3 Reasons Why Your Business Can't Do Without Renewable Energy

Businesses and individuals around the world are expected to spend $2.9 billion on renewable energy by 2025. That is a far cry from 150 years ago when 90% of the country's energy needs were satisfied purely by wood sources.

Sustainable power is a topic that continues to receive much attention as the plight of our planet comes into focus. At the same time, power costs for businesses keep spiraling upwards and putting pressure on the profit margins. Consequently, corporations are turning to the existing renewable energy types as a means of acquiring cost friendlier power.

The following are some meaningful benefits you can realize by adopting renewable energy today.

1. Lower Energy Bills

Every business exists to be an efficient entity and as such, keeping the energy bills as low as possible is always a welcome (and sometimes mission-critical) initiative. Using green energy, firms can garner attractive energy savings by utilizing the most suitable option out of the existing renewable energy types today.

Wind turbines utilize freely available wind power to convert the kinetic energy available in the wind into mechanical power. The mechanical power then gets converted to electricity by the use of a generator.

For businesses located near water bodies, hydroelectric power is the most convenient of the existing renewable energy types for generating cheaper electricity. All such a firm has to do is to store the water, and as the need dictates, run it through angled pipes. These pipes increase the speed at which the water flows, ultimately powering a generator that then produces the electricity.

Solar power is the most popular form of green energy, and for many enterprises, also the most flexible option. By using solar panels, you can turn the sun's energy into thermal or electrical energy.

Geothermal power is a fast-growing source of green energy that companies in suitable areas can tap to lower their power costs. Geothermal stations convert the energy stored in the underground heated water into electricity for company use.

2. Reliable Operations

Whenever there is a power outage, your company encounters loses due to unrealized productivity. Many companies are now pursuing a mixed electricity generation model in a bid to cut down on their annual downtimes and the resultant loss.

These companies rely on the grid to help them meet their power needs while co-generating at the same time. Thus, should the electricity supplier experience an outage the business can immediately switch to the most suitable of the available renewable energy types and stabilize operations.

3. Boost Your Reputation

Today's business environment includes customers who pay attention to your company's values. One issue that is increasingly growing in popularity in the business world is sustainability. When people buy items today, they want to know that they are supporting a firm that is working to conserve the planet and not plunder it.

According to a 52-week Nielsen study on consumer goods purchases, brands with sustainable products sold 3% more. Such data has not gone unnoticed by investors as they seek to move with market sentiment.

An increasing number of financiers are now looking at how companies plan to deliver value on the 'triple bottom line' approach. The triple bottom line approach involves your financial returns, your firm's social contribution, and its environmental conservation efforts.

Using green energy in your operations is a meaningful way to differentiate your products and services in the market which can drive or sustain your sales. In an age where your marketplace is interconnected, it pays to have customers advocate for your brand due to your adoption of green energy which can have a positive lift on your returns.

Furthermore, if you plan to embark on any fundraising activities, investors will count your reputation as a firm that uses green energy as a plus during negotiations.

Tap into the Benefits of Renewable Energy

Concern for the planet's survival and the ever-rising traditional power prices are swirling to create the perfect storm for businesses. Thus, companies are turning to present-day renewable energy types as a way to get cost-effective electricity while also gaining a reputation for being sustainable.

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.

Surprising Ways to Save Energy This Summer: Tips For Families

Summertime's soaring temperatures might be a welcome relief from the frigid winter -- but they aren't always good news. Although the sky stays lighter later, our bills tend to spike during the summer months due to air conditioner use. But conserving energy (and lowering your bills) might be easier than you think. Here are some ways to save energy that you might never have considered.

• Fill up the fridge: Every time you open your refrigerator or freezer, the warm air rushes in and quickly replaces the cool air inside. That means your fridge needs to use more power to get those temperatures back down. Of course, this is why you should keep those doors closed (and never stand in front of them, deep in thought!) whenever possible. But it also helps if you don't have a lot of empty space, as that can allow more warm air to find its way in. This isn't to say that you should fill your fridge with food that will only spoil; that's a waste of money and resources, for sure. But it'll help if you can pack your freezer tightly with items you know your family will consume and that you keep extra bottles of water in your fridge to take up space. As long as these items won't go to waste, this can help with your conservation efforts.

