Earth Day Reminds Us It Is Never Too Early To Start Teaching Kids About Energy Conservation

It's April 22nd...Happy Earth Day! On this special day we should start teaching our youth about energy conservation and being eco-friendly around the house. When it comes to reducing energy use, you should try to include your whole family. While kids may not fully understand the importance of energy reduction, it's important to get them involved when they're young to ensure they grow up with an environmentally-friendly mindset. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few ways you can teach your children eco-friendly values.

Educate your kids. In order to help kids appreciate energy conservation, they have to understand it first. By having a discussion with your child about energy, you'll be able to help them understand where energy and electricity come from. You should consider telling them about your local energy company and explaining how energy is received from the local energy company. Additionally, there are online resources and books to help explain the concept in a fun, easy way.

Plan activities that don't use electricity. Consider dedicating a certain time, whether it be an hour a day or an entire day out of the week, to do activities that don't use electricity or energy. Exploring outdoors is a great way to do this because oftentimes you don't require energy to do stuff outside. Planning these activities can be a great way to bring the whole family together without sitting in front of a screen.

Use energy-efficient transportation. When possible, you should encourage your family to be creative when it comes to transportation. It's important for kids to know that there are other modes of transportation that will help you reduce energy use. With that in mind, you should consider biking or walking when possible.

Keep your children involved. If you're making lifestyle changes to help increase energy savings, share these behaviors with the whole family. Whether it's taking shorter showers or ensuring all the lights are off when you leave a room, the whole family should be participating. Additionally, if you're doing projects around the house, make sure to include your children. By explaining to them what you're working on and how it's going to help you save energy, you'll be helping them further understand the importance of saving energy.

Start a garden together in the early Spring. Not only do gardens naturally help the environment, but they can also instill a sense of responsibility in your children. Additionally, they'll be able to learn about different types of plants and natural resources. You can choose to grow produce, flowers, or even plant some trees. In fact, trees are a great addition to your property. When trees provide shade, reductions in energy use can save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Also, each tree can absorb about 25 pounds of CO2 from the air each year on their own.

No matter what age your child is, it's never too early to start teaching them how to save energy and minimize their impact on the environment. Whether it's talking to them about your local energy company or growing plants, there are plenty of ways to educate your children about the importance of reducing energy use.  Let's make this Earth Day the time to start educating our youth about what they can do to help save our planet!

Fun Earth Day Facts
DID YOU KNOW:

• Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 each year.
• Earth Day was created to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created partially because of the success and public support created by Earth Day.
• Most Schools, town and organizations have fun activities planned every for Earth Day to help children realize the importance of taking care if our environment.
• Over 190 Countries throughout the world celebrate Earth Day.

How to Have a Greener Earth Day

Earth Day has become one of the most widely celebrated environmental events across the globe. It's a time to focus more on the awareness and appreciation of Earth's environment. It's celebrated by over 190 countries each year. It was originally celebrated at Spring Equinox around 21 March every day but now the United Nations has designated the 22nd April as International Mother Earth Day. Earth Day Network coordinates this annual day across the globe.

Earth Day is all about appreciating the uniqueness of our planet Earth with its incredible biodiversity. On this day various national and international activities are conducted to understand the biodiversity and how should we protect our nature – plants, animals and the environment. Many people think it's about just planting a tree or helping to clean up your neighborhood park, but it's the simple things over time that really give the greatest impact. Saving energy right in your own home without spending much money is a great way to make a big impact on Mother Earth, but also your wallet. Here's a few ways you can do your part inside the home right away!

1. Monitor Your Energy Use

When attempting to save energy, this should be step one. Your local energy utility company likely has a website or app that can be used to monitor how much electricity is being used during the current billing period, and how that number changes from month to month. Obviously, there are factors like regional climate, the seasons, and the number of people within the household that affect these numbers. However, these numbers can likely be lowered by a substantial number.

2. Consider Changing Your Light Bulbs

Obviously, the easiest way to reduce energy costs related to lighting is to get into the habit of turning the lights off when you leave a room. However, there are ways to take saving money on lighting to the next level.

There are several different types of light bulbs out there that can save a lot of energy. Obviously, many consumers will be concerned about how these new light bulbs might affect their daily lives. Contact your electric company (Or your local hardware store), and they will likely be able to recommend a certain brand or type of bulb that other consumers in your area use. According to research, the use of halogen incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs can reduce save you anywhere from 33% to 80% on energy costs related to lighting.

