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.

What You Should Know About Your Energy Options

Electricity deregulation is a powerful concept that allows consumers to buy their energy from alternative electricity suppliers and still have their power delivered through the regular utility company. More and more areas have deregulated their electrical energy markets in the past two decades (primarily in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Texas), and some states have partial or suspended deregulation (such as California). One of the most powerful arguments for deregulation is that energy rates in many deregulated markets have fallen significantly more than rates in regulated markets since 2008. A benefit consumers get from a deregulated system is that they can choose suppliers that share their values in terms of green electricity generation. But in order to make good choices, it’s important to know what the major sources of electricity in the United States are. Here’s a simple summary of some of the most important players: Coal PowerA significant amount of power generation in the U.S. comes from the burning of coal; as of 2013, coal made up about 39% of the country’s electricity production, and 90% of domestically mined coal is purchased by utility companies for this purpose. However, there are numerous environmental concerns regarding coal, and the Environmental Protection Agency has placed restrictions on coal plants due to their carbon emissions and mercury pollution. Nuclear PowerAs of 2013, nuclear power plants generated 19.4% of the country’s electricity, and the U.S. is the largest supplier of commercial nuclear power worldwide. The environmental impact of nuclear energy is generally considered to be mixed; nuclear power plants are low in emissions, but nuclear waste can cause serious problems if not properly disposed of. Wind PowerWind power accounts for a much smaller portion of the current energy market, but is rapidly growing. In the year preceding August 2014, wind energy made up 4.33% of generated electrical energy. The greatest upside of wind-generated electricity, of course, is that wind is a renewable energy source. The only major environmental concern associated with it is unintentional bird and bat deaths caused by wind turbines. Solar PowerSome homeowners may be embracing solar panels on their properties, but the implementation of utility-scale solar power is much lower in profile. In the year leading up to October 2014, only 0.43% of the country’s energy was produced in utility-scale solar power plants. How would you prefer to have your power produced? Share your thoughts on these energy options in the comments.

New Study Finds Customers Prefer Deregulated Energy Markets

According to EnergyManagerToday.com, the study, which was released on March 2nd, found that consumers in deregulated energy environments are significantly more engaged, and ultimately more satisfied, with their energy suppliers. One of the recurring themes was that electricity and energy suppliers in deregulated market “had a far better reputation than those in regulated markets.” 

In a study that surveyed over 1,000 U.S. utility ratepayers, about 68% of those in deregulated markets said they were satisfied with their providers, compared to just 51% in regulated markets. 

Similarly, if predictability and consistency are important to you, then deregulation is right for you, too. Approximately 62% of consumers whose energy suppliers competed in a deregulated environment knew exactly how much their electricity cost last month. 54% of consumers in regulated markets could say the same. 

Finally, if that isn't proof enough for you, one look at the reputation of these kinds of companies is really all you need to know. The majority of deregulated market consumers (62%) thought their supplier had a good reputation. Consumers in regulated markets were not so thrilled, as only 42% said the same about their energy suppliers. 

It's easy for people to tune out, calls for competition and free market policies as industry propaganda, but when you look at the numbers, it's clear that the people actually experiencing this kind of choice are saying the exact same things. 

The deregulation of electricity markets began in the 1970s and today, many states have accepted the idea, along with the deregulation of power companies too. The rising demand for these resources is one of the primary factors behind these recent trends. In fact, electricity use was more than 13 times greater in 2013 than in 1950. The industry has been forced to innovate as a result. According to the Edison Electric Institute, the cost of generating electrons currently accounts for less than half of the price of electricity, compared to accounting for two-thirds of that cost in 1995.

6 Easy Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill

As a homeowner or renter, it is always a good idea to look for ways to cut bills. Not only will it save you money, but it will prevent the waste of power. Becoming energy efficient is a trend, so following these tips can help you cut your electric bill. 

Choke Your Chimney 

If you don't use your fireplace then why don't you seal your chimney? This way you will not be paying for heat or air conditioning to be wasted by going up into the sky. Plus, you will get an immediate payback from this investment. 

Put All Your Electronics On Stand By 

Sometimes your appliances use energy when they are not even in use. Make sure to get rid of these power-sucking vampires by ensuring all of your electronics are on stand by when not in use. Or better yet, just unplug them after you are done using them. 

Get New Light Bulbs 

This may be the easiest solution yet. Many energy suppliers offer energy efficient light bulbs that you can put in your house to save money and limit waste. This alternative electricity for your home is a great step towards making your home 'green'. Just make sure you get the soft white light bulbs as they look more natural.

Maintain Your Heating and Cooling System 

In theory, you should maintain your HVAC system twice a year. This way you can ensure it is clean and working efficiently. Also, during the inspection the power suppliers will be able to locate any leaks that could be running your bill sky high. If you are need of a new HVAC system, contact alternative electric companies in order to talk about different methods of being energy efficient. 

Use The Sun To Your Advantage 

Don't want to turn the heat on during that off-season cold day? Then open all your windows and blinds and let the sun shine in! The sun will warm up your home and it won't cost you a single penny! 

Check Your Electric Bills 

Check and compare your electric bill regularly. There is a possibility you are living in one of the nation's deregulated energy markets, which means that you can choose different energy suppliers if you are unhappy with your service. It never hurts to check!

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. 

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.

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.