How Switching Your Residential Energy Provider Can Save You Energy

Efficiency is an important consideration for every type of homeowner. Whether you have a small family home or a larger property with multiple buildings, it is wise to understand just how much you might be able to save on energy costs by switching to a residential energy provider that understands the quality of sustainable energy systems. But even if you are aware of the benefits of switching, you may have a tough time taking the first steps. Follow our simple tips below and you will be that much closer to making a change that will benefit you both today and onward into the future.

What do I need to know about renewable energy before switching my provider?

While you certainly do not need to be an expert on the subject of renewable energy, it is helpful to get a basic understanding of the current state of the industry. As a matter of fact, according to recent research data, more than half of the United States' renewable energy is used for producing electricity. About 13% of electricity generation in the United States in the year 2015 was from renewable energy sources. When you consider these enormous figures, it is clear that the trend toward green energy and residential energy providers that specialize in renewable energy will only continue to grow. With a market that has a higher demand for green energy services, this means that you benefit as a consumer. However, it also means that you need to be that much more careful when you choose a residential energy provider.

To reduce your energy use, it helps to consider the quality of your current equipment. Everything from light bulbs to water heaters can be a huge source of energy waste. When you work alongside a reputable energy provider who understands the importance of saving energy, they will help you to perform a detailed audit of your current setup so that you can make the upgrades that will help you conserve energy over time. Even if some of the installation costs seem large upfront, you have to remember that they pay for themselves over time in the form of conserved energy. Even with a few simple upgrades, you'll be surprised just how much lower your monthly utility bill becomes.

How do I find the right residential energy provider?

First and foremost, you should always find a provider that understands the current best practices of the different types of sustainable energy. For example, you should never feel that you are limited to just solar energy. There are many different options available to you today, so selecting a provider that can meet your needs is critical.

You should also make sure that the supplier you end up choosing has all the basic indicators of quality. This means checking to see that they have the necessary certifications and qualifications to deliver high quality, dependable energy service. This information can usually be easily obtained with a quick web search, a simple phone call, or an in-person conversation with a representative of the residential energy provider.

Finally, it might be a good idea to search around for reviews and recommendations from trusted peers, colleagues, and other members of your community. A lot of the time if a company has a list of strong, positive reviews from previous customers then that is typically a good sign that they are well worth your time, money, and resources. If not, then you can move on to finding a company that values its customer service approach a little more, as there many available to you in today's market.

If you are looking to save energy and money while also doing your part to contribute to environmental sustainability then take the first step today to find a residential energy provider who understands the growing industry of renewable energy. If you are having trouble finding the right provider, do not hesitate to reach out and get in touch with us today. With years of experience and the insights you need to succeed, our team would love to help you take the next steps toward reducing energy consumption on your property.

Types Of Renewable Energy Available Today

Renewable energy refers to energy sources that naturally replenish. This energy is flow-limited. However, it can potentially reduce your household or commercial building energy use by 33% to 80% if you use energy-efficient halogen incandescent, LEDs, and CFLs. There are seven types of renewable energy you can invest in. These include:

1. Bioenergy: This type of energy is derived from biomass, which is used to create heat and electricity. It is also used to produce liquid fuel that is used in transportation (ethanol and biodiesel). Biomass is any organic matter that comes from living plants or animals. This type of power generation process produces the same amount of carbon dioxide as fossil fuels. The replacement plants are grown as biomass work to reduce carbon dioxide. This cycle keeps the environment relatively neutral.
   
2. Geothermal: These renewable energy options are derived directly from the earth's heat. It is sourced close to the surface or from heated rocks. It is also derived from reservoirs of hot water beneath the earth's surface. In mass production, a geothermal plant is used to harness these renewable energy sources and to generate electricity. In smaller scales, the pump is installed by a local energy company about 10 feet under the ground. The electricity produced is used to supply heat to a nearby building.
   
3. Hydroelectric energy: Hydroelectric energy is one of the most familiar types of renewable energy. Power is generated by installing a system near dams that have water reservoirs. The water is released to flow through turbines and electricity is produced in the process. The water cycles between lower and upper reservoirs, controlling generation between high and low pick demand. This process is called pumped-storage hydropower. Run-of-river hydropower, however, channels a portion of the river through funnels to produce electricity. This type does not require a dam.
   
