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.

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.

What Happens to Solar Power During an Eclipse?

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On August 21st, 2017, the United States will see its first full solar eclipse in a generation. While solar eclipses are an exciting time for parents and small children, who experience them with wonder, they can also pose a number of difficulties.

Utility suppliers and anyone working at a green energy company in California are particularly inconvenienced by the eclipse. According to California's grid operator, the net demand for energy will rise by 6,000 megawatts as the solar output collapses -- that's roughly the equivalent to the power needs of Los Angeles. 

While renewable energy is growing in popularity in the United States -- with more than 13% of energy generation coming from renewable sources -- it will take time for utility suppliers to learn all of the subtle challenges inherent in every energy source.

For instance, hydropower can be susceptible to both drought and flooding, whereas oil is dependent on large economic costs and dangerous working conditions. 

While solar power is necessarily variable thanks to its dependence on clear skies, this total lack of energy generating ability comes at a high cost. According to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the amount of lost energy generation could amount to 70 megawatts per minute. 

There is also the challenge of the rapid decline and reintroduction of the solar light, which is significantly more than would naturally be experienced.

In order to compensate for the loss, energy providers are taking steps to prepare themselves. The first step is to set aside energy reserves to be used during the eclipse. The second is looking for ways to maximize the hydroelectric generation. 

One small blessing, according to Amber Motley, manager of CAISO, is the timing of the eclipse, which comes after a historically rainy winter season. 

3 Ways You Can Afford Solar Energy

Solar energy has long been considered one of the cleanest, least invasive form of sustainable energy available to us. Yet as of 2016, only 1% of energy produced by U.S. electric suppliers is generated by solar power. However, even that small percentage provides major benefits, including reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions by 35 million tons.
But if solar energy is such a great source of clean power, why don't more electric suppliers utilize it? Simple. The cost.

Solar energy can be expensive in the short term. In fact, that is the primary reason most homeowners choose traditional electric suppliers over this green energy option.
But the news isn't all bad. As more and more Americans realize the importance of renewable energy sources, solar and other forms of green energy are becoming much more accessible.
If you're considering investing in solar energy suppliers but are concerned about the cost, here are three different ways to make solar power more affordable.

Purchasing
Even though the prices of solar panels themselves are dropping like a rock, solar installation for a single home can cost tens of thousands of dollars. While the costs for solar paneling is restrictive for some homeowners, there are programs that help to make owning and installing your own solar panels more affordable. The largest is the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which offers a 30% rebate.

There are also a number of financing options that can help you spread the cost of owning your own solar panels out over the equipment's lifetime. Just like you make payments on your car loan or mortgage, these options let you invest in the future of green energy.

Leasing
If the upfront cost of installation is too high, you can consider leasing solar panels. While leasing does not qualify you for the same tax credit, it allows you to have access to clean, renewable energy at an affordable price.
Another perk of leasing your solar panels is that all maintenance is the responsibility of the company who is leasing you the panels. If you are uncomfortable with technology, and would prefer someone else maintain your equipment, this option might be for you.
This is a particularly attractive option for people who own several acres or more of unused property, which may be prime real estate for a solar array.

Solar Gardens
Solar Gardens are a popular option for groups of people who might not be able to afford solar on their own. In this co-op model, individual landowners, small towns, and municipalities pool their resources and invest in community-based solar harvesting equipment. An outgrowth of the cooperative culture, these gardens are especially effective for people who might not be able to afford their own solar panels, or who are prevented by trees or building limitations, like many renters and urban apartment dwellers.

Typically, a Solar Garden will work on a credit basis, meaning that the members of the solar garden will receive credits for their share the electricity produced at the garden, which will be deducted from their electric supplier bill.

Solar Energy is not as difficult to harvest as it has been in the past. And, hopefully, in the next decade we will see it become even more accessible to a wider range of people.  

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!

Looking to Shrink your Energy Bill this Season? Here’s some ideas.