• Plant a tree (or several): The landscaping on your property can actually help you save electricity, providing you put some thought into it. By strategically planting trees around your home and even surrounding your air conditioner, you can provide some additional shade and thereby reduce the heat that gets into your home. Plus, the shade from trees can conserve up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions every year! You'll need to keep the position of your property in mind to make the most of this. Be sure to consult with a professional landscaper to ensure your chosen trees will block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

• Take a cool, short shower: A short shower is typically better than a long bath in terms of water waste. And a cool shower definitely snags the top spot for saving energy. When it's already hot outside, taking a cool shower can feel like sweet relief. But it can also do wonders for your pocket book and your conservation goals! Your hot water heater won't have to work nearly as hard, which means you'll save money and reduce your energy use. Since the water is cooler, you probably won't want to take a long shower anyway, which will save you more on your water bills.

• Use fans thoughtfully: You might assume that switching on a ceiling fan doesn't allow you to save electricity. But actually, it's much more energy efficient than relying on your central cooling system. In fact, you'll actually be able to raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees and still stay comfortable, since your ceiling fan will help keep you cool. Just remember to turn off those fans once you leave the room you're in. The fan cools you, not the room, which means it's not beneficial to keep it on when no one's home.
• Switch up your cooking routine: Baking can be cozy in winter, but you'll want to avoid it in summer if you want to keep your home cool. Instead, use a microwave, a solar cooker, an outdoor propane grill, or a halogen oven. These methods are generally more efficient and will keep your home a lot cooler. No one wants to slave over a hot stove on a hot day! You may even want to adopt some elements of a raw diet for the summer, which will keep temperatures cooler and can allow your body to absorb even more nutrients. The more bearable you can make your kitchen, the happier you'll be (and the lower bills won't hurt, either).

We hope these tips will help you reach your green goals this summer and will make your family feel much more comfortable when at home. To find out more about reducing your energy use, please contact us 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.

Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Create a Sustainable Home

While there are plenty of ways to save energy in your home, going green can actually be more expensive. Buying green cleaning products and investing in energy saving initiates can sometimes turn people off because of their prices, despite being an investment into the home's energy costs down the line.

However, there are plenty of ways to save on energy costs in your home. Follow some of these tips and tricks and your wallet will thank you!

Make sure to turn off all electronics when you are done using them. Even if they are turned off they can still be sucking energy from your home, so simply turn them all the way off when you're done. This includes your computer, your television, and your microwave.

Install a programmable thermostat. Doing so will save you up to 10% on cooling and heating costs as you'll be able to plan exactly when your home will use its energy efficiently.
Ditch your newspaper and magazine subscriptions -- you'll be able to read them online for a similar price but save loads of paper in the process.
Get rid of your paper towels and invest in cloth. It may take some time getting used to, but you'll be shocked at the amount of paper you use every day that just goes into the trash!
Time your showers. Play your favorite song and see if you can get in and out by the time it is done.
Buy a lunch box instead of using plastic bags every day. Not only will you reduce your plastic consumption, you'll be inspired to pack your lunch every day because of your nice new bag.
Contact your utility provider as they may have some sustainable energy options for you to try out including solar, wind, and geothermal.
Put a recycling bin on every level of your home so there is no excuse for your family not to recycle.
Pay all of your bills online. Less paper equals less energy used overall -- and direct deposit means you won't have to worry about a thing!

These simple tips and tricks will go far when it comes to investing in taking care of Mother Nature.

Keep the Energy in! Three Different Types of Energy Saving Windows

We're always looking for ways to conserve energy and lower utility costs in our homes. Not only that, but we want every dollar to go towards keeping us warm and cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. One of the solutions we don't typically consider has to do with our windows. We know we can shut them and keep the heat in, but not many of us know there's a way to go beyond that to save on energy costs even more.