4. Hydrogen: Hydrogen is the simplest and the most abundant element in the universe. However, it does not occur naturally on earth but resides in organic compounds such as gasoline, natural gases, propane, and methanol as well as water. Some algae and bacteria can also be used to produce hydrogen through solar energy. If you are thinking of saving energy through a high power renewable energy source, this is your option. Best of all, though it's high in energy, it produces little to no pollution when burned. The cells are used to convert the potential chemical energy into electricity. Water and heat are the only byproducts in the process. The cost of production is, however, relatively high, which has made its commercialization decrease, at least until the price decreases.
   
5. Solar energy: When you hear of the different types of renewable energy, the first thing that comes to mind is probably solar. This is the most commercial renewable energy source. Heat and electricity are generated by capturing the sun's rays directly on panels. The electricity produced is then channeled to be used as electricity for heating and cooling systems, lights, and general residential or commercial use. This type of renewable energy source is the most versatile and has made its way to over 9.1 million homes and businesses across the country. All other types of renewable energy used the sun except hydrogen and geothermal.
   
6. Ocean: The motions and tides of the waves can be used to produce heat and mechanical energy. Also, thermal energy can be generated from the ocean. This energy is converted into electricity by different systems that make use of the warm surface water temperature of the sea. This energy can be used to reduce electricity cost of a building near the ocean current.
   
7. Wind energy: Wind energy is captured by turbines and converted into electricity, which is then channeled into your home or commercial building. Wind power is used to pump water on farms, but it is making its way to homes through commercial-grade wind generating systems. Wind flow is typically captured by turbines and converted into electricity.

When your business wants to go green, or you want to save on power bills, you are likely to choose from one of these renewable energy options. Installation is typically costly, but the long-term savings you make, not just in money but also in the environment make it worth it.

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.

3 Factors to Consider When Looking for a New Energy Provider

If you're moving to a new house, or re-evaluating the services at your current house, you may find yourself looking for a new energy provider. Choosing between utility suppliers is not always an easy task. So to help you find the right provider for your energy needs, here are a few considerations you'll want to make during your search.

Compare costs between providers: One of the first things homeowners tend to look at when choosing an energy provider is the cost. Energy is something you use every single day in your home, around the clock. So, of course, it makes sense that you'd want the lowest cost possible. Start by compiling a list of a few local providers so you can talk to each one and see what they have to offer. And while you may be tempted to go with the least expensive option, always remember that quality should also be a high priority.

Make customer service a priority: When you choose any service for your home, whether it's electricity, water, or Internet, you always want to make sure the company you choose values customer service. You also want to find out where the customer service department is based out of, is the customer service team that you are contacting located in the United States?  The bottom line is that you want a friendly, accessible customer service team that you won’t have to wait days for to respond to you and help you with your question or problem. 

Look for renewable energy options: And lastly, it's important to consider what kind of services the company can offer you -- specifically, whether or not they offer use of renewable energy sources. With more and more people realizing the importance of protecting the planet, more utility suppliers are offering green energy options. In fact, in 2015 alone, about 13% of U.S. electricity was generated from renewable energy sources. This means energy companies are either using sustainable energy options, like windmills and solar energy, or are working with their customers to help develop and expand renewable generation facilities.

It's important to find a utility provider that prioritizes customer needs, offers reasonable rates and offers products that match your needs and lifestyle. So please remember to keep these factors in mind when looking for the best provider for your energy needs.

3 Facts to Know Before Investing in Renewable Energy

Over the past few years, more and more people have been focusing on ways to go green with their energy. There are plenty of rewards for using less energy, like saving on your energy expenses and helping the environment. But if you're considering investing in renewable energy sources, there are a few important things you should know about sustainable energy. So let's take a look at a few interesting facts about renewable energy.

Solar energy is extremely reliable. Traditional sources of energy, like coal and oil, aren't always reliable -- these resources will eventually run out. Fortunately, the sun isn't going to go away anytime soon. This means that solar energy is one of the most dependable energy options. Experts say that if we could properly harness solar energy, the sun would provide enough energy in just one hour to provide the world's energy needs for an entire year. And since solar energy saves 35 Million Tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, there's really no reason not to invest in solar power.

Renewable energy is creating jobs. Investing in renewable energy doesn't just help the environment, it helps people too. Energy sources like solar and wind are creating jobs all around the country. The growing green energy industry means there are more factories to be built and worked at, more wind turbines to be constructed, and more solar panels to be installed. All in all, the renewable energy industry has already created millions of jobs and that number will continue to rise.

