Using Wind Energy For Residential Applications

What is wind energy? Wind energy is tapping into the second largest abundant renewable resource on the planet, the wind. It is harnessed by the use of wind generators, either with horizontal axis turbines, or a rather new technology, the vertical axis turbine. When the wind is blowing, the blades on these turbines turn, producing power for homes, farms and businesses.
Here in Texas, we get quite a bit of wind that will produce vast amounts of Texas energy.

The power of the wind is not a new concept. It has been used for generations to pump water, and grind grains. With the energy crisis today, it has been a way to seek alternative sources of power, that doesn't use our non renewable resources. It is becoming more and more popular all over the world, and large amounts of Texas power are now being generated by wind 'farms' can be seen in just about every country around the globe.

Because of the technological advances in this area, wind turbines can now be applied to individual residential homes. No longer are they so large that a whole acre of land has to be wasted in order to put up one turbine. Not only are they becoming smaller, but they are able to capture wind at just ten miles an hour.

So how affordable can these be? Not only has the price of prefabricated turbines come down to less than a thousand dollars, but there are also many DIY project kits available today that you can use to build them yourself. Including the price of these kits, the materials needed, and the time it takes to make them, the cost can be well under $500.

One man in middle America actually spent much less. He purchased three ten foot lengths of 3" PVC pipe, and using an alternator, three bicycle rims, and materials around his house, he made a vertical axis turbine that cost under fifty dollars. This he set on his back porch, and on windy days it produces enough electrical energy to run part of his home.

Vertical axis turbines are becoming increasingly popular, because they can gather minimal amounts of wind, can be made from practically nothing, and don't need long poles to be mounted. They are used by celebrities like Jay Leno, who uses them to power the garage where he stores his collection of vintage vehicles.

While not everyone has wind blowing on a constant basis, used in combination with other renewable resources like solar power, you can run a family home totally from renewable resources. Using batteries to store the electricity when not in use, cutting down on energy consumption, and using high energy efficient appliances, like inline hot water heaters, not only can you save thousands of dollars annually on energy bills, but you are helping Mother Nature in many ways.

For one, you are not drawing upon our quickly depleting resources. Two, because these alternative power sources do not burn fossil fuels, you are not contributing to climate change. Three, in some cases, if you are hooked into the power grid, and produce more electrical energy that you can store and use, this extra energy goes back into the grid, and utility companies by law have to buy it back from you thereby cutting down on their emissions.

Smart Meters - Will They Help Us Save Money?

It's a great question to ask, and an important one for the future of our electricity needs. If you're not familiar with these little systems, they were built to help us save money on our utility bills. Now, you probably want to know more about it, but the thing is this is what the electric companies tell us. It's our job to figure out whether or not it's true, and who will actually benefit from it.

Soon you will be able to find these electricity meters in your neighborhood - in fact many are being used today. It's said that we will be able to save all kinds of energy when we do. Right now they are only found in a small fraction of the 3,000 utility companies across the country.

Smart meters take the place of regular power meters. They send data about power consumption by radio signal. This data is received directly by the power company, which can send signals back to tell the meter what to do. This means no more meter readers and no more delay in bills. That means that companies will be able to keep track of consumption as it rises and lowers throughout the course of the day. That permits them to start implementing based on supply and demand, giving users at off-peak times bargain pricing. This kind of pricing is already pretty common among industrial users. It's just recently that it's reached commercial and residential electricity markets. As of 2005, the federal government is recommending that state utility commissions consider demand-response pricing. Utilities have planned to deploy over forty million smart meters by 2010.

How does that break down into cheaper power for you? Well, you'll be able to choose when you're using power and look at pricing in real time. You can see how much your usage is costing you and make choices based on that. If rates are high, it might be time to put off some energy intensive chores or turn up the thermostat a little to save power. If rates are low, it might be time to do a lot of laundry or just enjoy the savings.

So to answer your question, we believe it's going to help all of us save money down the road. However, until we actually see how it working, we can only hope at this point. There will be nothing like seeing that your bill is low and thinking; "Okay, today would be a great day to do some more laundry or cook a great meal in the oven." There are many scenarios we could share, but being able to see live results will be very beneficial to both the power companies and customers just like you.

Cash For Caulkers Program

Recently, President Obama made a new program proposal that could help homeowners be greener and boost the economy, too. This "Cash for Caulkers" program would reimburse homeowners who purchased insulation, energy efficient appliances, and other green home improvements. It would encourage people to buy needed green additions to their homes, and help them save money in the long run.

Currently, we don't have details from the Obama administration. However, the administration has stated that it'll work with Congress to put together the legislation. According to officials assisting with the bill, homeowners could be eligible to recieve up to twelve thousand dollars worth of rebates, depending on the improvements they make.

This proposal is part of the larger spending program suggested by the President. Other spending includes offering money to small businesses, to the renewable energy sector, and to help support and expand infrastructure. These areas are being supported because of the great role that energy efficiency and infrastructure play in our lives. More efficient policies create jobs, help families save money, and reduce pollution and waste.

There are two main parts to the program. They include money for companies in the efficiency and renewable energy industry and money for homeowners embarking on efficiency projects. The plan will probably allow audits to be conducted by private contractors, who then purchase the appropriate items and install them. Coverage is likely to be available for washers, dryers, windows, insulation, heating and cooling and other important, but expensive, items.

The suggestion currently is for consumers to be eligible for a fifty percent rebate on both installation and purchase of equipment, up to a total of twelve thousand dollars. A household could spend up to twenty-four thousand in improvements, and expect to receive half back. For many, that will reduce the overall cost enough to encourage more improvements and larger purchases.

Homeowners who take full advantage of this proposed program will benefit in other ways, too. Energy bills could drop up to twenty percent due to greater efficiency and lower levels of waste produced by newer appliances. This could be a real help for homeowners in the long run, as long as the program is well planned.

Currently, it's not clear how this plan will be administered. Tax credits, direct rebates, or state agencies are all options. The current projected cost for the program is in the ten billion dollar range. Critics note that people who have to spend a lot up front to receive the rebate may be reluctant to participate, and that fraud may be an issue.

