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.

Reasons You Should Care About Conserving Energy at Home

Over 150 years ago, the U.S. relied on wood for almost 90% of our energy needs. Since then, the nation as a whole has continuously worked towards switching over to renewable energy options instead. Especially in the recent years, more and more businesses and organizations have been making significant efforts when it comes to energy conservation. But why should you care about saving energy? Let's talk about a few reasons individuals should care about conserving energy at home.

It's environmentally friendly: It's no secret that the environment is affected by almost everything we do. However, some people don't realize how much the environment is impacted by the production of power and electricity. Even a single household reducing their energy use can help improve the environment. The less pollution that is produced, the better off the environment, and people living on Earth, will be.

It will lower energy bills: One of the direct impacts people can see from trying to save electricity is their lowered energy bills. There are a few ways homeowners can conserve energy and save some money. There are simple things like changing light bulbs. Using energy-efficient lighting can not only provide better quality lighting, but can significantly cut electricity bills. And then there are a few bigger projects homeowners can tackle, like redoing insulation and investing in products like programmable thermostats. These things may not seem like they'll make a big difference, but you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results.

It can help the economy: When it comes to looking at the bigger picture, choosing energy saving technology can help the economy too. Energy efficient projects help create jobs. Whether it's installing solar panels, getting land ready for a wind farm, or developing new products, being energy efficient is helping fuel the growth of our nation's economy. So as more people invest in renewable energy, the economy will continue to improve.

Unfortunately, many homeowners don't invest in renewable energy because they think it won't make a difference. But that's not true at all -- whether it's a small difference, like reducing energy bills, or a big difference, like creating jobs, every energy-efficient act matters. So if you've been thinking about saving energy at home, do yourself, and the environment, a favor and go for it.

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.

Hawaii College on Track to Run Completely on 100% Renewable Energy by 2035

Three years ago, Hawaii pledged to use renewable energy sources to generate all of its electricity by 2045. While the whole state is working towards this goal, the University of Hawaii (UH) is stepping up to do its part. Working with the Hawaiian Legislature, UH set a goal for the university to be "net-zero" by January 1, 2035. "Net-zero" means the total amount of energy that is consumed by the university will equal the amount of energy it creates.

University officials announced that UH's Maui College is set to be the first U.S. college campus to use solar systems to completely make the switch from fossil fuels. The university hopes the system will be up and running by 2019 and will consist of 2.8 megawatts of solar PV.

"We are proud to move the entire University of Hawaii System closer to its net-zero energy mandate, to celebrate UH Maui College's achievement and to position the Oahu community college campuses within reach of 100 percent renewable energy generation," said UH Vice President for Community Colleges John Morton.

Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, and Windward Community College are not far behind the Maui campus and are planning to see reductions of fossil fuel use by at least 70%.

This sustainable energy project is not only saving the state energy and money, but providing educational options for these college students as well.

How Can You Start Saving Energy?

When you see the bill you get from your electricity company, you may be wondering how you can reduce your energy use at home. Let's discuss a few energy saving tips you can try.

Change your lightbulbs: Homeowners can reduce their energy use by up to 80% simply by utilizing today's energy-efficient LED, CFL, and halogen incandescent light bulbs. If you're still using traditional light bulbs in your house, now is the time to make the switch. Your electricity company may even have some suggestions for which light bulbs would be best.

Install new windows and doors. The windows and doors in your house might not be doing their job as well as you may think. Hot and cool air both escape through inefficient windows and doors, costing homeowners money on bloated HVAC bills. By choosing energy efficient models that stop air leaks, you can ensure your home stays comfortable without racking up your energy bill. 

While it may not seem like these little things make a difference, they really do! In today's society, every little bit of energy reduction helps -- so do what you can to reduce your energy use at home.

T-Mobile is Making the Switch to Renewable Energy

T-Mobile has announced their pledge to use 100% renewable energy by 2021. By using their new wind farm in Kansas and other renewable energy sources, the company is committed to increasing renewable energy use.

Additionally, the mobile carrier is joining RE100, which is a group of over 100 global companies who are all dedicated to reducing energy use and instead utilizing renewable energy sources.