Greenhouse gases aren't a problem with renewable energy. Fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases -- which are essentially warming our atmosphere and contributing to global warming. But green sources of energy, like wind, solar, and hydropower, don't cause this issue. These sources of energy definitely have more positives than negatives and are great for the environment.

There are endless rewards for using less energy and investing in sustainable energy sources. So if you've been thinking about using renewable energy sources, now is a great time to do so -- you'll save on energy expenses and feel good about your choice to help the environment!

Improve Your Home's Efficiency With These 6 Energy Saving Tips

Whether it's the middle of a brutal winter or you're getting ready for the summer, if you're a homeowner, you need to be focusing on keeping your energy expenses down. The average U.S. home spends roughly $2,100 on energy each year. If you're not careful, you could end up spending even more on your home energy usage.

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That's why it's so important to do a little research, educate yourself on some energy conservation tips, and consult with professionals. Here are some great energy saving tips that will help your home become more energy efficient and save you some cash:

• Use more cold water -- When you're running the wash, it might seem like using warm or hot water won't make much of a difference when it comes to energy expenses, but it certainly does. By using cold water to wash your clothes, however, you'll actually save close to $70 a year.
• Use a programmable thermostat -- By installing a programmable thermostat in your home, you'll be able to save up to 10% of heating and cooling expenses. Additionally, simply lowing your thermostat just two degrees during the winter will save 6% of heating-related CO2 emissions.
• Improve your home's lighting -- You can reduce energy use by as much as 80% if you switch to more energy-efficient halogen incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs. Also, just because your home's lighting looks nice doesn't mean your lights should be on all the time: turn them off when you're not using them!
• Seal everything up -- Sealing air leaks and properly insulating your home can not only increase household comfort but also save as much as 20% on your energy bill.
• Plant some trees -- Appropriately plating shade trees on your property can save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions each year. Plus, your landscape will look much better with some nice trees.
• Clean your HVAC filters -- You don't have to be a professional mechanic to know how to clean or replace an AC or furnace filter. If you're neglecting this piece of equipment, you'll end up wasting a lot of money and energy each year. Clean your filters regularly and replace them as needed.

If you want to learn more about some of these energy-saving tips or work with professional green energy services, give Starion Energy a call today!

How Can Homeowners Utilize Renewable Energy?

When it comes to energy usage, many homeowners focus on the financial aspects. And while saving energy can save homeowners money on utility bills, there are additional benefits to using energy more wisely. One of these additional benefits is that saving energy is better for the environment. Exploring renewable energy options can not only save homeowners money, but can be eco-friendly as well. So let's take a look at a few easy ways renewable energy can be used in your home.


Install solar panels: A great place to start when exploring renewable energy sources is by installing solar panels. Solar energy is great because as long as the panels have access to the sun, you'll always have energy to use. And did you know that all solar energy users contribute to saving 35 Million Tonnes of carbon dioxide each year? So not only is solar energy easy to use, it's great for the environment. Talk to a local green energy company to learn more about how solar energy can save you money.


Try hydropower: If you live near a running body of water like a stream or river, you may be able to use the flowing water to bring power to your home. You'll have to figure out the best place to divert some of the flowing water through a turbine, which may require the help of a professional. But a hydropower generator can be great for homeowners that are looking for a more reliable source of renewable energy, since hydropower is considered more stable than other sources.


Build a wind turbine: Wind turbines generally require a bit of land in order to function properly -- so if you have a lot of land, wind turbines may be the way to go. However, you need to ensure building a wind turbine on your property is legal in your area, as they can make a lot of noise and may impact other wind turbines nearby. When they're installed properly, wind turbines can fulfill most energy needs and can be fairly easy to manage.


You don't have to jump right into renewable energy, but you can ease your way into it with a small hydropower generator or a few solar panels. Starting small and working with a green energy company can help you make more energy-saving choices at your house.

Answering Questions About Energy Deregulation

As the world takes major steps towards addressing climate change, the energy market is shifting greatly towards renewable resources. In 2015, hydropower accounted for about 6% of all U.S. electricity generation and 46% of electricity generation from all renewables; this number has continued to climb in recent years. What allows companies to make this shift towards sustainability? Deregulated energy states. Read on to learn more about energy deregulation and what it can mean for renewable energy.

What Does Energy Deregulation Mean?

Energy deregulation allows you to shop for energy providers as you need, giving you a wider variety of options when purchasing your energy. This means that rather than being limited to a single electricity or gas supplier, you are able to select the service that best suits your needs and offers the ideal product for your home or business.