If well planned and well administered, this program could be a big economic boost and a great encouragement for people to go green. It all depends on how the final legislation comes out. If you're considering improving your home and making it a little greener, be sure to keep an eye on this interesting program. It could be a real help in your efforts to green your lifestyle.

Wind Energy - Is This New Texas Gold?

We've heard a lot about the environmental benefits of wind energy. In windy areas of the country, this untapped power source has the potential to produce a lot of electricity. But who else is benefiting? In Texas, a surprising number of oil companies are starting to get into wind. Here's a look at Texas's wind energy boom, and the increase in wind power that's happening in other states.

GE has a one and a half billion dollar contract to supply turbines and maintenance for an Oregon wind farm over the next decade, a project expected to create about four hundred and fifty jobs. T. Boone Pickens, Texas oilman, is getting behind wind power in his state, and wind farms are popping up all over in the American Midwest. That's because wind is worth a lot of money right now.

Currently, US residents import a little under seventy percent of their oil. That worries a lot of people who don't want the country to be reliant on foreign companies. This energy problem is becoming just as big a boost to wind energy enterprises as environmental concerns. Natural gas plans are also being proposed, either instead of wind power, or alongside it.

In some areas in Texas, you can drive a hundred and fifty miles and see a wind turbine wherever you go. Some people think of these huge turbines as eyesores, while others see them as the means to free the US from foreign oil dependency. In Nolan County, Texas, for instance, there are five billion dollars worth of turbines - fifteen hundred individual wind generators. Right now, that area produces more wind power in a year than the entire state of California.

Other areas in the state of Texas are having similar wind booms. The Rolling Plains region has two thousand turbines in operation, and Midland and Odessa's Permian Basin region produces about six thousand megawatts of electricity from three thousand turbines. New towers in some areas are going up at the rate of three to four a day.

Wind makes an excellent substitute for natural gas in Texas electricity production, and is renewable, unlike fossil fuels. It also produces no pollution while generating that electricity, though the turbines themselves are still made by industrial processes. Oil barons and environmentalists alike are supporting these plans, in an attempt to reduce environmental damage from fossil fuel burning and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Add in solar energy, for when the wind's not blowing, and the nation's power requirements will be increased even more.
Is wind a viable alternative for all our energy needs? It depends on who you talk to. However, one thing is sure. Wind is booming all over the country, and producing a lot of energy. It's definitely worth a look!

Texas Electric Deregulation - A Road Map For America

It's a known fact that when electric companies (or any company, for that matter) get the chance to establish a monopoly such that consumers have no competition to choose from, the companies themselves hold all the cards and the unfortunate consumers are left to take what they can get, at whatever price the company deems necessary for profit. To that end, deregulation laws were introduced in Texas in 2002, such that now, most Texas citizens can choose their electric providers.

That means more competition, and THAT means that customers are once again in control. Deregulation means better customer service, better pricing, and a chance to use renewable energy sources instead of entrenched but "bad for the environment" and nonrenewable energy sources. It wasn't always that way; before deregulation took hold in Texas, a single utility would provide service to an entire area, including sales, transmission, and distribution. That meant consumers had no other options but to take what they got. Deregulation has changed that, such that now, one company can handle the transmission and distribution of electricity within a given area, but other companies take over billing and sales. For consumers, this gives choice, such that they can choose the providers they want to work with.

The Public Utility Commission oversees the entire process, to forestall any problems that may arise. Today, about 75% of the citizens in Texas have the ability to choose the power companies they want, and thus to control at least to some extent how much they pay, where they get their power from, and the level of service they receive. This benefits businesses as well as private consumers, and when businesses benefit, that business's customers benefit, too.Why? Because when businesses can choose their own electric service providers, they get lower utility costs and better service. In turn, they pass those savings and the benefits of that improved service on to customers.

At present, some 25% of Texas' electric consumers still do not have the ability to receive the benefits of competition. That includes those in large cities like Austin and San Antonio, and those that use electric cooperatives. Nonetheless, positive changes continue to be made in Texas when it comes to Texas electric utility providers. Renewable resources continue to be explored and implemented, with wind farms, as one example, springing up all over the state as a means to provide clean, completely renewable energy that can be converted into electricity.

If you live in Texas and you live in an area where you can choose your provider, the best way to make sure deregulation stays in place is to utilize its benefits. Shop around for the company that's going to suit you and your family best by going to www.ChooseEnergy.com. You can actually compare prices in real time between companies, all on the same website. Once you've done your homework and have chosen an electric provider that meets your needs the best, and at the best possible prices, you simply place your order with the company; you should expect to receive information from them on your rights as a customer, and the terms of service agreement from your new provider as well. You don't have to contact your old provider to discontinue service, either. Your new provider will handle that, and you'll simply get a notice of service change in the mail. Actual change of service will happen at your next meter reading. It should be noted that your new company will not be assuming responsibility for sending you your final bills from the old company, so make sure you address those and get them taken care of. Other than that, though, the change is completely seamless and automatic. You simply use your power to choose your new provider, and the wheels are set in motion so that you can enjoy the benefits of going with an electric provider you've chosen.

Lower Business Costs with Lower Texas Power Prices

One thing to understand about the Texas electricity market, is it's the largest one in the country, and 11th in the world when it comes to consumption. While the state politicians continue to argue over a solution for their rising energy costs, the closest thing to an answer they came up with was electricity.


What this does is allow customers in the state of Texas the power to choose their electricity provider. In the beginning this new law brought excitement and change to each city, and about 85% of the commercial energy customers switched their providers at least once. Then of course residential changes hit around 40%. These are quite astounding numbers, and it's hard to believe it took this long to make the change.


The new business startup was crazy considering any way you turned, there was a new company coming out of the woodwork. The competition was so fluent; the idea was that there would be much lower prices. The good news was this was offered through both residential and commercial areas. Oddly though, prices began to rise once deregulation was embraced by customers. It was so detrimental to the public, the electricity costs increased by over 40% in a three-year span between 2002 and 2004. The end result was residential homeowners and commercial business feeling treated badly as a result.

However, proponents of deregulation tried to explain the situation as best they could. The answer revolved around electricity prices rising due to natural gas obstacles. During this time the natural gas industry had reached an all time high and reached increases of 60%. So they were trying to tell us that deregulation was saving customers money.

