5 Energy Regulations You Should Know

Renewable energy is a great way to harness natural energy and save on electricity bills. Roughly 90% of the nation's energy was supplied through firewood 150 years ago. It's important to note, however, that you must ensure that you follow the energy regulations in your state -- no matter how you're harnessing energy. Most renewable energy providers, whether it's solar, geothermal, biomass, biogas, or wind power, are aware of the regulations, but it would help if you were familiar with them as well. This summary shows the energy regulations you must adhere to when using renewable energy:

1. Renewable portfolio standard: Renewable energy is an easy way to save energy, but this regulation states that every electric utility must provide a specific percentage with an eligible renewable resource. Other electric providers must also offer a particular amount of electricity with an available renewable resource. Many of the states across the country have incorporated renewable portfolio standards because of their effectiveness and because they have an approach that looks at the market and helps achieve the electricity policy objective. You should expect to find variations in the renewable portfolio standard depending on the state you reside.
   
2. Public benefit fund for renewable energy: Energy companies understand this regulation, and they will willingly explain it to you as they would other laws. In a nutshell, these energy regulations refer to a pool of resources the state uses in clean energy projects. The funds are ideally created by charging a small amount on every customer's electricity rate. The green energy company you use will explain the different state policies that affect the economics of energy efficiency, renewable energy, as well as combined heat and power.
   These policies are vital because they make investments in renewable energy more attractive. They attempt to lower the risk, reduce the regulatory compliance costs, and reduce the cost barriers. Different states offer diverse programs that target specific markets and customer groups through a broad set of programs.
   
3. Output-based environmental regulations: These energy regulations seek to establish the limit per unit of emissions that come with energy output processes, that is electricity, thermal energy, and shaft power. This is vital for energy saving as it encourages fuel conservation efficiency and the use of renewable energy as a means to control air pollution. This policy looks explicitly at Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and the Environmental Guide to Action. CHP gives you an alternative to purchasing electricity from the local utility. The increased system efficiency has seen CHP produce the same amount of energy while using less fuel, producing lower emissions, and separate heat and power systems.
   
4. Net metering: This energy regulation states that every time a residential or commercial customer takes the initiative to generate their own renewable energy, they should receive compensation for the power they make. This is an energy reduction reward. The state ensures that the energy meters track to precision the amount of energy you generate and how much of this energy is returned to the electric grid. When the energy produced is not sufficient to meet your needs, energy is pulled from the network to supplement what you need. You will, therefore, receive an electric bill indicating how much power you produce, how much was returned to the grid, and how much you used from the network. If the amount you used from the grid surpasses the amount you sent to the grid, the bill will indicate how much you need to pay the electric company.
   
5. Feed-in tariffs: These regulations tend to encourage the development of renewable energy by sending the obligation of electric utilities to pay pre-established above-market rates for the renewable power they feed into the electrical grid. These tariffs provide renewable with an income from their project and vary depending on the source of energy used. They are most common in Europe, but California, Washington, Hawaii, and Vermont have established this feed-in-tariffs.

Energy regulations work in favor of the government and your favor as well. They bring a balance that encourages more residents and commercial customers to use renewable energy because of the positive impact it has on our environment.

Understanding The 5 Types of Renewable Energy Sources

According to statistics, in 2015, about 10% of total U.S. energy consumption was from renewable energy sources. According to published reports, production of renewable energy is relatively cheaper compared to fossil fuels, making it a more affordable energy source.

Renewable energy sources are found naturally in sunlight, underground, air, and in the oceans. They are renewed continuously, typically, and it is impossible to exhaust them. They are the best choice when compared to traditional fossil fuels because they are more environmentally friendly. Renewable energy sources are relevant because they lead to less pollution and are an ideal way for power generation.

There are different types of renewable energy sources that generate electricity directly or indirectly and help in the fight against global warming. Some of these sustainable energy forms include:

1. Solar energy: Sunlight is one of the most commonly known sources of renewable energy. The power generation is achieved by harvesting the sun's energy and light and converting it into heat. Once the energy is saved, it is used for lighting, water heating, and cooling systems inside homes or businesses.
   
   
   One of the key benefits of using solar power at home or at a company is the ability to save on energy costs. The initial cost of installing solar panels can be slightly high, but in the long run, many households and businesses report a reduction in their energy bills.
   
2. Wind: Another renewable energy source is wind. The flow of the wind is captured by turbines and then converted into electricity. The electricity generated by wind turbines can be used to supplement energy in already existing establishments, and some cases can offset the need for energy from electricity providers. Farmers have also been known to prefer using power generated from the wind reducing their energy expenses.
   
3. Geothermal energy: This is another source of sustainable energy. The energy, in this case, is generated from the heat of the earth. The heat can be found either close to the surface of the earth or from heated rock and hot water reservoirs that are deep in the ground. Geothermal power plants are then able to generate electricity from these sources and supply power to various establishments and homes. Manufacturing plants, heating water at fish farms, as well as helping with growing greenhouse plants are some of the ways that geothermal power is used directly.
   
4. Hydroelectricity: This is energy that is from water or the kinetic energy from flowing rivers. Commonly, hydroelectric power is generated when water stored in dams is released and flows through turbines and produces electricity. This type of system is known as pumped-storage hydropower.
   
   
   Run-of-river hydropower is another system where energy is generated from a flowing river requiring no dam or water reservoirs. Hydroelectricity can also be used to run big manufacturing plants as well as power households and is considered to be environmentally friendly.
   
