How Can You Benefit from Conserving Energy at Home?

Most people are aware of the impact energy consumption has on the environment. But sadly, not many people choose to change their actions to decrease their impact on the environment. Conserving energy can offer people multiple benefits, including the ones discussed in this article.

Saves you money: One of the most obvious and immediate rewards for using less energy is that homeowners can save on energy costs. Conserving energy helps homeowners save money in two ways. First, homeowners who invest in renewable energy options and energy-efficient appliances will see a significant reduction in their utility bills. When you use less energy, you pay for less energy. And second, when homeowners invest in energy-efficient options like appliances and light bulbs, they'll see a return on investment. These energy-efficient purchases will last longer and will help homeowners save money over time. Overall, conserving energy is a simple and smart way to cut down on some expenses.

Decreases the amount of pollution: Non-sustainable energy sources, like coal and other fossil fuels, release harmful gases into the atmosphere when they're burned. These gases are slowly building up and causing significant damage to the environment. Fortunately, choosing renewable energy options can help decrease air pollution. In fact, all solar energy uses help save 25 Million Tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. So when homeowners choose sustainable energy options, they're doing their part to improve the air quality and help keep the environment clean and healthy.

Increase quality of life: When nonrenewable energy sources are used, they can cause the air to become unhealthy to inhale. Additionally, a home that runs on nonrenewable energy sources can see an increased risk of buildup of indoor pollutants. So when homeowners begin conserving energy and are more aware of the energy sources they use, they can enhance the quality of their life -- they'll experience a lower risk of illnesses and mold growth in their home. Overall, there are many health advantages to be found when homeowners choose greener energy options.

Hopefully, this article has shown you a few reasons why you should consider choosing green energy. Conserving energy is good for your health, the environment, and your bank account.

3 Major Benefits of Wind Power

In 2016, more than half of the renewable energy in the U.S. was used for producing electricity, and about 13% of electricity came from renewable energy sources. Environmentally friendly energy suppliers and American consumers agree that one of the best solutions to the energy crisis is wind power. Here’s why:

It’s renewable

Wind is a renewable energy source, meaning that it can be produced over and over again, never running out. The energy we currently get from fossil fuels, on the other hand, won’t last much longer. Wind energy will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, solving the problem of our ever-increasing demand for gas and petroleum products. Wind energy can also be produced right here in the U.S., make us less reliant on other countries for our power generation.

It’s better for the environment

Wind power produces green energy. It is the cleanest form of all renewable energy, creating absolutely no pollution. Fossil fuels emit harmful greenhouse gases, potentially causing climate change, but wind energy comes from the sun and does not release any toxic gas. Less pollution means a lower risk of disease for humans and damage to the environment.

It's cost-effective

The most substantial cost of producing wind energy comes from the installation of the turbines. However, the cost has decreased over the past few years, and when combined with solar power, wind provides cheap and reliable energy for both developed and developing countries. If you own a large plot of land, you can even earn some additional cash by installing wind turbines for agricultural purposes. State governments often provide interest-free loans or incentives on wind turbines. You can use the electricity generated for your own purposes, thus reducing your monthly utility bill. As a renewable energy supplier, your surplus energy will be sent back to the local grid.

More wind turbines are installed every year all across the globe, as energy suppliers discover the many benefits of using wind power. There’s no doubt that as the demand for electricity increases, so too will the prevalence of renewable energy.

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!

Beat the Summer Heat Without the Big Energy Bill

Americans look forward to summer vacation all year, but the warmer weather can also bring it's own set of challenges. The heat is great for a beach vacation, but it also makes the average energy bill go through the roof. Air conditioning represents the largest use of electricity in American homes, and that statistic is unlikely to change with the record high temperatures that the United States has already seen this year. Alternative energy companies encourage consumers to think differently about their power suppliers for environmental reasons, but there are also economic advantages involved.

Three Ways Homeowners can Slim Down Their Summer Electricity Bills:

Install a programmable thermostat

Even before alternative electricity suppliers become involved, homeowners can reduce their summer spending by installing and programming a smart thermostat. This appliance can maintain your desired room temperature to keep you comfortable. Heating and cooling systems will kick on and off as needed, rather than working continuously. 

Motivated homeowners can even set temperature changes according to time of day, so that their system isn't burning energy to keep the house cool while everyone is away at work. The result is an efficient heating and cooling system that expends less energy. Programmable thermostats save consumers an average of 10% on their yearly energy bills. 

Update your appliances

Alternative energy companies often suggest an energy audit, or an appliance-by-appliance look at where your home uses electricity. Out dated TVs and old refrigerators can be significant drains on your energy bank. It may be more cost effective to replace those appliances than to pay for their inefficiency. For instance, modern refrigerators are 60% less expensive than they were in 1975, and they use 75% less energy. 