The biggest issue that they tried to confront head-on was the misconception of immediate savings due to the vast amount of competition. While this was going on, there were several individuals still remaining skeptical about the situation. It was almost as if they were being sold a false bill by politicians and legislators. What it came down to is the economists and supporters of deregulation were right. Once we were able to stabilize the natural gas arena, electricity bills in Texas eventually started falling. By the summer of 2008 through the winter of 2009, these prices decreased by 30%.

Keep in mind, there are many experts out there attributing to this decline through the combination of the recession and the decline in natural gas costs. Eventually we expect the prices to keep falling the further into a recession we go. While everything looks sweet on the surface, it's forcing businesses to cut prices as well. The good news is they believe that the lower business electricity costs are helping them keep their businesses afloat until the economy turns around.

Clean Energy to Get a B$G Boost

Three new venture capitalists have recently pledged $12.2 million to the PACE solar funding initiative, a venture founded by Cisco DeVries with Berkeley First. PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy and is a program that assists homeowners in making solar power affordable and convenient. Basically the PACE program is a way for local governements to use a land secured bond financing schematic to loan low interest, long term loans to homeowners in a specific geographic area. The loans are then used solely for the purchase and setup of photovaltaic arrays and equipment. The homeowner is then able to eliminate or significantly lower their electric bill, and instead pay on the loan for the solar array. This financing model has allowed numerous areas of the United States to make solar energy use affordable and simple to implement. Draper Fisher Jurvetson, New Cycle Capital, and RWE Ventures are businesses that plans to infuse PACE programs with $12.2million in the coming years in order to finance new PACE supported programs across the United States.

In addition to the PACE program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been providing many cities and municipalities insightful ways to fund new clean energy, efficiency, and conservation programs. As one of the main components of the ARRA is to provide new jobs and to stimulate the economy, and the fact that green technology and renewable energy are some of the "hottest" industries right now, it is no wonder that the Federal government finds it prudent to invest this market. The Department of Energy currently has the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant under advisement. The EECBG is an umbrella grant program that provides money to state programs, which then disseminates the funds to other local and regional programs to achieve the goals of their overall State Energy Plan. Earlier in 2009, states submitted State Energy Plans (SEPs) of which most have were approved for funding from the EECBG. Each state program has specific energy conservation and efficiency goals, which can be achieved through state incentive programs, municipal building retrofits, and/or the purchase or creation of specific energy credits.

The clean/green energy industry is an extremely volatile industry that is absolutely exploding right now. Numerous start up companies are providing new and innovative ways of not only providing renewable energy, but also the financial resources to obtain it. This has ushered in a completely different type of business model in which a company not only markets to potential customers or clients, but also develops relationships with governmental entities that can assist both the client and company through a variety of funding options. It is this type of all encompassing cooperation between government, corporate entities, and individuals that will ensure the long term viability of the alternative energy market.

Next Up on ChooseEnergy.com - First Choice Power

When it comes to choosing an energy plan for your home, it can be a difficult task to find the one that's perfect for you and your household. First Choice Power is a solid company that has been an electricity provider for Texas residents for decades and offers a variety of energy plans to meet just about anyone's' needs. Their signature line "Simply Better" actually sums up most of the information and personal testimonials that can be found about First Choice Power.

First Choice Power has three major residential electricity and energy plans that offer unique benefits to customers. Whether you would prefer a stable-payment option or you are looking into a green energy plan, the three major options that individuals have when signing up with the company include:

Simply Better Price Plan - Would you like to pay just one single, low cost amount for a full year? First Choice Power's Simply Better Price Plan is the fixed-rate plan that allows customers to be able to pay one single, stable amount that will never change for a one-year term. In this plan customers have price protection, which is an important benefit for those on a fixed income or others who are looking for cost savings in their utility bills.

Variable Plan - This is a plan that even though requires a variable electricity rate, the rate from month to month won't change more than once. The rates are set on the wholesale electricity prices in Texas, but will never go up more than 35% for First Choice Power customers. In addition, customers are also not obligated to stay on this plan as there is no contract and no minimum length of time.

Advantage Green Plan - First Choice Power offers this plan for green energy aware individuals who would like to help the environment and use 100% renewable energy sources. While customers are on this plan they'll enjoy both low prices and price protection so they can have the benefit of a reliable energy company while still doing something great for the environment.
Community Involvement

In addition to the three great options that First Choice Power offers to new and existing customers, they are also heavily involved in the Texas community. For example, they offer Classroom Energy Innovation Grants for teachers and students in kindergarten through high school for funding of special energy projects that benefit the entire community. First Choice Power also partners with many businesses and companies in Texas for their Simply Better Recycling program to help the environment.

Whether it's the price protection, guaranteed rates, or renewable energy plans that are available or you love that this company is heavily involved with the community, First Choice Power is able to offer unique benefits, cost savings, and a reliable company to everyone that needs Texas electricity. All you have to do is go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com and sign up.

Dynowatt - Texas Electric Provider

We continue our series about Texas electric providers this week on Dynowatt.

Dynowatt offers Texans the ability to choose their own energy plan - the one that's going to be best for their individual situation. One size fits all plans almost never work for everyone, after all. This company cares about its customers, and puts a high priority on environmental responsibility, too. Because of this, they're offering the best value for your dollar when it comes to electricity, and a wide range of options.

The flexibility you'll get with Dynowatt allows you to build your own plan. There are many different products available business and residential customers in Texas to pick from, including alternative energy plans. At last, you can choose to have your home serviced by power that comes from entirely green generation sources. You pick the kind of Texas power you need, and you choose the rate plan that's going to work best for your situation.

Everyone has the power to choose their own energy company now. Picking Dynowatt means that you'll get competitive prices without a loss of good quality customer care. Compare their rates to other companies, and see which one offers you the best, but don't forget to factor in the other services. Customer service, the ability to put together the plan that'll work best for your situation, and all those other features make Dynowatt an excellent pick.