Currently, energy regulation is managed on a state-by-state basis. Some deregulated energy states offer both deregulated gas and electricity, while other deregulated energy states only offer one or the other. Deregulated energy states, however, deregulated they are, allow you further freedom of choice and control over how you access your energy.

Is Deregulation Good For The Environment?

When you have access to energy deregulation, you're better able to control where your energy comes from, both in terms of your energy company as well as the energy source. This allows you to gain your household energy from green energy providers that primarily draw their electricity from renewable resources, such as solar and wind.

Energy deregulation gives you greater access to sustainable sources of energy and also encourages companies to offer more types of renewable energy for their customers to choose from. Because energy companies in deregulated energy states have a greater degree of freedom in products they can offer to their customers, these companies are more likely to expand into renewable energy options, pushing a greater degree of energy consumption to come from sustainable options.

Looking to make the switch to renewable energy for your home or business? Contact Starion Energy for more information on what renewable and sustainable energy options are available for you.

Tips for Reducing Energy Costs

With the hot summer sun beating down, many homeowners are hiding away inside their cool air-conditioned home. But with the air conditioning blasting, electronics being used more often, and loads of wash increasing with the kids being home, energy bills can skyrocket during the summer months. So how can homeowners save money on their energy bills and still survive the heat? Well, let's take a look at a few tips on how to reduce energy use this summer.

Use fans instead of the AC: While it certainly can be tempting to blast the refreshing air conditioning to quickly cool down your home, air conditioning is a huge use of energy in homes. So instead of using AC all the time, try using a variety of fans to circulate cool air throughout the home. And open windows during those cool, breezy nights to let in some fresh air. If you must use air conditioning, consider installing a programmable thermostat to control temperature and save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.

Consider cooking outside: One of the most common reasons houses get so hot in the summer is from people using the oven and stove in the kitchen to cook. To avoid this from happening, take advantage of that nice summer weather and cook outside. Grilling or smoking food outside is an easy way to keep the house cool and soak up some of that vitamin D. And if you're using gas grills, that's another easy way to reduce energy usage at home.

Be smart about electronics: With the kids out of school, electronics are probably being used a lot more often. And while it may not seem like they use a lot of energy, keeping track of electronic use is an easy way to save electricity. So when electronics, like TVs, tablets, laptops, and other devices, aren't in use, try to keep them unplugged. This will not only prevent them from continuing to use energy, but it will also keep them from heating up and increasing room temperature. So safely storing your electronics away can be an easy tip when it comes to figuring out how to reduce energy use.

Just because summer weather generally means higher utility bills doesn't mean you have to one of the homeowners who have to watch energy costs skyrocket. By following these few simple tips, you can keep cool, have a fun summer, and reduce your energy use.

Ways To Keep You And Your Bills Cool

This summer has been so hot it's been breaking records from coast to coast. In fact, in the month of July, Death Valley, California did break the record for hottest month in the history of the United States with an average daily temperature of 108.1 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air conditioners are working overtime these summer months and we're looking at conserving energy as much as we can. Read on if you want to save on energy costs and not be taken to the cleaners by your utility company.

Look out for leaks

Yes, leaks are difficult to actually look out for. However small they may be, they're present and are your enemy if you're looking to save on energy costs. Sealing air leaks can save you up to 20% on annual heating and cooling bills, not to mention making your home a more comfortable place to exist. Don't cool the outdoors, get those leaks looked at.

Tailor your physical environment

It's easy to let an air conditioner do all the work when it's stifling outside, but you have a bunch of manual things that can be done in alliance with your air conditioner. Outside, having trees that block a portion of the sun (especially in the late afternoon) does a great deal to reduce your house's internal temperature. Inside, drawing shades and closing blinds while the sun is brightest will keep the window borne heat at bay throughout the day. Then, at night, open the windows and let a cool evening breeze plus a fan or two recirculate refreshing air.

Get smart

On the other end of the spectrum from the previous point, more advanced technology is your friend. Use programmable thermostats to your advantage. If you know there are certain times of day you won't be home, raise the temperature, then run the air conditioning only when people are home. Reducing energy costs is about consciously using energy directly when it's needed, not cooling an empty house.

Trying to stay cool this summer might seem like a lot of work, but that extra work you put in will be reflected in a comfortable home with a little extra money in your pocket.