It was easy about 150 years ago for wood to supply nearly 90% of the nation's energy, keeping costs down nice and low. In the modern age, that just isn't feasible. However, when you consider switching to energy saving windows, you may be able to cut down your personal energy costs. Here are three treatments you can give to your windows to save on your next energy bill.

Triple Glazed Vinyl
Using triple glazed vinyl windows is an excellent way to save energy inside your home. Not only do they keep the heat in, but they actually draw in solar energy from outside to lock into your house as well. These energy saving windows are well-made and strong, keeping your house warm during cold weather and cool during hot weather. They provide top of the line energy conservation for your home.

Gas-Filled Windows
While this concept of gas trapped between glass panel windows may seem odd to people, these treatments make energy savings go through the roof. The gases used are either argon, xenon, or krypton, and they are sealed between the panes to prevent condensation. These windows are excellent when it comes to storing energy, though their costs might vary depending on what type of gas is used.

Triple Glazed Wood Frame
Similar to triple glazed vinyl and gas-filled windows, the wood is treated to prevent any excess energy from leaving the house and costing you more money. Also, wood frames tend to have a lot more character, and you can never go wrong with an attractive wooden frame.

No one wants to find out their well-earned cash is flying out the window. If you're trying to find some new ways to save a couple extra bucks this season, give energy saving windows a shot and see if you like them.

Costa Rica Runs Almost Exclusively on Green Energy -- Why Don't We?

While many companies around the world are making a conscious effort to use fewer fossil fuels, finding available alternative forms of energy has proved difficult.
But while companies struggle to transition to green energy in 2016, an entire country nearly succeeded in doing so.

Costa Rica reported ran its entire country on exclusively renewable energy for 250 days last year, according to the country's power operator. Its main power source -- hydropower -- is driven by the country's heavy seasonal rains as well as the power of the surrounding rivers. In all, hydropower provided 98.1% of all energy to the country. The remaining 1.9% was provided by fossil fuels. Shockingly, Costa Rica was even greener in 2015, when 98.9% of the country's energy usage was generated by renewable sources.

So what makes Costa Rica such an energy conservation haven? Firstly, its population is only about 4.9 million people, which is about 65 times smaller than that of the United States. According to energy data, it also generates 373 times less energy than the U.S. does.

Costa Rica's economy is far from industrial. It has a much stronger agricultural and tourism focus. Even if the populations of Costa Rica and the U.S. were rationalized, the U.S. would still generate far more energy to power manufacturing plants, office buildings, schools, homes, and more.
On Dec. 23, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that between January and October 2016, hydropower, wind, and solar generated 15% of the country's energy supply, a 5% increase from the year before. Two-thirds more of our energy was generated by natural gas and coal, and the remainder was generated by nuclear energy.

But green energy companies are plentiful in the United States. Our problem isn't a lack of energy generation, but rather that the American people don't have enough choices for energy sources.
In many areas of the country, there is only once choice for energy utilities, meaning that many residents don't even have the option of choosing a green energy company to provide heat or electricity.

Energy deregulation provides a freedom of choice when it comes to energy sources. Starion Energy is a green energy company you can feel good about using. Check to see what sort of energy we can provide in your area!

Citation: http://mashable.com/2017/01/01/costa-rica-renewable-energy-2016/#Xk.Xb_MEtOq3

Help Your Business, Help the Planet: 3 Ways to Conserve Energy at the Office

You’ve been trying to save on energy costs at home by being just a little more conscious of your carbon footprint. But energy conservation doesn’t have to stop at your front door. You can bring your green lifestyle into your business to save your company money and help the environment. Here are just a few ways to practice energy reduction at work.

Unplug
From the computers, to the printers, to the coffee pot in the break room, you probably use a lot of electronics in your office. Why leave them running overnight when no one is around to use them? At the end of each work day, simply power down your computers, unplug the microwaves, and shut off all the power strips. To save up to 10% on heating and cooling, install a programmable thermostat that manages the heating and cooling system when you’re not there. The energy drain from these machines and systems could be costing your business a significant amount of money every year.