Dynowatt's SecureRate plans enable you to pay the same rate every month in six or twelve month intervals. Variable Plan options let you take advantage of price fluctuations as the market changes. Both plans are available offering ordinary or green generated power, and wind power costs only a fraction of a cent more. That makes it worthwhile to check out Dynowatt's environmentally friendly options. Just enter your current zip code into the ChooseEnergy.com website to find out more about what you could be paying.

Customers can pay using an automated telephone service twenty-four hours a day, all week. The service is free, convenient, and easy to use, so making your electricity payment is now easier than ever. Dynowatt also offers information about green energy and its methods of generation. In Texas, that means clean, sustainable wind power. Take the time to learn more about it, and know you're supporting the Texas economy, too.

When you make your choice of power company, you have a lot of options. Dynowatt is only one of the many electricity providers operating in Texas. But don't rule it out. This company is ready to offer all kinds of useful options and features that could make getting your electricity a lot easier, less expensive, and greener. Dynowatt is a great choice for Texas energy.

Texas Electric Review (cont.) - dPi Energy

We continue our look at Texas electric companies this week by featuring dPi Energy.

What does dPi Energy offer that most Texas energy companies don't? Easy access to electricity, no matter who you are, reliably. You get reliable service with no need for a credit check and no deposit requirement. You don't even have to have a checking account or credit card to pay your bill - cash is happily accepted. That's great news for people who can't get a bank account or credit for one reason or another, or who just prefer to handle their bills with physical money.

Sign up for dPi Energy, and you'll quickly start getting service. No ID is required, so there's no worry about losing track of your personal information, something most providers just can't offer. There's no need to sign a long term contract - you pay as you go. There are even payment stations in many neighborhoods to make it easy to keep your bills covered. Flexible payment options allow you to tailor your service to your situation, as well, and competitive prices mean you won't pay too much. Tens of thousands of people in Texas are signing up with dPi Energy, and it's really no surprise. All you have to do is go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com and sign up online.

Rates are just a click away on ChooseEnergy.com, with a plan that works for what you need. Business customers get a single point of contact, and billing solutions that can grow with your business. Rates are competitive and service is high quality, making dPi a popular choice with consumers and companies all over Texas.

When you sign up, you'll choose one of three types of plans: Residential, Small Business, or Enterprise. Each is designed to help you trim down your costs without sacrificing reliability or convenience. Signing up is simple, and each type of plan is tailored to the people who use it. Under each of these umbrellas, you'll get even more choices.

Residential customers who want a painless way to get low rates can pay as little as fifteen cents per kWh for their first month of service. Rates after that will be subject to market fluctuations, so you can take advantage of the lows and curtail your power uses during the highs. You get control, which is something that many long term plans don't give you. We all deserve energy providers we can trust, who also trust us!

Texans have the power to choose where their electricity comes from, and that means shopping around. Take a look at all the providers out there, but don't forget to pay attention to dPi Energy. This company gives you easy access to power, with no checks on your credit, no deposit, and no ID required. Pay with cash, enjoy the benefits of a rate that fluctuates with the market, and choose dPi. You'll be happy with the results.

Today's Featured Texas Electric Company - Champion Energy Serivces

There are a lot of reasons for Texas residents to choose Champion Energy. This company offers very low rates, even for green power, despite the required monthly charge. It also offers the ability to order service and maintain accounts online, and has an low rate of customer complaints. Switching to Champion Energy Services could be the decision that lets you enjoy lower power bills for a long time to come. Reliable service, good customer interactions, and lower payments all add up to one great power company.

Champion Energy embraces deregulation, looking for the best way to create value for the people who choose it. Custom pricing plans, competitive rates, good customer service and convenient billing make this company a great choice for everyone. This strong company can also buy its power wholesale, resulting in less expensive electricity for you. Commercial and industrial businesses will enjoy the convenience and lower cost that Champion offers, too.

Customer agreements with Champion are simple to understand and fair. You'll get an easy to read monthly statement that makes it easy to understand what you're paying and why. If you do have a question, just get in touch with the company. Champion Energy Services offers high quality customer service for every need, whether you're concerned about your enrollment or your billing. Signup is simple and easy too, and you could start saving money very soon!

Residential customers can find out what their rates with Champion would likely be just by entering their zip code into ChooseEnergy.com. Plenty of information to help you choose pops up right away. If you're a business owner, whether small or large, you can get help easily, too. Commercial customers can choose from a fixed price plan, a floating price contract, a contract based on the price of natural gas, or even a custom designed energy plan put together especially for them. With contract terms up to five years, and the ability to add contract extensions, this company is an excellent choice for business.

If you live or do business in Texas, it might be time to take a look at your Texas energy situation. Deregulation gives us all a choice, and the power to use the company that offers us what we want most. Champion is a competitive company with a lot of experience in the industry, offering convenience, low pricing and reliable service. That makes it the ideal pick for a lot of residential and business customers alike. If you're searching for a new electricity provider, you could do worse than to go with a Champion.

StarTex Power - Services and Benefits

A partner of Choose Energy, StarTex Power has a mission to deliver competitive pricing for customers. In addition, putting the power of choice in your hands is one way to save on your energy bill. Rather than one company to provide the power you need for your home, now there is a choice. A little healthy competition means more savings in your pocket. This is a Texas-based electricity source that provides both business and retail power customers the service they expect from their power company. The rates are lower, but the reliability is still there. The savings are especially welcome in today's weakened economy. You do not have to worry about being disconnected to switch. Your electricity will be delivered by the same company you now have - CenterPoint or TXUED - depending on where you live. They will also provide maintenance service. The only difference is the one you will see on your bill. There is no enrollment fee and no fee to switch from the provider you have now. Another surprise you will find when calling StarTex Power is in less than two minutes you can actually talk to a real live person. This is particularly beneficial in today's society where everything is automated.

When you make the switch to StarTex Power, you will get a bill that is easy to read and understand, options for payments to accommodate you and no penalties. This is a part of the customer service you will receive that is a building block of this company. Switching is easy. All you have to do is pick up the phone and speak with a representative. With an administrative team that boasts 30 years of experience in Texas energy, you will find they are unlike many large companies where the management is inaccessible to the general public. At StarTex Power often they answer customer service lines themselves.