3 Facts About Renewable Energy Everyone Should Know

The importance of renewable energy is something more and more people are taking the time to understand. And luckily, people are not just taking time to understand the importance of renewable energy, but are acting on it as well. Renewable energy options are used all around the world, and in 2015 alone about 13% of energy generation in the United States was from renewable energy sources. So with more sustainable sources of energy being explored and utilized, there are a few things everyone should know about green energy.

U.S. cities are going green: 65 U.S. cities have taken action and have begun to transition to 100% clean energy. Already, five cities, including Aspen, Colorado and Burlington, Vermont, have already successfully begun to run off of 100% renewable energy sources. Along with these 65 cities, numerous states, counties, and establishments have started using sustainable energy in hopes of achieving 100% sustainability.

Solar energy can be used at night: Many people believe that solar energy is something that can only be utilized during daylight. But power obtained from the sun's rays can actually be stored and used at night too. Power can be stored in materials like salt to provide energy all night long, and large batteries are cheaper and easier to produce than ever before. Solar energy is one of the most powerful and popular choices for sustainable energy. Because of its abilities, many companies are competing to harness solar power more efficiently.

Wind turbines can power hundreds of homes: Like solar power, many people are investing in the benefits of wind power. Today's wind turbines are so efficient that just one turbine can produce enough energy to power hundreds, if not thousands, of homes. There are more and more businesses building wind turbines and many companies are investing in wind power to provide their energy needs.

The importance of renewable energy is undeniable. With our limited resources running low, it's time that everyone helps to make strides in an eco-friendly direction. Sustainable energy can reduce energy costs, help the environment, and provide jobs.

Biggest Summer Energy Expenses and How to Reduce Them

If you're looking for ways to save some money so you can spend it on fun-filled summer activities, you should start by evaluating your energy expenses. Summer tends to cause an increase in energy bills -- fortunately, there are easy ways to reduce these costs.

Biggest Summer Energy Expenses

Like every other time of the year, summer comes with its own unique energy challenges. Let's look at a few of the biggest culprits for increasing energy bills.

Cranking up the air conditioning: When the temperatures start to rise, everyone's first instinct is to turn up the AC. And while it's nice to have a cool, comfortable home, air conditioning can cause your energy bills to increase significantly. So try to remember that the closer the temperature is inside to outside, the lower your energy bills will be. Try other methods to cool down like opening windows for a cross breeze and utilize ceiling and floor fans.

Letting cool air escape: If your home has cracks and leaks around windows or doors, you may be letting your cooled air sneak out of your home. While this may not seem like a big use of energy, sealing air leaks and ensuring your home is properly insulated can save you up to 20% on cooling bills. When there are even small holes or leaks, your cooled air can easily escape, making your cooling costs skyrocket.

Using more hot water: With the kids out of school, your dishwasher and washing machine are probably running more often. And it's important to remember that you'll use the same amount of water whether or not the machine is completely full. So to avoid wasting water and energy, make sure you're always doing a full load of dishes or clothes.

Renewable Energy Options to Consider

Fortunately, if you consider using sustainable sources of energy, you can save significant amounts on your energy bills all year long. There are plenty of sustainable sources of energy to explore to fit your wants and needs.

Solar panels: With solar energy becoming one of the most popular renewable energy sources, solar panel costs continue to decrease. Even if you can only afford one or two, utilizing solar energy is a great way to save money on energy expenses, especially with the hot summer sun beating down.

Solar oven: If you're looking for more of a DIY source of sustainable energy, you should consider making your own solar oven to cook your meals with. They're easily made out of a few common materials and work by trapping sunlight. This is a great project to get the whole family involved with too.

Hydroelectric power: If you have a source of flowing water nearby, you can make some of the water flow through a turbine to produce energy. While you may need a professional to help install the hydropower generator, it's a great way to utilize natural resources to help power your home.

By exploring some sustainable sources of energy and being smart about how you're using energy at home, you can significantly reduce your energy costs this summer.

What is Renewable Energy Going to Look Like This Year?

As the years go by, more and more people, agencies, and energy companies are focusing on renewable energy. With the money these renewable energy option save homeowners and businesses, as well as the positive impact green energy has on the environment, these sustainable energy sources are becoming a main focus in the energy industry. In fact, about 10% of energy consumption in the U.S. was from renewable energy sources in 2015 and has continued to increase. But how has this focus on renewable energy changed recently? This article is going to discuss a few key trends this year will see on the renewable energy front.

