recovery

Recovered costs go directly to your bottom line, instantly impacting your company's financial health.

Now, let's explore how these steps translate into real economic advantages.

Reducing Operational Costs

The most direct and immediate economic advantage of utility bill auditing is cost reduction. When overcharges and billing errors are rectified, you're effectively slashing your operational costs. For businesses that operate on thin margins, this can be a game-changer.

Enhancing Cash Flow

Refunds and credits obtained through the auditing process mean money back in your pocket. This improved cash flow can be reinvested into your business, used to pay down debt, or set aside for future growth. It's a financial boost that keeps on giving.

Competitive Pricing Negotiations

Utility bill auditors are experts in energy markets and pricing structures. They can often secure more favorable contracts with your utility providers, leading to ongoing savings that extend well beyond the initial audit.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Reducing energy waste through auditing isn't just about saving money. It's also about reducing your carbon footprint. As your energy consumption becomes more efficient, you contribute to a greener planet and can even leverage sustainability efforts for marketing and branding.

Embracing Proactive Financial Management

Utility bill auditing transforms your financial management from a passive process into a proactive one. By continually monitoring your utility bills, you can quickly spot irregularities and address them, preventing future overcharges and optimizing your operational costs.

Choosing the Right Utility Bill Auditor

To maximize these economic benefits, it's crucial to partner with the right utility bill auditing firm. Experienced auditors understand the intricacies of the energy market, have in-depth knowledge of regulatory changes, and can navigate complex utility contracts.

In conclusion, utility bill auditing offers a series of economic advantages that significantly improve a company's financial health. From cost reduction and enhanced cash flow to competitive pricing negotiations and sustainability, this process is a powerful tool for companies looking to secure their financial future. By embracing utility bill auditing, you're not only saving money but also fortifying your business for the long term.

Navigate Power LLC

2211 N Elston Ave Suite 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

8886011789

[ailtrahq]

Table of Content The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated legal action against FTX’s auditor, alleging hundreds of violations by the firm.  The SEC has alleged that Prager Metis, an accounting firm hired by bankrupt crypto exchange FTX in 2021, did not exhibit the necessary independence when providing services to clients.  Prager Metis In Hot Water  The Securities and Exchange Commission released a statement on the 29th of September, alleging that Prager Metis, an accounting firm, had provided auditing services to clients without maintaining the necessary independence as it continued to offer accounting services. Under the auditor independence framework, this practice is prohibited.  “The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against accounting firm Prager Metis CPAs, LLC and its California professional services firm, Prager Metis CPAs LLP, (together, Prager) for violating auditor independence rules and for aiding and abetting their clients’ violations of federal securities laws.” The practice is prohibited to prevent a situation where any potential conflict of interest could arise. This is why accounting and auditing tasks are mandated to be kept separate. However, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Prager Metis ignored the mandate and intertwined both activities for three years. Eric I. Bustillo, the Director of the SEC’s Miami Regional Office, stated,  “Auditor independence is critical to both protecting the integrity of financial reporting and promoting public trust. As alleged in our complaint, over a period of nearly three years, Prager’s audits, reviews, and exams fell short of these fundamental principles. Our complaint is an important reminder that auditor independence is crucial to investor protection.” Violations Add Up  In its complaint, the Securities and Exchange Commission stated that from December 2017 to December 2020, Prager Metis added indemnification provisions improperly in engagement letters for over 200 audits, reviews, and exams. As a result, the firm failed to exhibit the necessary independence from clients for those engagements. The firm is also accused of signing accounting reports when purported to be independent in connection with its exams and audits.  The Securities and Exchange Commission also pointed out that the firm failed to advise its clients about its violations, despite the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) informing the firm about the indemnification provisions that were in breach of the independence requirements of federal securities laws. Prager Metis was also called out by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden, who alleged a lack of independence when performing audits of cryptocurrency companies. Both Senators alleged that the firm acted as an advocate for crypto. They also noted that the firm had audited FTX and given the now-bankrupt exchange a clean bill.  FTX And Prager Metis  The statement by the Securities and Exchange Commission does not mention FTX or any other firm clients. However, it states there were hundreds of alleged violations throughout the three-year period. A previous court filing had also highlighted the fact that the FTX group engaged the firm in 2021. FTX declared bankruptcy in 2022. According to the filing, former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried publicly announced previous FTX audits and results. As such, Prager Metis should have recognized that FTX would use its work to bolster public trust in the exchange.  Several concerns were flagged about the material presented in the FTX audit. On the 25th of January, John J. Ray III, the current CEO of FTX, told a bankruptcy court that he had concerns about the information presented in the exchange’s audited financial statements. The law firm that provided services to FTX was also named in a court filing on the 21st of September. According to the filing, the firm, Fenwick & West, must be held partially liable for the collapse of FTX. This is because it exceeded the norm regarding its service offerings to the exchange. 

However, the law firm stated it could not be held accountable for misconduct by its clients as long as its actions remain within the ambit of client representation.

[vertpro01]

An energy audit is a powerful tool for understanding how you use energy in your building or business. It provides insight into how energy is used and how you can make changes to save money on your utility bills by minimizing waste. By analyzing things like insulation levels, heating and cooling systems, water usage, and other possible wasteful practices, an energy auditor can give you options on how to reduce your costs and carbon footprint.

[bydfi]

It's great that we have all of these exchanges showing proof of reserves, but we need to see the liabilities as well. if I have 1 bitcoin, it means nothing if I owe people 50,000 USD.

Title. This is the conversation nobody is really having. And while the example posted to the title of this thread is oversimplified, it is true. The question is, do we have any kind of industrial-level auditors that can come out and say, "Hey we don't only want to see your reserves, we also want to see your balance book and make sure you guys are above water." I wouldn't be surprised to see that many of you guys are thinking, "We wouldn't be in this situation now if people just stopped margin trading, leverage trading, and other options." but I hate to break it to you, when i joined my first centralized exchange back in 2019, one of the first things upper management told me and the new people joining was, "We won't make enough money to pay bills by simply offering spot trading and trading crypto-to-crypto trading pairs. You need to come up with an actually unique product that builds an ecosystem or you need to create ultra speculative products to generate profits." In other words, the spot exchanges you guys are trading on that also offer leverage trading, yeah, those are casinos. Binance is a casino, Kucoin, Huobi, whatever. If it offers margin trading, it's a casino. The only way you can opt out is not to invest in risky options like those, and instead just buy and HODL promising projects. Now then, is anyone able to step up to the plate and actually audit all the centralized exchanges to make sure their reserves are on-par with their balances? submitted by /u/sgtslaughterTV [link] [comments] http://dlvr.it/Scd0rm