StarTex Power joined the Texas power niche early in 2005. They may have been a bit later than the other choices for power in the Texas market, but they seem to be doing quite well. By allowing customers to choose the plan they feel is best for them, the consumer is more empowered than ever before. This is the goal StarTex had in mind when becoming a partner of Choose Energy. Many customers are much more comfortable with a plan that allows them to know what their power bill will be each month. This option is available with a secured contract plan. Of course, you may still choose the month-to-month plan and even long term contracts that permit locking in a rate for future electricity payments. The month-to-month plan has an advantage for those who may not be permanently settled yet.

If you have just moved to the area and are renting while looking for a home to buy, the month-to-month is perfect. When you find the home you want to purchase, you will not have any contracts that may have to be broken. Providing you with choices is what StarTex does and with the many that are available you will surely find one that is right for your needs.

Today's Featured Texas Electric Company - Bounce Energy

Bounce Energy is a privately owned company with over 50 years experience in the energy-marketing field. Riding out the storms of a volatile market has made them knowledgeable and seasoned to the market, preparing them for forecasting future trends. Their team of professionals has proven this by continually offering low rates in a competitive field.

100% Green Energy Option

An initiative in following green energy is not enough for Bounce Energy. They are already way ahead of others in offering a completely green program known as the Blue Sky Now Plan. Guaranteed 100% renewable energy sources from solar and wind energy, biomass and hydro, this plan proves that there is a way to use sustainable methods other than petroleum and coal. Project Greenity will keep you informed to present and future efforts and programs made by Bounce Energy and its affiliates.

Personal Energy Audits

Energy audits are always available through Bounce Energy's partner, Standard Renewable Energy (SRE) to teach you how to make your home as energy efficient as possible by saving more on your electric bills, keeping your home as comfortable as possible through temperature control and addressing specific problems that you may have in your energy needs. An in-home inspection that addresses doors, windows, attic space, insulation, appliances, lighting, heating and air conditioning will be made shortly after you sign up for this service.

Hurricane Preparedness

Because Texas falls in an area prone to hurricanes and aftermaths, a Hurricane Preparedness Center is available to answer your concerns by tracking hurricane activity, 2009 hurricane names, future names, details about the scale for measure hurricanes, and the history of hurricanes. Bounce Energy will put you ahead of any dangerous weather conditions by keeping you informed and ways in which to prepare.

Rewarding Good Customers

Rewarding good customers is another way that Bounce Energy stays ahead of the competition. When you pay your bill on time for twelve consecutive months, you are rewarded with a $75.00 bill credit. Twenty-four consecutive months and you receive an entire month of electricity FREE.

Incentive Programs

Incentive programs include a $5 instant bill credit for submitting your payment online, a $50 bill credit for paying your bill through auto pay for 3 months, and other rewards that include free movie tickets, magazine subscriptions and companion airfare.

Bounce Energy strives to be the best and it shows through their customer service and same day turn on guarantee. Outages are handled quickly and efficiently so you never have to go days without electricity. A step above the rest in customer awareness and satisfaction, already in place green solutions and one of the lowest rates that can be found, Bounce Energy is the choice for today's energy needs.

Sign up today and start taking advantage of everything Bounce Energy has to offer - just go to: ChooseEnergy.com - it's simple!

A Look at Texas Electric Companies - Green Mountain Energy -

We are starting a series where we discuss our Texas electric company partners. Today we start with Green Mountain Energy.

What is Green Mountain Energy all about and just who are they exactly? Green Mountain Energy is one of the leading providers of cleaner energy and are committed helping people reduce their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. Although they have humble beginnings, beginning in Vermont in 1997, they are now headquartered in Austin, Texas.

For twelve years, Green Mountain Energy’s goal has been to use the power of the consumer's voice to change the way power is made. In that time, with the help of loyal customers they have delivered over 6 billion kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy to the consumer market. They have also prevented enough CO2 pollution to equal the effect of planting more than 384 million trees and been instrumental in the development of close to 40 new solar power facilities and commercial wind generators across the country.

Green Mountain Energy has three different branches, residential electricity, commercial electricity and carbon offsets. Retail customers have the option to have direct access to their retail electric service provider. In deregulated areas like Texas, customers can not only choose which provider they want, but also where the electricity comes from. For regulated markets, Green Mountain Energy works with utility companies who want to provide a cleaner source of energy to their customers. They also supply the marketing, sales and supply services in order to ensure their success. Green Mountain Energy has partnerships with Portland General Electric and with utility companies in New York and New Jersey.

The commercial division of Green Mountain Energy focuses on deregulating the electricity market in places like Texas. They are one of the major unregulated service providers in the state of Texas. They also help companies, businesses and residences to offset their carbon footprint. This can be done in many different ways; such as finding that a corporation needs to upgrade their solar panels to more efficient ones, or helping an individual find out how to improve things around the home like changing out energy wasting appliances for new high efficiency ones.

Green Mountain Energy also works with many of the world's climate leaders to develop new technologies in the areas of only solar and wind energy as well as hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, natural gas and biomass fuels. Being a truly green company, Green Mountain Energy has also been a leader in reducing their own carbon footprint. This is reflected in the programs offered to their employees, who can purchase certificates from the company for renewable energy to offset the costs of their energy usage.

There are many other ways Green Mountain Energy has helped improve the environment and provided energy from clean, renewable sources. You can find an abundance of information about this company online at ChooseEnergy.com. You can find out what they are doing and what they have in store for the future. You learn about the consumer programs they have and how you can sign up for them. With the importance of finding cleaner more renewable energy sources, it is refreshing to find a company that has jumped into green energy full force. To sign up online, simply go to: ChooseEnergy.com - It's Simple to be Green.

Texas Energy Prices - U.S. Energy Prices

U.S. & Texas energy prices are greatly affected by industry demand. The higher the demand for fuel, the more expensive it becomes. Although the economic climate of 2009 should have reduced U.S. energy prices, growing demand for crude oil in other countries has kept the price much higher than is desirable.

Oil consumption worldwide increased by 28.6% between 1978 and 2004. It is only a small amount less than that, 25.8% of this year's increase alone, that China is responsible for. South Korea's demand for oil rose by a staggering 344% from 1978 to 2004, also widely increasing demand for oil. This growth in demand for oil has driven prices up to approximately $70 a barrel in the last quarter of 2009, from just $12 at the start of 1999.