“It’s the Un-carrier way to do the right thing by our customers, and moving to renewable energy is just a natural part of that,” CEO John Legere said in a statement.


Legere also explained that the mobile carrier expects to reduce energy costs by about $100 million over the next 15 years by making the switch to green energy.


The company's first wind farm started being used in December and a second 160-megawatt contract with Infinity Renewables' Solomon Forks Wind Project is expected to be running in 2019. These two wind farms will fulfill 60% of the company's electricity needs. The remaining energy will be bought from early-stage wind projects rather than nonrenewable energy companies.


Why Should People Invest in Renewable Energy?

T-Mobile is one of many companies who is making the switch to renewable energy. It's big brand names like T-Mobile who are showing the good in using renewable energy. Unfortunately, many people don't believe in the harm nonrenewable energy is causing to the planet. But for those who do understand the impact our choices have on the planet and want to do something to help, let's talk about a few reasons everyone should make the switch to renewable energy.


For starters, using renewable energy significantly reduces energy costs. Nonrenewable energy types, like fossil fuels, are finite resources. So as they supply goes down, prices continue to increase. Luckily, renewable resources will never deplete. Because of this, as technology continues to be developed to harvest renewable sources, the cost to use them will keep going down.


Along with lower energy costs, renewable energy sources cause no harm to the planet. Energy companies and businesses that continue to use non-renewable sources are contributing to pollution and emissions of other harmful substances. This is leading to climate change and lower quality air. That alone is a vital reason to make the switch.


While not every single person is going to be able to fully utilize renewable energy, every small step helps. You can even start by insulating your home, which can save up to 30% of your heating costs and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 2100 pounds each year. So consider talking to your energy companies about using green energy and making small changes around your house to be more energy-efficient.

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.

3 Reasons to Invest in Clean Energy

Did you know electricity is one of the main causes of air pollution in the U.S.? Much of the electricity in the U.S. is made from non-renewable sources like coal. On the other hand, more people are choosing to invest work with a utility company to in clean energy. Clean energy is pollution-free and produced from renewable energy sources. These sources are virtually inexhaustible and can include things like the sun, water, and wind. If you've been considering investing in clean energy but aren't quite sure, this article is going to discuss some of the undeniable benefits of clean energy.

Environmental Benefits

Clean energy doesn't emit harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide. Because of that, the air, water, and soil aren't affected by these pollutants. Additionally, because clean energy is made from unlimited renewable resources, it doesn't damage the land like fossil-fuel extraction does. Furthermore, many forms of sustainable energy use little to no water and other natural resources, which in turn helps preserve the environment for future generations.

Health Benefits

All of those harmful pollutants that dirty energy emits can have a severe impact on public health. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide can trigger asthma attacks and can increase the risk of respiratory infections. Additionally, particulate matter, also called soot, can be especially harmful to those who suffer from asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and heart disease. And furthermore, when mercury is ingested, it can cause permanent damage to the liver and central nervous system and has also been known to cause birth defects.

Economic Benefits

Overall, green energy is supporting a homegrown energy source, which in turn is helping to secure America's energy future. Additionally, clean energy is creating employment opportunities in the U.S. Whether it's working on implementing renewable energy in buildings or working for a utility company to help provide customers with green energy, more and more jobs are being created every day. It also helps bring development to rural areas because renewable facilities often choose these areas for the open space and resource potential.

The U.S. is slowly but surely making its way to going green. In fact, about 10% of energy consumption in 2015 was from renewable energy sources. However, you can do your part by investing in clean energy with your utility company and help create a greener future for everybody.

3 Energy Saving Tips To Prepare You for Fall

Fall and winter might bring their own wonders like foliage, snowfall, pumpkin spice, and peppermint, but they can be killer when it comes to your energy bill. In this post, we will discuss how to prepare yourself for the coming cold of winter and provide some handy energy conservation tips.

Switch Your Light Bulbs
You've likely already noticed the days are getting shorter. While we're still a ways from the shortest day of the year, it won't be long before the decreasing amount of sunlight will have an effect on your utility provider bill. One of the easiest energy conservation tips is to consider replacing your old light bulbs with more energy efficient offerings. Today's halogen incandescent, LED, CFL lights can save you between a third and 80% of your energy usage.