Replace aging appliances
Advances in green energy technology have brought us more energy-efficient appliances and machines. So, when it comes time to replace your old microwave or refrigerator, choose an item with an Energy Star sticker. You’ll find that they have a longer lifespan and help you save on energy costs.

Switch to renewable energy
It may be a big investment, but over time the ROI can be worth it when you switch to an energy provider that uses renewable energy like solar or wind energy. Renewable energy is a growing movement for its eco-friendly nature and cost-efficiency. Last year, roughly 10% of all U.S. energy consumption came from renewable sources like wind and solar, and that percentage is constantly increasing.

When you go green at the office, you save money while saving the planet. There’s no good reason not to limit your carbon footprint both at home and at work, you can start taking baby steps to conserve energy today.

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.

Summer is upon us and it's going to be a hot one! Before you crank up your AC, take a look at these simple tips for conserving energy this season.

Six Ways to Conserve Energy:

Use a Programmable Thermostat: Did you know that the largest use of electricity in the United States’ residential sector is air conditioning? AC accounts for 19% of electricity use in homes. However, you can save approximately 10% every year on heating and cooling costs simply by using a programmable thermostat.

Replace your HVAC Filters: When an HVAC system is not functioning properly, it must work even harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Replacing the filters is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your system running smoothly. Some energy companies and power suppliers offer incentives for installing high-efficiency systems, so talk to your electric company.

Keep it Shady: Your house doesn't have to be a dark cave, but too much sunlight will heat up your living space quickly. Insulated drapes and blinds will keep the sun at bay, preventing the interior of your home from becoming an oven. This way, you won’t have to crank up the AC at all times.

Use Cold Water/Limit Hot Water Usage: Heating water accounts for up to 18% of a home’s utility bills. You can save energy just by washing your clothes in cold water and cutting down your shower time.

Air Dry Laundry and Dishes: Rather than wasting energy on machine-drying clean clothes and dishes, hang your laundry on a line or drying rack and allow your dishes to dry on their own.

Unplug Chargers and Other Devices: Some chargers and other electronic devices continue to draw power even when they are not in use. Always unplug anything that does not need electrical power at that very moment.

We use a lot more electricity than we realize these days. In fact, U.S. electricity use in 2013 was more than 13 times higher than electricity use in the year 1950.  Fortunately, those who live in deregulated energy markets have options. 

The deregulation of electricity markets gives consumers a choice of energy suppliers. Deregulated energy markets can motivate suppliers to help offer competitive prices and can also allow for the institution of renewable energy companies that provide green energy products. As a result, consumers can help cut costs and do their part to improve the environment, especially during the hot summer months.

Green Energy Gets Smart

It was so many decades ago that there were approximately 2.5 billion people on the planet, and of that number, approximately 152 million lived in the United States. Citizens of the U.S. expected a strong power supply to keep their refrigerators cold, their air conditioners humming and their radios and TVs going. The power infrastructure was expected to accommodate the constant ebb and flow of energy consumers on-again, off-again mindset, and the power companies understood that they had to move quickly to fulfill that demand as well as grow to meet the coming demand. 

Since then, the U.S. population has grown to approximately 320 million, and the amount of electricity use has also grown greatly even as a plethora of companies have and continue to conceive and improve consumer goods requiring electricity. In 2013, American energy consumption was measured to have been more than 13 times greater than what was used in 1950. The power grid has grown as well, and while it sometimes has some hiccups, the huge consumer and commercial use it maintains is constantly being improved. 

The amount of electricity consumption in the U.S. will give one a jolt: in 2014 alone, about 3.8 billion kilowatt hours were used to power American residential, commercial, industrial and transportation. The load this puts on power companies is significant, of course, and 36% of the use was consumed by residential use. As such, this is where much of the advancement in power use, savings and measurement may be found. 