The price of crude oil directly influences the cost of other fuels. Whether it be for production or generation, crude oil and other fossil fuels are vital to electricity, gasoline, and petroleum. Although oil prices dropped in the first half of 2009, due to a fall in consumption of 1.25 million barrels a day, the price will rise again in 2010 as industry recovers from the recession and demand begins to rise once more.

Respectively, gasoline prices are expected to drop again in the fourth quarter of 2009, before going back on the rise in 2010. Average gasoline prices can be expected to increase by about 40c per gallon from 2009 to 2010. However, the average retail price of electricity is set to decline by 2% due to the cheaper price of fossil fuels required for generation.

While the economy remains unstable, U.S. energy prices will be less certain. In the supply and demand chain, if fuel prices suddenly rise too high, demand will decrease as smaller businesses and companies can no longer afford production. However, while prices are on the decline it will help industry pick up again as their profits increase. The delicate balance should be maintained by both crude oil sales and industry relying on each other. Undoubtedly, as the economy picks up speed once more, crude oil prices will increase. It is only a matter of time before other fuel prices follow.

The first half of 2009 saw a substantial fall in electricity consumption, in the U.S. Electricity sales declined as businesses and residential properties cut back to save money. An uncertain economic climate was responsible for a 4.4% decrease in comparison with 2008. However, the second half of 2009 was more positive. The decline leveled out at a less significant 2.3% decrease in electricity consumption. U.S. energy prices should remain low in the fourth quarter of 2009 before steadily rising again next year as industry improves and the economy settles. Electricity prices are not exempt from this, with estimated declines of 2% in 2010.

The economy is mentioned constantly in relation to U.S. energy prices. As the international recession is far from over, it is expected to take at least a year for demand for fuel to rise back to the peaks of previous years. Since early 2008, prices have steadily declined in response to the sudden uncertainty in finance and industry that had led to worldwide economic recession.

Crude oil prices seem to try to preempt the economy at every step of the way. When figures were released to suggest that the U.S. economy was recovering, prices jumped up, boosting the retail price of gasoline and petroleum. However, these prices dropped again almost immediately as it was made clear that a select amount of data was not the go ahead for a stable economy. For instance, although unemployment benefit claims have declined, the levels of unemployment are still not at a healthy level. While the economy recovers, U.S. energy prices will remain volatile.
With the lowered demand for energy, fuel stockpiles are much higher than expected. This is lowering the price, as more is available. Natural gas, for example, has stockpiles close to reaching a 5-year high. It will be a long time before demand outstrips supply once more and prices will significantly rise. However, while prices remain low, industry should be encouraged and the economy will be on its way to recovery.

Overall, U.S. energy prices have seen a decline in response to the lack of demand from industry and exports. While the worldwide economy stays uncertain, prices will only be able to rise so much before being cut back again. Electricity and gasoline prices have decreased in the fourth quarter of 2009 and will stay low in early 2010 before seeing gradual rise before the end of the year.

Stop Air Leaks For An Energy Efficient Home

Summary: Air gets into and out of our homes from a wide range of places. Many of these can be fixed with some simple do it yourself handiwork. Undertake any of these and you'll start to realize instant Texas energy savings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, American homes lose energy from the following places (in decreasing order of importance): floors, ceilings and walls (31%), doors and windows (21%), heating/air condition ducts (15%), fireplaces (14%), plumbing penetrations (13%) and all others (6%). Recognize that these numbers may vary based on home type, age, geographical region and other factors. For some of these problem areas, better insulation or more energy efficient windows or doors may yield significant savings. But, these can be costly. Instead, why not take a few simple steps to eliminate those pesky air leaks?

One of the easiest things one can do is recaulk windows and doors. In addition to eliminating air leaks, this can also eliminate water leaks. To do this, first remove existing caulk (don't just recaulk over existing caulk). You may need to use a putty knife, a window scraper, other blunt scrapper tool or even a screwdriver to loosen and remove the caulk. Be careful not to gouge the framing. Then clean the entire window or doorframe with rubbing alcohol or other cleaning compound to ensure good adhesion.

Reapply caulk (pushing the bead to ensure it gets into gaps). Be sure NOT to caulk window weep holes (small holes at the bottom of the window that allow for any condensation to drain). It's best to apply the caulk when outdoor temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In most locales, this is when most building materials are at the midpoint of their contraction and expansion range.

Choose the type of caulk and color that is best suited to your home and any associated remodeling activity. But in most cases, a paintable, light-colored caulk is what you'll want.
What works for windows and doors, also applies to skylights and any other places where gaps may occur. This can include places where air conditioning, phone or electric lines enter your home. You can now find special cover plates that be placed over the once massive caulked or sealed areas. You'll still need to seal these, but it looks a lot more attractive.

In your attic, crawl space and/or basement, you should plan to seal all air conditioning and heating ducts. Instead of caulk, however, duct tape can be used to seal seams of exposed ducts.
An even better approach (one that can reach all ducts) involves injecting an aerosol sealer into the ductwork. During the course of the process, the sealant collects at any leak sites, sealing them.

Finally, address weather stripping along the bottom of doors and windows. This can become brittle and/or damaged over time. Sometimes you can simply slide in a replacement piece. At other times you may have to tip out the window or remove the door from its hinges and then physically remove and replace the entire weather stripping unit.

Another easy-to-do sealant project involves eliminating leaks around electric outlets or switches on outside walls. Turn off electricity and carefully remove switch plate or plug covers. Feel for air leaks (especially in colder months). Then use foam inserts to cover much of the opening. You may also want to stuff insulation into gaps along the outside edges of the electric box or spray in some foam sealant. Wait a few moments and feel again for air leaks.

You can also undertake some temporary fixes, but nothing beats fixing leaks outright. Once you do, you'll start saving real money, really quickly and you'll see a lower Texas energy bill.

Texas Electric Deregulation - What You Need To Know

We conclude our 5 part series on energy deregulation with the state that is leading the way.
The state of Texas has offered consumers the power to choose their electricity provider since 2002. This means that if you're a Texas resident and you're not happy with the service your power company has been offering, you can get different service. You can choose from companies that offer better quality customer service, renewable energy sources, and many other features that your current provider may not have. Let's take a look at the details.