Check for Leaks in Heating Vents
While a lot has been said about the importance of improving the insulation in your home (especially the attic), people are surprisingly silent about one of the largest contributors to heat loss, and therefore energy waste. Take the time to have your metal heating vents checked for any leaks and remember, metal constricts when it is cold, so a venting system that's sound in summer might have sprung a leak by the time October or November rolls around. It could save you as much as 20% with your energy company.

Set Your Thermostat Modestly
What feels better than stepping in for a chilly autumn evening and being enveloped in the warm air of your home. But if you're interested in saving on your electricity or concerned with your environmental impact, then you might want to reconsider your thermostat setting. Even setting your thermostat two degrees lower during the winter can save the typical homeowner 420 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year. It can also have a big impact on the total cost of your electricity bill. So stock up in advance on cozy sweaters and blanket in order to help you keep warm without using as much energy, or consider a small solar powered space heater to help maximize the amount of heat you take in from the sun during the day.
Fall and winter can be killer if you're someone who cares about reducing energy use. But with these energy conservation tips, you'll be able to start preparing for the cooler half of the year.

Understanding the Business of Energy Industry Deregulation

Think back to history class and the lessons about how the United States was founded and why it was built on the principles of liberty and justice for all. Although this sentiment was meant for the people of this great country, it also applies to the businesses operating here. The American economic system is known for its capitalist mentality, but it's also praised for its free enterprise system.

Like other industries, energy is a big business and an important industry in our country! After all, it's how the lights stay on in your home and how you're able to stay warm and cool throughout the different seasons. However the energy and power industries are rapidly changing due to the trend known as energy industry deregulation. Think of energy industry deregulation as a kind of free enterprise system for energy suppliers and power suppliers, as well as renewable energy companies.

In years past, the government and it's authorities worked closely on an individual level with local utility providers in an effort to give business and home owners a single, standardized solution for their power and utility needs. Some utility companies found these kinds of restrictions to be very stifling and unnecessarily restrictive. This tight control allowed the industry to stabilize and it helped to establish a significant infrastructure during the early twentieth century. As much as this system was necessary back in those days, fast forward to today, and some now find it outdated and impractical.

While the basic concept of energy industry deregulation is fairly simple to understand, it's easy to see how it's dynamics can be confusing, especially since your local power or utility provider might not be necessarily motivated to highlight the alternatives or benefits. As such, you may not even know what your options are and could be missing out on savings and alternative energy choices. Many consumers appreciate energy industry deregulation because it can make room for more sustainable, and innovative companies to serve their needs in a more efficient and affordable way.

Here are a few things to know about energy industry deregulation and how it can benefit you.

Potentially Save On Your Gas and Electricity Bills Each Month
Your monthly utility expenses can add up, so it's important to find ways to save anyway you can. As previously stated, the United States of America praises capitalism, and one of the most fundamental tenets of that is competition in order to drive prices down and keep them fair. Thanks to energy industry deregulation, alternative power companies can enter a deregulated market and win new customers over by potentially offering more affordable rates for service.

It's Greener
Energy deregulation can be greener for the earth and better for the environment. Sustainability and environmental responsibility is on the minds and in hearts of many American households and individuals nowadays, perhaps more so than ever. Deregulation can help you with this by making your electricity and gas greener! As a whole, most alternative power suppliers seek out the most environmentally friends power sources to protect the environment while still serving the needs of their customers.

No Service Interruption
It's important to keep in mind that deregulation of power only affects it's supply or where the energy actually comes from, not how it's delivered or distributed to you.  If you decide to make the simple switch, you don't have to worry about a disruption in service or a power outage. The only thing that will be different is your new energy supplier listed on your bill!

Is Your Refrigerator Running with Alternative Power Companies? You'd Better Go Catch It

Refrigeration has come a long way since the days of the icebox. Today's typical home refrigerator is 20% bigger than the average one of 1975, even though they tend to cost 60% less now than they did back then. More importantly, though, modern refrigerators use 75% less energy to operate today than they did 40 years ago. 