Within the residential use of electricity, power companies have determined that most of that use is for heating, lighting and air conditioning. Nearly as much as those three are refrigeration and some appliances (such as TVs and other entertainment equipment) account for a significant amount of the electricity consumed. It has also been determined that somewhere around 40% of the electricity goes to laundry appliances (primarily clothes washers and dryers) as well as computers and computer peripherals. Nevertheless, advancements in appliances’ use of power continues to be a focus. These days, the average American refrigerator is 20% larger but costs 60% less than those sold in 1975, and it uses about three-quarters less energy. 

In the commercial sector, the single biggest use of electricity is for lighting. This amount of lighting covered is so vast as to seem invisible to us until we think about how our world would be if lighting were cut off. Street lights, parking lots, the bright exterior lights on buildings and the significant amount of lighting required to keep stores, offices and parks well-lit. Even small, seemingly little-used spaces require constant lighting: elevators, closets, walk-in freezers, dressing rooms, stairwells, underground parking lots and bathrooms are all examples of places that we each use but a few minutes of the day but because of safety reasons require near-constant and bright lighting. In time, alternative electricity for your business will be a big part of the typical business plan. 

Despite the great use of power in America, it is not constantly being increased in large amounts. Improvements in the efficiency of appliances, economic downturns and consumers’ careful use of energy consumption has contributed to a slight decline of power between 2008 and 2014. Smart meters are one aspect that helps power companies to understand when consumers’ power demands are at the highest, lowest and between the two. Approximately 50 million smart meters have been installed in U.S. homes, a figure which represents perhaps 43% of American homes overall. Smart meters also cut down on the energy required to read meters, which is significant when one thinks of the fuel, manpower and vehicle maintenance needed for power companies to get this done. 

Alternative power companies have entered the field over the last few decades and continue to improve market share as well as contribute to energy savings via green energy appliances, programmable thermostats, housing improvements and smart meters. There will also be newer and more easily acquired alternative energy sources that will allow consumers to choose energy sources that best fit their lifestyles.

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.

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.

20-Year Study Shows Benefits of Energy Deregulation

Given that U.S. electricity use had, by 2013, gone up by 13 times since 1950, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the average American household now uses 903 kilowatt hours of electricity each month -- and pays $107 to the electric company for each bill. And while there are some measures you can take to lower your bills (installing a programmable thermostat, for example, can help you save about 10% on heating and cooling costs), it may seem like the larger market that sets prices on electricity is out of your control. But that’s not precisely true: You can help yourself and other consumers in the long run by supporting deregulated energy markets.

New analysis of nearly 20 years’ worth of data has shown that consumers see benefits in price, investment and reliability when markets are deregulated, meaning that the method of power generation are separated from the companies that distribute that energy. Those benefits of energy deregulation are detailed in a study sponsored by the COMPETE Coalition and released in July.

“In a compelling example of what Justice Louis Brandeis termed states serving as laboratories of democracy, for nearly two decades, two retail electricity models, choice and monopoly, have operated in parallel allowing reliable comparison of the two models on key indicators,” COMPETE Counsel William Massey explained in a news release. “The data demonstrate that customer choice jurisdictions that steadily adapted and expanded retail choice out-perform, or at least compare favorably with, the states that have so far rejected broad-based customer market access.”

Here are some of the key points of the study, broken down:

- Between 1997 and 2014, prices in markets where consumers could choose their energy suppliers rose by 4.5% less than inflation; prices in monopoly states, on the other hand, rose by 8.4% more than inflation.

- In states with utility monopolies, electricity accounted for a bigger portion of consumer cost of living in 2014 than it did in 1997; the opposite was true for states where energy deregulation was implemented.

- Power generation in states offering customers energy choices produced energy more efficiently and at higher capacities than power generation monopoly states.

“It has been nearly two decades with workably competitive electricity markets in 13 states and the District of Columbia, and we can no longer ignore the facts,” commented Robert Powelson, commissioner and former chair of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. “Customer choice works for electricity consumers and businesses, helping to drive down prices and attract billions of dollars of investment in new, more efficient generation.”