3. Consider Renewable Energy

When most people think of renewable energy, they picture huge solar panels, tall windmills, and waterwheels. However, there are renewable energy options that can fit your home and lifestyle. For example, there are homes across the country that have fireplaces or wood burning stoves that go unused. More than 150 years ago, 90% of the nation's energy needs were exclusively supplied by wood. If you have a wood burning stove that you are not sure about, you might consider having it inspected and using it during the winter. Switching to wood power for heat instead of a typical furnace can cut way down on your energy usage.

Another one of the renewable energy sources that can be used in the home is solar energy. This option might take a bit more research on your part (To see how affordable it is), but there are solar power roof shingles available.

4. Cut Down on Energy Waste

Many consumers across the country waste way more energy than they can imagine. Energy escapes through drafty windows, non-insulated ceilings, and open doors. One way to save on energy costs is to insulate your ceiling. According to research, up to 20% or even 30% can be saved on heating and cooling bills just by insulating your home's ceiling. Also, this can reduce carbon emissions by 140 to 2100 pounds per year. Month to month, it is easy to see how that money can add up. Also, general insulation and properly sealed air leaks in the home can reduce heating and cooling bills up to another 20%. Contact your electric company for more specific numbers relating to your area.

5. Energy Conservation Rewards

Your electric company may be offering money that you do not even know about. Many companies offer their customers rewards for using less energy, particularly during high-traffic hours of the day. You might be able to earn these rewards by following some of the above tips as well. Reducing the strain on the electric company (and the environment) can mean cash in your pocket. Contact your residential energy provider for details on what might be offered in your area.

6. Planting Trees

Trees play a huge part in the overall ecosystem. Aside from beautifying an area, Trees, like other green plants, use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into sugar, cellulose and other carbon-containing carbohydrates that they use for food and growth. Trees are unique in their ability to lock up large amounts of carbon in their wood, and continue to add carbon as they grow. And then trees release oxygen when they use energy from sunlight to make glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

 7. Arrange a Clean Up Party

Helping the environment also means helping yourself and your relationships, gather your friends up and start an initiative to clean up a local park. It'll help beautify the local neighborhood, build those strong bonds amongst people, and make a real impact on the environment overall.

Do you have plans for your Earth Day Celebration? We'd love to hear about your plans and see pictures of your Earth Day Celebration!

EXPANDING ENERGY CHOICE by American Coalition of Competitive Energy Suppliers

Quarterly Consumer Newsletter Spring 2019

The most common query that brings users to the ACCES website is whether one’s state allows energy choice. The creation of new state markets is marked by years of consumer advocates, industry stakeholders, regulators, and lawmakers working to create a dynamic market while also ensuring consumer protection. It may seem like a slow process, but that isn’t for lack of interest on behalf of consumers. Ratepayers in North Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Arkansas, among other states, have found their way to www.competitiveenergy.org to research energy choice, and these future customers are interested in how it can come to their states. The most common introduction of energy choice into a state is via the state legislature. As with all legislation, a bill is originated that is studied in committee and reported out to the chamber of origin, where it is voted on before being sent to the other chamber for a similar process. With an affirmative vote from both chambers[1], the bill is then presented to the governor for signature and enrolling as a law. To actually implement the law, a state agency is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations for the marketplace – in most states, the Public Service Commission or Public Utility Commission.[2] This ranges from the licensure of energy suppliers, technical testing requirements by the utilities, establishing an approach to customer billing, setting up sales and marketing rules, and to providing consumer outreach which includes education on how a competitive market works. Even after legislative approval, the regulatory process to open a new market typically takes a year or more. The second option to open a market to energy choice is by way of a constitutional amendment. It varies from state to state, but, for example, in Nevada, the amendment for energy choice had to appear on two consecutive ballots (in this case, in 2016 and 2018) and receive a super majority in order to pass. Similar to the legislative option, there would then be an agency tasked with implementing the regulations.   [1] Nebraska is a unicameral legislature. [2] See http://competitiveenergy.org/consumer-tools/state-by-state-links/ for a list of these agencies in each state. The industry has recently seen an uptick in energy choice expansion attempted via the constitutional amendment option. As mentioned, Nevada had the ballot choice in 2016 (when it passed overwhelmingly) but the subsequent question on the ballot failed in 2018. There is also a proposed ballot initiative in Florida for the 2020 election. While it is initially harder to pass a ballot measure leading to a constitutional amendment, it is likely the most secure way to ensure energy choice remains an option in the state, regardless of political trends in that state’s legislature or who occupies the governor’s mansion. The least used approach to achieve energy choice is for a state agency to promulgate regulations that are formed under the authority of the agency itself. In New York, for example, the New York Public Service Commission, being tasked with ensuring energy access to all New-Yorkers, created a competitive market effectively without legislative input. Although it is a mature market that has thrived for many years, the lack of a statutory basis for the market in New York means the PSC can put significant restrictions on retail energy choice, which it has done in recent years. Another query ACCES receives from consumers is how they can be an active participant in bringing energy choice to their state. As a consumer and constituent, residents have the ability to effectuate change – most of the ballot initiatives were started by consumer groups, there are many ways to be involved in energy access in one’s state, and very often there are joint consumer/industry participant organizations that work together to petition the state. Residents can also reach out to their state senator and representatives to share their views. While ACCES does not take a position on new states entering the marketplace, we encourage all energy customers to be engaged consumers and citizens, whatever their position on bringing energy choice to their home state. For more information about energy choice in your state, please visit our state-by-state map.