Costs will continue to decrease. Over the past few years, prices of renewable energy sources have continued to steadily decrease. As more people invest in renewable energy, costs will become lower and lower. Because of this, sustainable energy options are slowly but surely becoming more favorable than nonrenewable sources. People around the world are realizing how low prices are for solar, wind, and other types of sustainable energy options and are taking advantage of these low costs.

Waste-to-energy facilities are on the rise. Waste management is a major problem in many places around the world. Fortunately, waste-to-energy facilities can help manage this growing problem. These facilities process waste and help control landfill expansion. This is crucial in areas that are running out of room for landfills and need an alternative solution. Because of this, this year is expected to see more projects revolving around waste-to-energy facilities.

Energy storage efforts continue. In order to fully support the integration of renewable energy into power availability from energy companies and the like, there needs to be serious developments in renewable energy storage. Last year saw a lot of states focusing on energy storage, with a heavy interest on education and training programs. However, more companies are exploring options for storing renewable energy and how this stored energy can be used.

Corporations are choosing sustainable energy. Last year saw a ton of announcements from big corporations regarding their energy efforts. With the push from customers and the money big businesses can save by choosing renewable energy options, this year is expected to see plenty more big corporations going green.

Hopefully, this year will see some major developments in the green energy field. Businesses, individuals, and energy companies are beginning to see all of the benefits renewable energy can offer and starting to take advantage of them.

How Can Homeowners Save On Energy Costs in Summer?

How Can Homeowners Save On Energy Costs in Summer?

With warm and sunny weather just around the corner, homeowners should be thinking about how to save on cooling costs and energy use this Summer. Contrary to popular belief, saving energy doesn't have to be difficult! By working with a sustainable residential energy provider and doing a few things to reduce energy at home, homeowners can significantly cut back on energy use. To help you get started, this article is going to discuss a few easy ways to reduce energy costs at home this summer.

1. Open the windows. While many people are tempted to crank up the air conditioner as soon as it gets warm out, this obviously increases energy use. Instead, homeowners should consider opening windows. Not only does this allow for some fresh air to get in the house after being closed off all winter, but it will allow for a cross-breeze and will naturally cool down the house. If homeowners do choose to crank up the AC, they should ensure they speak with their residential energy provider about heating and cooling costs.
2. Keep the curtains closed. When the sun is out, most homeowners enjoy keeping their curtains and blinds open to let the sun into their home. However, this added heat inside the home can lead homeowners to crank up the AC. So by keeping window treatments closed, homeowners can reduce heat gain as the temperature gets warmer. This is one of the easiest ways to save energy and add a little decor to a home as well.
3. Plant some trees. Summer is a great time to get some gardening done. And guess what? Planting trees can even help you reduce cooling costs! Shade trees and even appropriate painting can help homeowners reduce energy use and save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions each year. Furthermore, each tree that's planted absorbs about 25 pounds of CO2 each year as well. So not only will homeowners have nice trees in their yard, but they'll enjoy reduced energy costs as well.
4. Have the AC unit serviced. As the temperature rises, the AC unit will inevitably be turned on. After sitting idle for the winter months, air conditioner units will have to kick it into overdrive to cool the house down. By getting their AC unit serviced, homeowners can ensure their unit is running as efficiently as possible. If the filters are clogged or parts are going bad, the inefficient unit will increase energy costs. But a little regular maintenance can help homeowners with their energy reduction and keep their house cool.
5. Cook dinner outside. With warm weather comes those yummy summer foods like burgers and hot dogs. But instead of cooking them inside, homeowners should consider grilling out. Not only will they get to enjoy the nice warm weather, but they'll keep the heat out of their homes and save electricity by choosing to grill out instead. In doing this, homeowners will be saving energy and getting yummy food, so it's a win-win.

Summer is a great time to start reducing energy use. With it being not too cold or not too hot, there are plenty of opportunities for homeowners to take advantage of the mild weather and not use their cooling systems too frequently. By working with their residential energy provider and making a few simple changes at home, homeowners can reduce their energy use, their energy bills, and do their part in saving the planet at the same time.

3 Renewable Energy Trends to Look for in 2018

In recent years, more and more people have begun to realize the importance of sustainable energy options. Continuing to use non-renewable energy sources is not only bad for the planet, but it's bad for the economy as well. It's because of this that each year there is an increase in innovations regarding sustainable energy sources. Big companies, and even entire countries, are taking action and doing their part in conserving energy by making the switch to green energy sources. Experts believe 2018 will be no exception. With that in mind, let's discuss a few renewable energy trends we can expect to see this year.