It can be the center-piece to your living room and all, yet all things considered, your fireplace is not efficient —and quite frankly— it’s wasteful. As indicated by the Department of Energy, a lit fireplace sucks around 24,000 cubic feet of heater warmed air up the smokestack every hour. On top of it: It's replaced by frosty air that comes the other way through the same opening, making your furnace work overtime to keep your home toasty. Still, we love assembling round the hearth as much as anyone else. Remember to turn the thermostat down a little when you utilize it. Also, open a window in the room a little where the fireplace is and shut the doors to the room so it doesn't suck any excessive amount of warm air from whatever is left in the house. Also, make sure to close your damper when it's not being used.

Regular maintenance on your heating system will pay you back (with efficiency). Sediment builds up, dusty or ineffectively greased up fans, glimmering pilot lights, and free fan belts can add hundreds to your warming costs every year. Getting your heater tuned up consistently by a HVAC technician can do wonders for both your wallet and your general solace. Natural gas–powered frameworks ought to be tuned-up roughly every 2-3 years, while oil-lit units require a tune-up each year, since they burn differently. To make your furnace work more effectively, keep warmed air from spilling into your attics or closets via fixing ventilation work with mastic pipe sealant—a nontoxic, paint-on material—or foil-backed tape. Doing so will lessen your home's air leaks and could save you money on heat bills.

Speaking of attic space, adding insulation does a lot more than just make you itchy. The Department of Energy says you can lessen your heating and cooling needs by 30 percent just by including a couple of hundred bucks of new insulation. This is particularly true if your home is over 25 years of age, from the time before construction regulations turned out to be more aware of energy efficiency. We tend to concentrate on the attic, but at the same time it's smart to assess how much you have in crawl spaces, roofs, walls, and around recessed lighting installations (simply ensure those fixtures are intended for direct insulation contact). Look to see the R-Value is ideal for the cold weather. For the most part, R-values ought to be running between R-22 and R-49 in the attic, less in different areas.

Have any tips or tricks you use to keep your home warm? Share your comments below.

3 Great Alternative Energy Sources for Your Home

If you haven't heard, deregulated energy markets are currently sweeping the nation, affording homeowners and businesses the option to choose how they get their power and where it comes from. The deregulation of electricity markets has eliminated the monopoly of municipal entities, giving you more freedom than ever when it comes to your power suppliers. 

The average American home currently used 903 kilowatt hours per month, which results in a bill of $107. You can drastically reduce these monthly  costs by switching to alternative energy sources that both save you money as well as reduce your environmental footprint. Here are three of the best alternative energy sources that you should be considering for your home or business: 

• Solar power. U.S. electricity use in 2013 was a whopping 13 times greater than it was in 1950, and the introduction of solar energy is one of the major reasons that statistic is falling by the year. Alternative electricity companies that offer solar power now have the means to provide affordable solar panels for both homes and businesses due to the decreased costs of the materials used to create them. Since the market was deregulated, you can now even finance or lease solar panels. There has never been a better time to invest in this revolutionary technology. 

• Wind power. One of the oldest and most trusted alternative energy sources on the planet, wind power is making a major comeback since deregulated energy markets began to surface. If you live on at least one acre of land with strong wind resources, you absolutely must consider the benefits of wind power for your home. Conservation groups across the nation continue to support initiatives that lower the cost of wind power systems, and you can save about 90% on your monthly bills once your system is correctly installed. 

• Hydropower. Many homes and businesses are already located in an area that supports hydropower, and the recent deregulation of electricity has now made it possible to utilize this natural resource. One of the largest sources of hydropower in the U.S., the Hoover Dam, is a perfect example of just how inexpensive this technology is. The electricity generated from the Hoover Dam sells as a wholesale price of just 1.6 cents per kilowatt hour, which is exponentially cheaper than most other energy sources. As an added bonus, hydropower is naturally-produced and has almost zero effect on the environment.