STARION CARES: The Charitable Organizations We Proudly Support

At Starion, we are proud of how many deregulated energy companies help local communities and promote green energy throughout the country. After all, solar users alone save 75 million barrels of crude oil from consumption every year. But besides providing ways to save energy in your home and ways to go green, Starion is passionate about the local and national charities we support every day. As a Connecticut-based company, we support both Connecticut and national organizations.

Here's a little bit about how Starion Cares and how we are trying to make an impact both locally and nationally.


The Connecticut Cancer Foundation

Supporting the CCF is part of the Starion Against Cancer initiative. We are passionate about providing ways to save energy in your home, and we're passionate about keeping cancer out of your home. Many of us at Starion have been directly affected by cancer, and understand the financial and emotional toll it takes. We aim to change that with providing awareness and donations for families in need.

Middlebury Food Drive and Toy Collection

Every year our employees are able to collect thousands of dollars in non-perishable food items and toys for the less fortunate families in our community!

Watertown Association for Youth Soccer

We are proud to support local sports teams throughout our communities. Watertown Youth Soccer provides a structured, healthy outlet for kids in Watertown, CT to train and compete with peers.

Toys For Tots

A very popular national service, Toys For Tots makes sure no child is disappointed during the holiday season by collecting brand new toys to pass out in needful communities throughout the country.

Soldiers' Angels

Would you 'adopt' a soldier? Soldiers' Angels is celebrating its 15th year in 2018 and we couldn't be more proud of them. They really run the gamut of supporting the troops, from sending cards and care packages to those deployed, to supporting those who return home and need medical care and extra support. Starion Energy is proud to have donated thousands of dollars over the last couple of years to Soldiers' Angels in honor of those military personnel who selflessly serve our country.


Thank you for taking the time to learn about these amazing causes that we proudly support every day. We hope you check out their websites and support one or two that speak to you as well. Please let us know if you have a local charity that you would like us to look into for potential future donations.

6 Ways Energy Companies Can Save You Money

One of the services of energy companies is to be a provider of heating and cooling systems to homes and businesses. While providing customers with heating and cooling services, they are also concerned about energy conservation and energy costs. Here are six ways that energy companies are trying to save you money on your bills. Let's start with residential systems.

Insulation Works


A residential air conditioner provides a cooling system for a majority of American homes. In fact, approximately two-thirds now have air conditioners. Gone are the days when air conditioning was a luxury! Now, for health, comfort and resale value reasons, among others, it is practically a necessity. Sealing leaks and making sure your home is properly insulated will help keep energy costs down. This includes insulating walls and ceilings in addition to doors and windows.

Change the Filters

For proper operation, the type of maintenance that is suggested includes changing the filters a few times per year, making sure the system is properly insulated, preferably by professional insulation contractors, and having the system and the heat pump inspected twice a year. This will help avoid HVAC repairs. It will also help keep energy costs down by not overworking the system.

Check for Contaminants

Contaminants accumulate in any heating and air conditioning system. And overworking the system can lead to wasting between 25% and 40% of the energy being used to run it, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. So it is imperative to keep the unit clean and well-maintained. Also, it is important to know your energy usage.

Trees, Fans and Blinds

Some other recommendations on how to reduce energy use include lowering the blinds, using a fan, and keeping the thermostat temperature up a degree or two in summer and down a degree or two in winter. Being in a shaded area will also help, as shade trees keep an area cooler naturally, without any energy costs. These tips will help to keep avoid air conditioner repair due to overtaxing the cooling system.


Now, let's take a brief look at industrial and commercial systems and see how energy companies are working to reduce their energy costs, too.