Decreasing renewable energy costs. While prices for nonrenewable energy sources continue to rise as supply continues to dwindle down, prices for sustainable energy options will continue to fall. Because more people are beginning to invest in renewable energy options, the technology needed to harvest these resources is adapting and becoming more efficient. Experts believe country-level auctions for renewable capacity will help prices for solar and wind energy decrease.


Popularization of wind plus storage. Solar plus storage has been popularized by big companies as well as homeowners due to the benefits it can offer. Now, experts believe utility-scale wind plus storage is beginning to follow the solar plus storage trend. Renewable energy developers around the world are starting projects that implement batteries with wind power projects. Operators of wind farms are continuing to look for ways to make their projects last longer and be more efficient in time and cost.


Efficient waste management. Worldwide, waste management continues to be a significant problem. Because of this, many governments are turning to waste-to-energy facilities to help control landfill expansion. However, there is still a lot of progress to be made when it comes to putting waste-to-energy policies in place. This is why 2018 is expected to see an increase in the number of new project announcements and integration of policies.


Over 150 years ago, 90% of the nation's energy needs were supplied by wood. While this is no longer the case, there is still a lot of progress to be made when it comes to utilizing sustainable energy options. Fortunately, many countries around the world are actively making changes to the resources they use, saving money, time, and the planet in the process.

Start Your Spring Cleaning with These Energy Saving Tips

With Groundhog Day behind us and winter (hopefully) coming to a close soon, it's time to start looking forward to warm breezes and spring cleaning. But that also means ditching your energy-consuming winter habits! Say goodbye to your heated blankets and hello to a brighter, cleaner, energy-saving spring.

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few tips on how to reduce energy use this coming season.

Adjust Your Water Heater

When spring rolls around, so does warmer weather. While you may lament not being able to soak in a steamy shower every morning, rising outdoor temperatures are certainly worth knocking a few degrees off of your daily cleaning rituals. Rather than doing this manually every time you hop in the shower, consider lowering your water heater's temperature by a few degrees. If you perform this action as it gets warmer outside, you could be saving your water heater some work and saving yourself a little bit of summer vacation money.

Let the Breeze Work for You

Green energy might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about spring cleaning, but it may be simpler than you think. After all, have you ever performed spring cleaning without airing out your house? When you turn off the heat and open the windows, you're letting the breeze take care of circulating air and maintaining the temperature in your home. It's nature's very own air conditioning!

Update Your Thermostat

Of all the easy ways to save energy, this is probably the most common. A programmable thermostat can actually save up to 10% of annual cooling and heating costs! With that in mind, it's not hard to see why this is one of the most popular ways to rack up energy savings. Instead of lugging your window units in and out every spring and fall, a centralized AC system with a programmable thermostat can make shifting between seasons as easy as pressing a button.

If you're wondering how to reduce energy use this spring, look no further than these three tips. For more information on how to help reduce your energy use at home, contact Starion Energy today.

U.S. Cities That Run on 100% Renewable Energy

Cities across the United States are more committed than ever to their roles in reducing carbon emissions. Luckily, it's becoming easier and more affordable for cities to clean their air by using renewable energy. And because of this, five U.S. cities have successfully made the switch to 100% renewable energy over the past decade. Since "100% renewable" may be defined differently in each location, each location made the transition differently. The following five cities have undergone the process to become reliant on 100% renewable energy.

1. Rock Port, Missouri - Rock Port became the first community in America to become powered entirely by wind power in 2008. The 1,300 residents rely on four large wind turbines, which are connected to the power grid. This small town produces more electricity than they can use.
2. Kodiak Island, Alaska - Kodiak Island has been 99% powered by wind and hydro since 2014. The island's electric company decided that 95% of the community's power would rely on renewable energy sources by 2020 after relying heavily on hydro but still burning 2.8 million gallons of diesel every year. Kodiak not only met its goal but succeeded in meeting its target six years early.
3. Greensburg, Kansas - After a tornado forced half the town's population to leave in 2007, the remaining citizens decided to rebuild with a focus on sustainability. Using wind and solar power along with geothermal technologies, Greensburg achieved 100% renewable energy in 2013. Although cost was initially a major setback, the town now saves $200,000 annually in energy costs for its largest buildings.
4. Aspen, Colorado - In 2015, Aspen hit its goal using mainly wind and hydropower. While it was a struggle, the city accomplished their goal in a short eight years. The city already had two hydro plants and decided to buy wind power from other states to reach 100% renewable energy.
5. Burlington, Vermont - After buying a hydro plant facility in 2014, Burlington reach 100% renewable energy. Even though it once relied heavily on coal, Burlington is now powered by wood chips, wind, solar, landfill methane, and hydropower.