That's great news for energy-conscious consumers and power suppliers. But is it enough? Overall, U.S. electricity use is now 13 times greater than it was in 1950, and many residential homeowners and energy companies alike are increasingly looking for ways to either decrease their energy costs or minimize their carbon footprint. After air conditioning and water heating -- which account for roughly 19% and 14-18% of in-home electricity use, respectively -- refrigeration is a major contributor to home electricity bills. Think about it: your refrigerator is running all the time and all year round, working to maintain a constant temperature for food storage and safety. 

One solution to further decrease your energy uses or expenses is to invest in alternative electricity for your home. Alternative power companies around the country are working to provide new kinds of energy for old kinds of technologies. While the companies that produce refrigerators are constantly developing new ways to make our most valuable kitchen appliance more efficient in and of itself, we as consumers can also attack the energy problem from a different angle in cooperation with alternative power companies. 

Refrigerators, however, tend to be one of those household items we only think to replace when something breaks or stops working -- not when the latest gadget is introduced. Refrigerator models that are only 10-years-old might be vastly inferior in terms of energy efficiency than new, advanced models. Even so, if your electricity is powered by solar, wind, or hydro energy suppliers, you can rest a little more comfortably knowing that your home is run on renewable sources of energy. 

More energy-efficient appliances coupled with alternative energy sources can mean savings on your electricity bills, too.

The Time is Now for Exploring the Benefits of Alternative Energy Suppliers

Why opt for alternative energy suppliers? Many consumers don’t even realize they have this choice. Many states today, however, have a competitive -- also known as a restructured -- energy market. This means that you don’t need to necessarily go with your default, current provider and can instead search among alternatives. 

The Benefits of Alternative Solutions Thanks to Deregulated Electricity Markets 

In most cases, the utility company has a monopoly on distributing electricity to your home if you live within their territory. What you’re not obligated to do, though, is buy electricity from them -- and today, the cost of generating electricity is less than half of what you actually pay for when you get your bill. This can allow you to not only have more control over your budget, but control over your carbon footprint, as well. In certain regions you may be able to opt for energy that comes specifically from water or wind, rather than from coal or fossil fuel. 

The average American household will pay about $107 each month in energy uses -- equivalent to 903 kilowatt hours (kWh). Knowing what your average monthly energy usage is can help when you compare your options for alternative electricity suppliers. Not all companies are the same, and some offers will be better than others based on your individual needs and typical usage. The ideal alternative electricity suppliers for a home will be different than for a business. 

Additional Ways to Cut Down on Your Overall Energy Bill 

Besides looking into your options for alternative electricity companies, how else can you save money on heating and cooling? Most households can save about 10% per year on the cost of heating and cooling, simply by using a programmable thermostat. 

Similarly, it makes sense to invest in efficient appliances, especially if your current appliances are over a decade old. Manufacturers today are often aiming for efficiency for even standard machines, and super efficient models can often be purchased for an extra cost. The average refrigerator sold today, for example, uses 75% energy than a fridge sold in 1975 -- and refrigerators today are both larger, and less expensive to purchase. 

Thanks to the deregulation of electricity markets, consumers have more choices than ever before. Don't put off examining your options -- switching to alternative electricity companies could help save you money every month you live in your home.