Before Texas electric deregulation was put into effect, only one utility would manage power distribution, transmission and sales in an area. That meant you had no other options. Today, the same company you used to use maintains the distribution and transmission of the electricity, but other companies handle sales and billing. That means that you can work with the business that offers what you want. The reliability and safety of energy distribution are overseen by the Public Utility Commission, to prevent problems in the long run.

About seventy-five percent of the state actually has the ability to choose the Texas power company that they want, instead of having no control over their bill, where their power comes from, or what kind of service they recieve. The rest of the state is unfortunately not subject to competition for a number of reasons. Electricity cooperatives and large cities, including San Antonio and Austin, are not open for competition. You can get in touch with your co-op or city utility to find out more.

Texas electric deregulation is about power choice, and we hope that it's going to lead to some real innovation. After all, Texas is now one of the leading producers of wind power in the United States, and plenty of additional wind farms are in development. That means that you could say goodbye to using power that comes from coal plants that pollute the air and water, or natural gas plants that use a nonrenewable resource. This wouldn't have been possible without deregulation.
Texans are encouraged to shop for good prices and good service, and it's easier than it's ever been. After all, there are plenty of informative websites out there that give you the information you need to decide which energy supplier is right for you. The most advanced site (ChooseEnergy.com) lets you compare power prices in real time without needing to leave the website, and can even place orders. These orders go right to the electric company you decide will be the best choice for your situation.

Once you've made all the comparisons, picked a new Texas electricity provider and had your order accepted by the company, you should expect to receive a terms of service agreement from them, as well as some information listing your rights as one of their customers. There's no need to get in touch with your current provider - that's all going to be handled by the new one. You'll get a notice of your change request in the mail, and the change of service will happen the next time you have your meter read. You'll get bills from the old company until you've paid in full, and once that final bill is paid, you'll start getting ones from the new provider.

That's all it takes to exercise your power to choose in Texas. The reliability of your power will be the same, outages will occur with the same frequency that they always have (hopefully not often) and your local wires company still maintains your delivery. However, you now have a choice in which company sells you your power, the rate you buy it at, and how it's produced. The customer is getting more control over their utilities in the state of Texas. That's a great thing for nearly everyone.

Take the time to find out if you have the option to change your power supplier - you could really benefit. It's not hard to do, and your service can only get better. Companies now have an incentive to offer better pricing, cleaner energy, and better quality service. After all, you could always try your luck with someone else.

Electric Choice In Pennsylvania

Deregulation of the electricity market is now a reality in Pennsylvania and that is a good thing for consumers. Deregulation means the chance for competition and a free market and competition means lower prices and better service for customers. Before the deregulation act, officially called the “Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act”, passed, Pennsylvania customers only had one company to choose from for their electricity needs. Since you cannot pick up and move your home, the area you lived in dictated what power company you purchased electricity from.

But that was the old system and it ended with deregulation. The problem with the old system was that with no competition, one company was in charge of generating, transmitting and distributing the electricity. Since this constituted a monopoly. Since monopolies are against the law, the government was forced to regulate the industry to make sure that customers were charged a fair price for the service. But regulated or not, you still had only one company that had the sole right to provide electricity.

With no competition, power companies could decide that services should and should not be provided and what facilities were necessary. Customers had no influence on the market unlike most things in our capitalist system where customers can vote with their checkbooks and let companies know how they feel about their policies. Now that there is competition in the system, customers can do just that. The local power utility is still responsible for the delivery of electricity but consumers can choose their electricity generation supplier.

The deregulated market will be every bit as reliable as the old monopoly but with the added advantage of customer choice. This truly makes it a superior system in comparison with the old regulation model. Customers will find that their same old local company will be responsible for the local infrastructure maintenance and any problems, like downed power lines or power outages. They will also handle any billing problems or complaints. Customers will also have reliable power delivery because if for some reason the company they select cannot provide the power, the local company will be obligated to step in and handle the need as the “provider of last resort.” That way a customer cannot be cut off from the grid, no matter who their power company is.

Here are a few definitions that will help you as a consumer better understand the information you encounter about the deregulation issue:

Electric Distribution Company: This is the company that has the wires connected to you house. More than likely they will be the same company you had before the changeover. This company handles all delivery of electricity, maintenance of the lines, meter reading, as well as service connection and disconnection as well as upgrades.

Electric Generation Supplier Company: This is the company that creates and transmits the electricity to the grid so your local electric distribution company can deliver it to your home or business. This company is also known as the alternate supplier. There are also electricity brokers who fill this role. Customer’s fees are no longer regulated so the competition in the marketplace will set the prices.

Unbundling of Electric Services: The deregulation legislation forced electrical companies to unbundle their customer fees in to four different parts: distribution, transmission, generation and transition. This allows customers to choose different providers for each of these services except the distribution which has to be handles by the local company.

Billing Cycle: This is the time spanning from one meter reading to the next. Usually this span is one month although it may technically be calculated by a certain number of days.

Tariff Rates: The rates changed for electricity by the Electric Distribution Company.

One Bill Option: The Electric Distribution Company will provide the customer with a single bill that will also include the charges from the Electrical Generation Company. The bill will note the separate charges in separate sections and will make note of the other company’s name. Having only one bill is more convenient for customer’s to pay and also makes it easier for them to keep track of their total electricity expenses.

Two Bill Option: If customers choose an alternative generation supplier and choose the two bill option, then they will receive separate bills from both the generation company and the distribution company.

Electrical Commodity Price: Electricity is now a commodity because there is a market and competition to provide it. It is controlled by the forces of the market at the retail level. Price changes will be much more frequent as generation suppliers and brokers will be keeping a close eye on the cost of creating electricity and attempting to offer the best price at that time to attract more business.

Deregulation In Georgia

In order to understand the process of deregulation, the first thing you will have to know is exactly what this means. Deregulation is a way of making gas companies offer the consumer a more viable price for the service they provide. Including ways of promoting their business, such as specials for new customers, this saves the customer money by helping to lower the monthly rates they pay for natural gas.