Industrial Systems

An industrial air conditioning and heating system is an absolute must to keep materials, equipment and products from overheating. In a large industrial environment, the air conditioning is more commonly referred to as a cooling system. Clearly, it is critical to the effective operation of the business. Again, proper upkeep is of utmost importance, here, too, which helps keep costs down.


Commercial Systems

A commercial system operates in an area which sees a lot of foot traffic, such as a restaurant, school, mall or airport, just to cite a few examples. It is designed mostly for the comfort of the clients and employees and to keep merchandise fresh as well. By using more LED lighting and energy-efficient incandescents, energy companies can help reduce energy use. By cutting use from approximately one-third to 80% can also reduce energy bills. This tip also pertains to industrial and residential customers, too.


Most energy companies would be willing to prepare a quote for the energy needs of your home or business. A heating and cooling system has many benefits for residential, commercial and industrial locations. In general, it improves the quality of life for those utilizing the spaces, whether it is a residence or a business. Making the system more affordable and more energy efficient is a great benefit for everyone.

Looking to Save Energy This Winter? Check Out These Simple Tips

When the temperatures outside begin to drop, most homeowners decide to crank up the heat. But while the inside of your home may be nice and cozy, you may see a drastic increase in your energy bill. Fortunately, you can stay warm all winter long while making conscious decisions to reduce energy usage at home. So if you're looking for ways to save on energy this winter, here are a few simple tips.

Seal air leaks: If your home is kind of drafty, that may be one reason your energy bill gets so high. Air leaks can allow warmed air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to replace it. By sealing air leaks and ensuring your home is properly insulated, you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling expenses. Seal leaks around window and doors for increased home comfort and lower energy bills.

Open the curtains: Instead of turning the heat all the way up, why not use a heat resource that's completely free? Utilizing the heat from the sun can be a great option in the winter. Opening blinds and curtains in your home will allow the sun's warmth to enter your home. Not only will you get some much-needed sunshine, but your home will be naturally warmed.

Keep air vents unblocked: With air vents being tucked into corners and behind furniture, it can be pretty easy to forget about them. But if the vents are blocked by items like furniture or curtains, it can drastically reduce the amount of air that can get through. This, in turn, forces the HVAC system to work harder to get the air through, increasing energy use. To reduce energy usage, keep air vents unblocked so air can flow freely.


Use heat wisely: One of the easiest energy conservation tips for the winter months is to use your heat wisely. This involves both lowering temperatures and only heating certain areas. If you turn down the temperature when you're not home or sleeping, that will help save on energy. Furthermore, if you have rooms that are rarely used, make sure the vents are sealed off so the heated air can be used in rooms that need it.


Saving energy can be easy when you put your mind to it. Hopefully, these simple tips will help keep your home warm and your energy bills low all winter long.

3 Heating Myths That Could Cost You Money This Winter

With the winter weather here, many homeowners have the heat in their homes cranked high to keep them comfortable. But while you may be nice and warm, your energy bill is probably rising. The good news is that you don't have to freeze to save on energy during the colder months. Let's take a look at a few heating myths that could cost you energy and money this winter.


You should turn up the heat quickly. One of the biggest misconceptions about using heat is that if you crank up the heat, it will warm up the house faster. Unfortunately, this is not true. Your HVAC system can't magically make your home five degrees warmer instantaneously. Instead, it has to heat it up slowly. And if you set the thermostat several degrees higher, your heating system is just going to have to work harder. In turn, this actually uses more energy. So if you're looking to save on energy costs, don't change the temperature more than a few degrees at a time.


New windows always help reduce energy costs. If you live in an old house with old windows, air leaks around the windows certainly could be contributing to increased energy bills. But getting new windows is not a cure-all solution. Furthermore, getting all new windows can be an expensive project. Instead, you should focus on smaller ways to reduce air leaks throughout your home. Did you know that insulating your walls and ceilings can help reduce heating bills by 20% to 30%? Ensuring your home is properly insulated is a great way to ensure the warm air stays inside your home.


A programmable thermostat always saves energy. While it's true that having a programmable thermostat can help reduce energy use, it only works if you use it properly. When you get a programmable thermostat, make sure to read the instructions and talk to your electric company. If you program the thermostat to turn the heat up before you get out of bed when you normally wait until you get up, it's going to end up using more energy. But if the thermostat is programmed properly, it could help you save energy.


Hopefully, this article cleared up some confusion regarding using heat and saving energy during the winter. If you have questions or concerns about your energy use, talk to your electric company about ways you can reduce your monthly bills.