Get in touch with alternative electricity suppliers in your area to see what types of alternative energy sources are available for your home or business. The way electricity is used in the U.S. will continue to evolve with each passing year, and you can be one of the first to take advantage of these breakthrough technologies.

The Deregulation of Electricity Markets: A Brief History

Today, 17 states across the nation have varying degrees of deregulated energy markets. In the future, that number is only likely to grow. 

Why is the deregulation of electricity markets such a big deal, and why is it only a relatively recent occurrence? Learn about the history of energy industry deregulation with this quick timeline. 

1935: The Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA)

Congress passed PUHCA during the Great Depression era as part of Franklin Roosevelt's widespread trust-busting campaign. Back then, eight utility companies controlled 73% of the country's electrical grid. The act limited the geographic reach and scope of energy suppliers by putting them under state-by-state regulation.

1978: Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act

This act came as part of the 1978 National Energy Act, which itself was a response to the energy crisis of 1973. In an attempt to promote domestic and renewable energy companies along with consumer-based conservation initiatives, this act enabled non-utility generator companies to produce power -- a small first step towards eventual deregulation.

1992: National Energy Policy Act

The deregulation of electricity markets took another step forward in 1992 with a congressional reform of PUHCA. This act expanded the choices for utility companies in sourcing their energy, which aimed to help smaller utility companies compete with larger ones.

1996: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order 888

By 1995, electricity delivery cost from investor-owned utilities averaged seven cents per kilowatt hour; two-thirds of that cost came from electron generation itself. Order 888 from FERC allowed for open competition between energy providers in hopes to drive down energy costs, though jurisdiction still ultimately fell to individual state regulation.

2005: Energy Policy Act

This act finally repealed 1935's PUHCA, which seemed no longer relevant to many. Today, electron generation makes up less than half of the costs of electricity, and open market competition, thanks to the deregulation of electricity markets, continues to have an impact on consumer price, choice, and freedom.

When it comes to the most efficient and cost-effective method of providing your home with energy, the long process of deregulation has only just begun. Find out if your state allows for consumer choice in deregulated energy markets and consider your options today.

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.

3 Great Ways That Deregulated Electricity Can Change The Lives Of Americans

For the better part of a century, electricity was strictly governed by municipal entities. These days, deregulated electricity is beginning to change the way that Americans view their home's power, and power suppliers are being forced to adjust to the changing times. 

Deregulated electricity is available in certain parts of North America, and it allows for competitive energy suppliers to offer their products to homeowners and businesses. You are no longer restricted with whatever plan is offered in your city. Here are just three of the many benefits to deregulated electricity, and how it's helping to evolve the nation: 

Make your own choice: The deregulation of electricity markets has truly changed the industry, allowing for smaller companies with innovative ideas to spread their wings and gain exposure on a national scale.  In many states, as the owner of a home or business, you now have the intrinsic right to decide who and where you get your electricity from. 

Save money: The new products and techniques being used by these alternative energy companies can result in lower bills for homeowners and businesses alike. The Edison Electric Institute says that the cost of generating electrons for renewable energy accounts for less than half the price of normal electricity. Increased monthly electricity bills can be mainly attributed to the widespread usage of smartphones, tablets, and other devices that need to be charged in order to operate. Electricity use in the U.S. was a whopping 13 times higher in 2013 than it was in 1950. You simply cannot afford to keep spending hundreds of dollars a month on a service that will only continue to grow in importance as the years pass.

Embrace the future: Deregulated electricity has opened the door for more Americans to be exposed to the many benefits of alternative energy sources. The way we produce and use electricity in 2015 will be in stark contrast to the way it is done in 2025, and there are great alternative energies working to perfect their product for a mainstream audience. There is also new technology, incentives, and reward programs being used by many of these deregulated companies that is designed to help save you money.

Be sure to explore deregulated electricity now and join the alternative energy revolution. It will only continue to grow, and you can be one of the first to be a part of this burgeoning industry.