Hawaii Debates New Alternative Electricity Suppliers

The trend towards the deregulation of electricity markets has become more and more common across the Continental United States, but it appears deregulated electricity could payoff in the one state not included in that area. Alternative electricity suppliers and energy companies are constantly looking for new opportunities and one of the most recent examples is taking place right now on the islands of Hawaii. 
According to the energy and utility industry news source UtilityDive.com, the Hawaii Island Energy Cooperative (HIEC) is attempting to block the proposed $4.3 billion takeover of Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) by NextEra Energy. The alternative electricity suppliers believe they can provide the island state with the utility they need at a much lower price than NextEra Energy. 
This has become somewhat common in the U.S. as electricity remains one of the most valuable and sought after resources. In fact, U.S. electricity use in 2013 was more than 13 times greater than electricity use in 1950. 
Fortunately, through modern advances in technology and equipment alternative electricity suppliers are able to compete with already established providers, which ultimately results in lower costs for the consumer. In 1995, generation accounted for about two-thirds of the price of electricity. Today, the cost of generating electrons currently accounts for less than half of the price of electricity, according to the Edison Electric Institute. 
In this specific case, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will decide whether or not the proposed merger will go through. NextEra has reported that they will be able to save customers about $400 over the course of five years. However, the cooperative-style, nonprofit HIEC believes they can save consumers, “as much as $113 million on the existing HELCO rate base and up to $234 million including investments to modernize the grid over four years.” 
The final decision isn't expected to come down until June 2016. Hawaii regulators rejected NextEra's Hawaiian Electric's Power Supply Implementation Plan last month for not aligning with the state's clean energy goals, which could foreshadow a potential win for alternative electricity.

Does Your State Offer Tax Incentives for Solar Panel Installation?

Nationwide, the deregulation of electricity markets means that many consumers have a choice of providers for their heating and cooling needs. Although some states have not fully completed the deregulation process, many consumers stand to benefit from the ability to pick their natural gas and/or electricity providers. 

Interested homeowners and renters can also save money in a variety of ways. There are currently many tax incentives designed to make the installation of solar panels an attractive option to homeowners. Not only do solar panels have the potential to save money, many electricity companies will actually purchase excess energy generated by the panels and absorb it into the larger energy grid for redistribution to other homes.

Homeowners can save hundreds every year just by the installation and use of a thermometer that can be programmed to lower the temperature at night, for example, or to turn itself to a much lower setting when owners are at work or out of the home. Savings for larger homes that consume more electricity can add up: experts say that just a few degrees' difference can save homeowners hundreds of dollars every year.

The deregulation of electricity markets also means that many consumers have more "green" options for their natural gas and electricity providers. In some areas of the country, large turbines that harness the power of the wind are responsible for generating much of the electricity that consumers use to power their homes. As the cost of generating the electricity goes down, the consumers can expect to harness those savings as well.

Consumers report that deregulated energy markets deliver them more choices, but some states have not yet completed the deregulation process. Energy suppliers in those states do not have many competitors, if any, and some consumers express a desire for a wider range of options. Deregulated energy was designed to introduce competition between energy companies, with an goal of financial savings for homeowners.

With many power suppliers increasingly finding ways to harness low-cost, sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power, consumers across the country are gaining the power to choose sustainable energy for themselves.

UK Launches First Certified Supply Initiative for Renewable Energy Companies

Buying alternative electricity for your business just got more transparent in the United Kingdom. A lot of companies like to talk the talk when it comes to finding renewable energy companies to do business with, but in the U.K. they will now have the opportunity to really put their money where their mouths are. SmartestEnergy, the country's biggest purchaser of renewable electricity from the independent generation sector, is starting an initiative to make this possible in conjunction with their new Tariff Emission Factor Model, according to the environmental news source ClickGreen.org.uk. 

"A growing number of large businesses are looking to reduce their carbon footprint by buying 100% renewable electricity and we believe this energy label will support that ambition," said Robert Groves, SmartestEnergy's Chief Executive Officer. "We recognize some organisations will want to go further and specify the types of renewable electricity they buy... we can also support that." 

Developed with the support of the Carbon Trust, a not-for-dividend company that helps organisations reduce their carbon emissions and become more resource efficient, the new model allows SmartestEnergy to designate renewable energy labels for power suppliers to specific customers so that the end client will know exactly how the energy is generated originally. 

In the United States for example, the cost of generating electrons accounts for only half the cost of electricity today compared to about two-thirds in 1995 when the average cost to deliver investor-owned electricity was 7.1 cents per kilowatt hour, according to the Edison Electric Institute. 

The label will be made annually for all renewable energy companies involved, which will show prospective customers the carbon footprint of given power companies. The certification will allow these businesses to feel confident in what they're buying and they can relay the information to their potentially environmentally-minded consumers. 