Deregulation Bill Passed

Senate Bill 215 was signed in 1997 by Zell Miller, Governor of Georgia. The deregulation did not actually start until 1998. Atlanta Gas & Light was the seller and the distributor of natural gas before deregulation. This state was the first one in the U.S. to endeavor to deregulate natural gas.

After the Natural Gas Competition and Regulation Act (ACT) was passed, selling natural gas was offered to companies approved to do so. AGL still distributes the gas and maintains the pipeline for the service, but other marketers can sell the natural gas. One for example, is Stream Energy.

Who Regulates the Companies?

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is still responsible for regulating the gas to make sure the safest standards are in place. Georgia promoted the deregulation taking the initiative to get customers to choose the provider they wanted. However, those who did not choose were given a provider by the state.

Competitive Prices

One of the benefits of deregulation was the competition it provided. The previous way only allowed customers one choice, which was often expensive. By providing a choice, consumers are provided with gas that is considered excess. In short, the natural gas is available because it is not under contract to another company.

By comparing plans among the service providers, you may choose a rate for the natural gas you buy and opt to lock in the price. This is a fixed rate. The advantages to choosing this type of plan is you will know what you are paying every month. Even if gas prices rise, you have the rate locked in for the period of the contract. Some of these plans can be as long as 3 years.

If you decide to go with the variable rate, there are no contracts. This plan is one that offers a competitive price and is quite easily changed if you decide to switch to the fixed rate or cancel and go with another provider. The competition makes it possible to change energy providers without having to turn the utility off and wait to have it reconnected. Gas Georgia offers the option of comparing rates from different providers and their fixed rates.

Structure of the Natural Gas Market

Quite similar to other services provided, the natural gas market is based on supply and demand. The demand regulates the production of the natural gas and often results in higher prices. The supply of natural gas is not like other commodities where production can just be increased. With natural gas the drilling and permits can take time.

Also, the wells already in production are not guaranteed to be active. They may begin to produce less, which means drilling elsewhere for the natural gas that is being used by consumers. Adjusting the supplies to meet the demand is a complicated process. The recent state of the economy has resulted in a decrease in the demand.

Choosing a Natural Gas Provider in Georgia

This is an easy process that can be done over the Internet or the telephone. Once you have found the service provider you want all you have to do is put in your order. The enrollment service will result in a package being mailed to you specifying the terms as well as the contract if you opt for a fixed rate plan.

All marketers of natural gas are certified by the Public Service Commission to sell gas in the state of Georgia. The Commission has a scorecard they issue each month that answers questions received about the different marketers for natural gas. The card also lists any complaints they have received by the category. This includes deceptive marketing, service and billing. This allows the consumer to see which companies are doing the best job. Although, the complaints are not always the fault of the marketer and whether the complaints are valid cannot be determined until they investigate.

Deregulation has been a welcome change for the state of Georgia. The ability to choose the natural gas provider and type of plan is seen by many consumers as a welcome change from being tied to one company. The competition provides better rates, among other benefits for many natural gas consumers.

Deregulation in New York

In the mid-1990s deregulation in New York began when the state government began to implement policies to restructure the electricity industry. It was believed that this deregulation could help businesses and consumers save money on electricity in the State of New York in light of a flagging economy and increasing power costs at the hands of the monopolies granted to electrical utilities when power regulations were first enacted.

Even though the deregulation process has been ongoing in the natural gas industry for years as a result of oil embargos in the 1970s, little has been done with deregulation in New York concerning electric utility operations and rates until much later, since they are much more complex in terms of operations, rate policies and distribution among various power consortiums. As a result of this, experts believe that electric utility restructuring will have a far greater impact on electricity costs charged to consumers and the manner in which operations are handled in the coming years. To understand deregulation in New York, there are a few concepts that we need to understand better.

A utility provides a tangible commodity or service that is considered to be something vital to the well being of the general public in the state. These commodities are things like electrical power, water, or natural gas. The utility has the responsibility for producing the commodity, transporting it (in the case of electricity through the power lines they have erected and must maintain), and ultimately, distributing it on the retail level to the individual consumer through a meter and connections to the power grid owned by the utility.

It was ultimately determined by both state and federal lawmakers that it is in the public's interest to regulate how electricity is provided. To keep utilities from practicing price gouging like often happened in the early years the utilities were being built and to encourage widespread access by individual consumers, the government originally allowed individual utilities certain monopolistic rights to sell energy unchallenged within a specific territorial area, known in the industry as the "service area" or "franchise territory." In the times when the utility was first being set up, this monopoly allowed the utility to regulate prices any way they saw fit as well as enacting service terms and conditions that the consumer had no choice but to abide by if they wanted power.

Despite the safeguards set up at the state level that were supposed to be in place in the form of the state Public Service Commission, up until recently the consumer has had very little to say about the prices and rates charged by the utilities. The PSC was perceived as acting rarely in the interest of the individual consumer, and the consumer had very little recourse open since they had no other choice except to go with the one utility that was operating in their area.

Deregulation in New York was designed to allow the consumer to choose a power company which has a more competitive rate charged for Kilowatt hours (KWh). This offers a potential savings to the individual energy consumer because outside concerns can charge rates less than those set by the original territorial power provider. This also helps theoretically because a consumer is free to choose an electricity provider which produces electricity utilizing a more environmentally friendly renewable generation source like solar or wind compared to the burning of coal which accounts for over a third of all electrical power generated. New York is one of only 19 states which is implementing restructuring to a competitive market.

Despite deregulation in New York, the one wild card in the power equation is the cost the consumer is charged for the delivery of power. This delivery price is still determined by the local utility since they are mandated to maintain and effect repairs on the power lines in their service area should storm damage and outages occur. With this point in mind, the power consumer should be aware that it is possible to see delivery charges that actually exceed the cost of power used, thus affecting the actual savings that choosing a cheaper provider might afford, despite the fact that the laws enacted prohibit the local utility from adopting stranded costs or other surcharges.

This is one aspect that is not being made clear when consumers are being offered the choice of an electrical power provider. To be properly informed, consumers should carefully research delivery charges to get a better idea of what savings could be actually realized, making the choice of a power provider more realistic when it comes to optimizing deregulation in New York.