5. Energy from the ocean: The ocean can produce two types of energy; thermal energy generated from the sun's heat and mechanical energy produced out of the waves and motions of tides. Electricity is generated from ocean thermal energy by using different systems that depend on the temperatures of the water on the surface. Ocean mechanical energy, on the other hand, depends on the ebbs and tides that result from the rotation of the earth and the influence of the moon.

Renewable energy sources are not only friendly to the environment but are also a cheaper source of electricity. Various green energy providers can offer advice on the best source for your home or industry depending on the cost and available sources available locally.

5 Green Ways to Save Energy

At this point, we have all heard of fast, effective, and easy ways to save energy at home and at work. We know that conserving energy is very important for the environment. And many times we hear of the same suggestions on ways to save energy. Things such as installing energy-saving windows, for instance, or other energy-saving tips such as lowering the thermostat. It's working, too: for example, every year the people who use solar energy to reduce the use of oil by 75 million barrels. However, there are also some other ways to save energy, too. Here are some green ways to save energy which also may end up saving you money as well!

1. Work From Remote Locations - Working from remote locations allows you to save resources from both personal and the office. While visiting a new coffee shop or shared work space, you may find that those locations are using significantly greener options to reduce their energy footprint. Many new establishments are building in ways to save on energy use. Patronizing your local community helps them, helps you, and helps everyone save more.
   
2. Use Homemade Cleaning Products - One fantastic way to help the environment and save yourself some money is to make your own supplies for cleaning. Natural products such as lemon and vinegar are so good for the environment and so refreshing in your home. Natural ingredients are also much better for the quality of your indoor air.
   
3. Use Your Electronics - Resist the temptation to turn in all your electronics every time a new, updated model appears on the market. If you can keep all of your cell phones and computers as long as possible, you are doing the environment a great service. When the time comes that you absolutely do have to replace them, make sure that you donate them or recycle them properly.
   
4. Use Secondhand Stores - Buying items from second hand stores or thrift stores, garage sales can be like finding a treasure chest! Some items are barely used at all. And some are so unusual that they will be definite conversation pieces in your homes. Gently used clothes are so much better for the environment the new clothing. Purchasing from secondhand merchants definitely has an effect on the environment. And it will have an effect on your wallet as well!
   
5. Use Locally Grown Foods - This is a green option that has wonderful results! First of all, when you buy from your local farmers and retailers, you are helping the economy in your neighborhood. Secondly, locally grown food is often more organic, and sustainable seafood tastes absolutely delicious. Third, if you try this option you may find that you can give up having meat one day a week. And this will definitely make your grocery bill less expensive. What a win-win!

These suggestions will definitely make a difference in your budget and in the environment, as well. Naturally, you want to save electricity, you want to reduce energy use in your home—you want to do all you can and find ways to save energy in your home. These homegrown green energy tips are fun, too, because they can all be done as family projects. Filled with common sense, they will actually help yield great energy conservation results and make you feel good that you are doing your part to save energy.

Learn More About Energy Deregulation in the US

A number of places around the United States are considering energy deregulation. Deregulated energy is a way of life of a number of states. One reason communities are looking to makes changes to the regulations around energy is to reduce energy costs. Often when this market is deregulated, there is more room for competition and that can allow businesses and residential consumers to select their energy provider.

• One main feature of deregulated energy is that it gives consumers more choice over where they buy their electricity. This often leads to lower energy costs because different deregulated energy companies compete with each other. Now, this does not automatically mean green energy services companies will be a part of the mix but it can give some a way into the market. People put in new, programmable thermostats to save up to 10% on their bills. Switching to a green provider can make the energy used from eco-friendly.
  
• Energy customers retain the right to buy their power from a utility appointed by their state government. Even after your area allows access to deregulated energy, you have to make the switch yourself. Unless you select a different energy provider, you will continue to get it from the original source.
  
• Be careful before you sign with a new energy provider. As always, it is essential to read everything before you make any changes. The typical plan will often last anywhere from six months to two years.
  
• Make sure the company goes through your bill with you. The bills received by businesses and residences from energy companies can be very confusing. The bills can be broken down into two sections; energy delivery and supply. Most energy suppliers will have no problem helping you understand your bill.
  
• The ability to select the energy company you want to use is not the only benefit to deregulated energy. People are also able to pick the plan they want for their energy. You can talk to different energy companies about what plans they offer and what your options are. Deregulation can mean more choice in a number of ways.
  
• Power lines themselves remain under the ownership of the local power company that has been approved by the state. Should a problem with the power lines come up, you can always call that state-approved company to make repairs and help you when you need it. That company will still be responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance for the energy infrastructure in your area.
  
• The laws in each state differ when it comes to deregulated energy. Currently, there are 23 states and the District of Columbia who have all or partially deregulated energy. If you live in one of the states where there is full or partial energy deregulation and have questions about your options or what the rules are, you should contact your state or local government.
• In the late 1990s, the idea of energy deregulation was first introduced to the people of the United States. Not everyone in states where the energy has been deregulated has taken full advantage of the price savings they can get from switching to a new energy provider.
  
• It is important to know the lingo. Like in every other industry, there are a lot of terms in the energy business. It can take some time to weed through the terminology to really understand what your options are in terms of the different plans you have available to you.  And if you don’t understand any terminology or have questions, just ask, most energy suppliers will try to help and answer any questions that you have.