The full study, “Evolution of the Revolution: The Sustained Success of Retail Electricity Competition,” is available for download by the public online. Did you know about the potential energy savings associated with energy deregulation? Share your reaction to the new study in the comments.

3 Steps to Conserve Energy in Your Home

It seems as if we see the terms 'green energy' and 'renewable energy' everywhere these days, but how much of a role can you play in those goals as a homeowner? The answer is, you can play a pretty sizable one! Not only would you be helping out the environment by following steps to minimize your Eco-footprint, but also you can actually benefit from it in terms of money saved. There are five main tips to follow when you decide that energy conservation is something you want to take part in:

Talk to your electricity provider.

Many energy suppliers and electricity providers now take their own measures to conserve energy, and you should first check to see if yours is one of them. If yours does not take action on their own, you can consider planning your own energy conservation accordingly.

Account for what you use.

Chances are, you aren't cataloging where you're using energy in a typical day. In order to figure out where you can conserve energy, you should first take a few days to a week and make a list of where you're using energy and for how long. You may be surprised to see how long you leave the TV on when you're not watching it, or how much energy you could save by shutting your computer down every once in a while.

Conserve!

Now you're ready to cut down on your energy use. Electricity providers say that you can save almost 10% on your heating and cooling just by using a programmable thermostat. Or, you can take shorter, cooler showers and save 14 to 18% on water heating costs. Throughout the summer, look for air conditioning alternatives -- it could save you about 19%.

Don't forget: even the smallest things add up! Start saving energy and money now!

The Information That Could Cause You to Have a Light Bulb Moment About Light Bulbs

The bad news is that the average American household currently uses 903 kilowatt hours of electricity each month, costing $107 each time a bill comes due. The good news, however, is that Americans are getting smarter both about how they use energy and how they get it. Electricity companies have now installed smart meters at 50 million homes across the U.S., allowing 43% of those households to track their weekly electricity use; people are figuring out that simple steps such as installing programmable thermostats can save them 10% on their climate-related energy costs; and residents in deregulated energy markets are seeing that switching to alternative electricity suppliers can save them quite a bit in the long run.

In fact, many energy solutions are incredibly simple from a homeowner’s point of view. If you’re looking for an easy way to cut down on your bills and do your part for energy conservation today, you need look no further than your light bulbs. There are three basic energy-efficient types to consider:

Halogen Incandescent Bulbs

These are a variation on the normal incandescents you’re probably used to, and they come in a wide range of colors to give whatever effect you’re going for. A halogen incandescent has an interior capsule that holds gas around the filament to make it more efficient, and indeed these used to be one of the more efficient options available. But now, while halogen bulbs still meet federal energy efficiency standards, you probably have better options to meet your needs. If you do choose halogen bulbs, keep in mind that you should never change them with bare hands; a small amount of oil on the bulb can cause it to burn too hot and explode.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

You’ve probably seen some of these twisted bulbs, even if you didn’t recognize the technology behind them. They’re versions of the long, straight tube lighting often used in industrial settings, but now come in more colors to mimic the soft light of incandescent bulbs. Here’s why you should care about them: They use only a quarter of the energy traditional bulbs do, and last 10 times as long. That means they normally pay for themselves in around nine months. When they finally do burn out, remember that they contain trace amounts of mercury, and need to be recycled rather than just being tossed in the trash.

Light-Emitting Diode Bulbs

These up-and-coming energy solutions use light-emitting diodes, or LEDs -- the same technology behind high-end televisions and other electronics. They work using semiconductors that convert electrical energy into light, but what you really need to know is that they use only between 20% and 25% of the energy traditional bulbs do and last 25 times as long. They’re currently a bit expensive, so they’ll take longer to pay for themselves, but prices should come down as the market for them grows.

What other simple energy solutions can lead to major energy savings? Share your ideas in the comments.