"This new service from SmartestEnergy, supported by the Carbon Trust’s expertise in carbon footprinting, is providing exactly the kind of transparency required to ensure that suppliers of electricity are not contributing to double counting or under reporting of corporate emissions, by enabling certificates to be tracked and attributed to specific tariffs or customers," Groves said. 

The growth of renewable energy companies has exploded over the last decade or so with the majority of people becoming more concerned about such matters.

3 Reasons to Support Energy Deregulation

Energy deregulation is a relatively new concept in the United States. For a long time electricity and energy companies were allowed to exist in regulated monopoly environments with the government controlling the process. However, recently more and more states have decided it's time they deregulated energy markets and gave the consumers the power to choose. Many of the changes in the industry over the last 20 years have been beneficial. In 1995 the generation of electricity accounted for about two-thirds of the price. The cost of generating electrons accounts for less than half the price today, according to the Edison Electric Institute. Here are three reasons to support energy industry deregulation to continue these developments.

1.) Antiquated System: The system of regulated power companies started at about the same time energy suppliers came into being in the 1800s. The main reason for the system being regulated and monopolies to be allowed was because there simply wasn't enough qualified people and companies to reasonably compete in the field.The government decided it would be in the best interest of the people to control distribution and prices. At the time it made sense. Times have changed. For example, the total electricity used in the U.S. in 2013 was 13 times more than in 1950. There are plenty of companies that can provide these services across the country in an efficient and easy manner. 

2.) Competitive Prices: The most important result of energy deregulation is the increase in competition. Whenever you allow competition to exist, the consumer will be better off. Even though the government regulates how much a company can make, it doesn't mean that's the cheapest rate it can be made available. All businesses are looking to maximize profits, but when you open competition you will have them competing for customers. That leads to decrease in prices and increase in service. 

3.) Increased Sustainability: Second only to the cost-effectiveness, energy deregulation can have huge benefits to the sustainability and environmentally friendly improvements in the industry. Another result of competition. When you have more people working to create something better, chances are you're going to get better results.  Now, people that are concerned about these matters can influence companies to work harder at it by giving them their business, or in turn taking it from them.

More Electricity Providers Going Green

The world is changing around us, at a faster and faster rate each year. The advancements that we have made as a species are absolutely astounding. Discoveries from the depths of outer space and beyond, technology in our hands that not long ago was barely a thought in science fiction, developments in medicine and wellness. In 2013, electricity use in the United States was not double or triple the electricity use in 1950, but 13 times greater! Think of everything that you use on a daily basis that requires an electrical charge, then think of the billions of other devices just like yours around the planet. That's a lot of energy! Electricity providers are never left wanting, that's for sure. There have been significant advancements in conserving energy, even as the demand for it goes up. Take for example the refrigerators we use today. In the U.S., average refrigerators currently on the market are 20% larger than the average refrigerators in 1975, they cost 60% less, and they use three-quarters less energy! And yet even with that progress of learning to conserve, we are still struggling to keep up with the energy demands without draining our planet dry of all resources.

So What Do We Do Now?

The answer to that, and the energy solutions we need, come from several different directions but begin with being conscious of the issue and spreading awareness of the need for energy conservation. First and foremost we need to be conscientious with our energy use. In American homes the largest portion of electricity (19% of electricity use in the residential areas) goes to air conditioning, and one of the largest costs when looking at utility bills is the 14 to 18% spent on water heating. So the things we learned as children still ring true today in regards to energy savings: don't leave the water running, there's no need to leave the air on when we're gone, take quick showers.

Energy Suppliers Adapt To Demand.

Companies sell what consumers continue to buy. So if we change our habits as consumers, and seek out renewable energy and green energy companies, the market will begin to change to the benefit of our planet, and of course, to us. There are more electricity providers that are focused on the health of the earth and sustaining the only home we have. And with President Obama's focus on climate change and with the enforcement of the Clean Power Plan, electricity providers across the board may need to switch gears, so that renewable resources will be the main supply for producing electricity, as opposed to precious fossil fuels.

While there may always be debate in the political realm over such issues, we can make it our mission as inhabitants of this marvelous planet to take a stand.