This means you can abandon that weird ice cave in the back of the freezer and save. Heating and cooling systems are especially big drains, so think about your hot water heater, oven, and microwave in addition to your fridge. Updating appliances is a great way to slim your energy bill before you consider alternative energy companies.

Consider alternative power companies

The energy market is slowly shifting and becoming more competitive.  Previously, regulated markets meant that only one power provider supplied all aspects of a home's energy and the cost was controlled publicly. Deregulated markets allow companies to become innovative and compete to offer the best services for the best price. The deregulation of electricity markets isn't about making the power supply less controlled; it's about letting new technology improve the market. Look into your options and decide what's best for your energy needs. 

5 Questions to Ask Prospective Alternative Electricity Suppliers

Energy deregulation essentially breaks down the monopoly previously held by utility companies by separating power production from power distribution. Energy deregulation actually began in the 1970s, when the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) created a structure for independent power producers. But deregulation became much more widespread and viable after the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which eliminated restrictions on prices charged for wholesale electricity.

The reasoning behind choosing a different electricity generation company is fairly simple: If you live in an area where the electricity market is deregulated, then choosing an alternative home energy supplier could allow you to compare rates, products, services and then pick the best option for your needs while still receiving your power through the public utility as you always have. Actually choosing that supplier, however, can be a little more complex. Here are the five questions you should ask before signing a contract:

1. How Does Pricing and Fees Work?

There are two main pricing models used by suppliers. One is a fixed model, in which you pay a set price for electricity as long as your contract is in effect. The other is a variable or floating model, in which your price depends on several factors  for any given month. Some companies might use a hybrid between these two models. You should also ask about any fees you will pay on top of the cost of your actual energy usage.

2. What Contract Lengths Are Offered?

Before you sign anything, you should know if you are allowed to switch back to your previous supplier at any point or if you are required to stay under contract for a set length of time. You should also ask about the penalties should you want to get out of your contract early.

3. How Are the Two Aspects of Billing Handled?

Since deregulated energy markets split production and distribution into two services. In many cases you will continue to receive the same bill from your current public utility company, with the only thing that changes is the name of the delivery provider within that bill. But you should ensure that you will continue to receive only one electric bill and if not, understand how the new bill will be coming to you so no payments slip through the cracks.

4. How Do You Generate Your Electricity?

Each electric company has a slightly different profile in terms of how it generates its power. If you have strong feelings about sustainability or renewable options, then you will want to choose a supplier that shares your values in terms of green electricity generation. Remeber to ask about those power production methods and decide if they line up with your values.

5. When Will the Switchover Happen?

There will be no interruption in your service if you switch to an alternative electric supplier, but you will probably want to know for bookkeeping purposes when your new supplier anticipates the switchover occurring.  The switching time frame is controlled by state laws and/or regulations.  For example, some states allow switching to occur in a few days while other states have proceedures which may result in the switching taking up to 1 to 2 billing cycles. Do you have any questions about choosing alternative electricity suppliers, or about energy deregulation in general? Join the discussion in the comments.

Starion Energy, Inc. Announces Launch of Member Rewards Program

As of January, Starion Energy, Inc. began rolling out a rewards program that will offer customers discounts on various everyday services and products.

“The whole idea with the rewards program is to give people something extra for being our energy customers,” said Marketing Director Duane Gereski. “We want to offer our customers incentives and go above and beyond to see if we can save them more in their everyday life."

The program, called Starion Rewards, is a free, online member rewards program for Starion Energy Customers. The company successfully tested a pilot version in 2014, and has now announced a full launch. Starion Energy, Inc. is an alternative energy supplier in deregulated markets across 10 states. Starion Rewards will be offered to new customers, in most markets, who provide valid email addresses through the company’s telemarketing channel.

The program offers up to $1,200 in rewards per year in areas such as travel, shopping and dining; members can even receive grocery discounts. Plus, enrollees who remain an active Starion Energy customer for six months will also be eligible for an additional $100 shopping rebate from one of their favorite stores (or a choice of five other items). Active Starion customers can even continue to receive free milestone gifts as long as they are in the program. It's simple; the longer a customer stays with Starion Energy, the more they can save with Starion Rewards.

Gereski said Starion Rewards is designed to appeal to many customers across multiple states. “We wanted the rewards program to be customizable so it would be able to affect different consumer’s needs,” he explained. “If you are single, married, or have a family, it doesn't matter because Starion Rewards has benefits that we hope can appeal to your lifestyle."

More information about the program can be found at http://www.StarionRewards.com. “Qualified Starion Rewards customers choose the benefits that they want to use, when they want to use them,” Gereski commented. “It’s a totally free program and our way of saying, thank you for being a Starion Energy customer.”

About Starion Energy, Inc.

Starion Energy Inc. serves both commercial and residential customers, helping consumers find their ideal contracts and rates, and their coverage area spans 10 states throughout the U.S. To learn more about their services, visit starionenergy.com