Energy Conservation Tips to Help You Go Green

While it may seem impossible, you as a homeowner can go green too! Something as simple as changing your light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs, which reduce energy use from about a third to as much as 80%, can be a great place to begin. Check out these few energy conservation tips to help you get started:

• Change furnace filters regularly
• Use a programmable thermostat
• Seal leaks around windows and doors
• Use a tankless water heater

While this might not seem like a lot, following these simple energy conservation tips can make a huge difference in the long run and get you started on your green energy journey.

Apartment Renter? No Problem! Here's How You Can Still Go Green

It may seem impossible to save energy when you're living in a rental apartment. After all, you only have so much control over what you can do in your space. This is often why topics on saving energy and reducing utility bills are often directed at homeowners.

Fortunately, there are ways that you can reduce your electric bill and save energy as a renter too. Check out these nifty tips on how to save energy in your apartment:


Use LED light bulbs around your apartment. LED lights may be more expensive initially, but you'll thank your past self for making the decision to purchase a box.

LED lights last significantly longer than halogen lights and don't give off as much heat. Not only does this reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses let out into the air, but it also reduces the risk of fire in your home.

Purchase a power strip.
Power strips are a great way to save energy in your apartment. By plugging most of your electronics into one place, you can turn them all off at once when you're not using them.
This can help to reduce carbon emissions as well as reducing your electricity bill. By turning off your unused electronics in one spot, you keep them from sucking energy from the wall when they're not in use.

Use fans.
A lot of an apartment's electricity goes to the HVAC system during the summer and winter months. By placing a fan in your apartment, you can keep your air conditioning or heating at a lower temperature and circulate the air with the fan.

Invest in a programmable thermostat.
If you live in an apartment where you can install your own thermostat, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. You can reduce up to 6% of the carbon dioxide emissions from your home by lowering your thermostat only two degrees during the winter. You can also keep the heating or air conditioning off while you're away from your apartment to reduce energy use even more.

Going green isn't just something homeowners can do; you can save energy in your apartment too! By making simple changes around your home, you can make your utility smaller and reduce the impact you have on the environment around you. Contact Starion Energy today with questions or energy options.

GM Increasing Use of Renewable Energy to 20%

General Motors made a recent announcement that its manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Indiana will now use 100% renewable energy. GM is purchasing 200 megawatts of wind energy and by the end of 2018, 20% of GM's global electricity use will be powered by renewable energy.

Rob Threlkeld, global manager of renewable energy, told Energy Manager Today, "The first step in meeting our 100 percent renewable energy commitment is reducing the energy intensity of our operations overall. All seven facilities that will have their electricity needs met through this wind deal have achieved the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry, meaning they reduced energy intensity by at least 10% in five years or less."

GM has been one of America's biggest purchasers of renewable energy for decades. The company has saved approximately $5 million annually in doing so. They use solar power at 26 facilities and are continuously working towards using 100% renewable energy at all of their facilities.

Easy Ways to Save Energy At Home

There are multiple easy ways to save energy at home and contribute to the planet becoming more environmentally-friendly. If you don't know where to begin, read the list below to get some ideas on how to start saving energy.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle -- purchase minimally packaged goods, choose reusable products when possible, and recycle, recycle, recycle.

Insulate your walls and ceilings and update your windows. While this might be one of the more expensive ways to save energy in your home, it will pay off in the long run when you have to spend less on heating and cooling. You can also consider installing a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on your cooling and heating costs.

Replace and clean your air filters. Energy costs can go up when air conditioners or hot-air furnaces have to work harder to get air through dirty air filters. Simply cleaning your air filters can save up to 175 pounds of CO2 each year.

Switch out your light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs use one-fourth the energy of a normal incandescent bulb.

Make sure your dishwasher and washer are always full before running them to avoid wasting water.
If possible, walk, carpool, or ride your bike instead of driving your car. In doing this, you will reduce your carbon footprint.

There are many easy ways to save energy at home, and these are a few good places to start. Over time, it will become easier for you to go green and hopefully, the rest of the planet will join you.

Source: https://www.energymanagertoday.com/gm-power-20-global-electricity-load-clean-energy-0172057/