Texas Electric Buzz

Choose Energy Introduces Electricity Price Index Tool So Consumers Can Compare Contract Terms To Save Money.

2012-01-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

By using a tool developed by ChooseEnergy.com, Texas residential electricity customers can better compare and decide what contract term is the best deal for them.

It’s always a great idea for residential electricity customers to do some careful comparison shopping when choosing a residential electric provider for their home. Additionally, in today’s deregulated market, consumers need to educate themselves about the length of the contract term they’re signing up for when changing providers, or re-upping with their current one. It’s definitely advantageous to keep an eye on which contract terms are trending downward; by doing so, one can make sure they’re maximizing their electricity bill savings by locking into a contract at precisely the right time.

ChooseEnergy.com has come up with the Texas Residential Electricity Price Index Tool - an excellent tool which allows anyone to easily observe the varying trends in electricity contract terms based upon a range from one month all the way up to 24 months. Calculations are based upon 1,000 kWh per month. The rate data in the graph is collected from providers in the Choose Energy system on a daily basis and updated and published weekly here:
http://www.ChooseEnergy.com/PriceIndexCharts/price-index-chart.aspx

This innovative tool provides a clearly defined, easy-to-follow means of watching trends, enabling the consumer to sign up in a timely manner for the best contract term, in order to keep energy bills as manageable as possible. Choose Energy helps and encourages consumers to put in the necessary due diligence and research to evaluate all information available in the Texas electricity market before making an energy buying choice on a provider, plan or term. This tool helps to greatly simplify the process.

“One of our goals at Choose Energy is to continually innovate through technology to help consumers make informed and confident choices when they sign up with a retail electric provider. We designed this graphing tool to help provide our customers a means to stay currently updated about trends in the electricity market.” - Jerry Dyess, President and CEO of http://www.ChooseEnergy.com

The user-friendly pricing tool allows the user to specify their own particular region in order to obtain more pertinent, topical data simply by clicking on the geographic area/city on the buttons just below the graph. The Texas Residential Electricity Price Index developed by Choose Energy is an average rate based on prices in the Choose Energy system for select terms.

Choose Energy welcomes newspapers, website, magazines and other news & Texas consumer-oriented sources to place this informative, regularly updated tool on their own website for their readers’ convenience and reference. Simply contact Choose Energy via email at support(at)ChooseEnergy(dot)com to learn more.

About Choose Energy
Choose Energy empowers consumers and small business owners with the tools and information they need to research and compare leading national and local energy companies. Powered by proprietary technology, ChooseEnergy.com gives consumers the ability to do a side-by-side comparison of plans, pricing and terms so they can make an informed decision for their electric service. Choose Energy’s portfolio of brands includes: ChooseEnergy.com, TexasPowerCompany.com, PowerToChooseGreen.com, ElectricityTX.com and others. For general information on Choose Energy, please go to http://www.ChooseEnergy.com.

ChooseEnergy.com Launches Infographic That Details How 3 Pennies Can Add Up To $3.7 Billion in Savings

2011-06-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

ChooseEnergy.com created an infographic that explains the waste in the Texas energy market and how much consumers could save if they shopped for a lower electricity rate.

Carrollton, Texas (June 24, 2011) – ChooseEnergy.com, a leading energy shopping and comparison website, today announced the launch of a new infographic (http://www.chooseenergy.com/texaswaste) that illustrates how three pennies can add up to a very large amount of money for Texas consumers. The new, downloadable report on waste in the Texas energy market outlines results of recent research that consumers are spending too much for residential electricity.

With the rising cost of living and a down economy, people are trying to find ways to cut back and save money. According to the new infographic released by ChooseEnergy.com, there could be relief for consumers in their electric bill. According to the report, consumers in Texas could collectively save about $3.7 billion each year if they would shop around for the best rate for their residential electricity.

A number of statistics are included in the report, including how confusing the Texas energy market can be when shopping for new electricity service. There are so many Texas electricity providers to choose from, in fact, there are over 40 active Texas electricity companies and most offer multiple electricity rates – which is very confusing when trying to choose a plan for your home. That’s where consumers can benefit from a site like ChooseEnergy.com. ChooseEnergy.com can help consumers exercise their power to choose and make an informed decision.

"ChooseEnergy.com excels in taking a difficult and time consuming process and making it easier for people to understand through our comparison chart and customer reviews," said Jerry Dyess, President and CEO of Choose Energy. "We break the information down into categories and set criteria which make the information less intimidating and easier to understand."

While highlighting the fact that the Texas energy market is the 11th largest in the world, the infographic also shows that 48% of the electricity consumed is from residential use. So what’s the big deal? On average Texas residents pay about 11.5 cents per kWh for their home electric use when they could be paying 8.5 cents per kWh. Doesn’t sound like much does it? Well, those 3 pennies can add up fast and they add up to $3.7 billion for the Texas consumer market.

The infographic provides a good illustration in comparison on what you could get for $3.7 billion. Those 3 pennies saved could end up being more than the 2011 budget of the U.S. National Guard or more than enough money to purchase all of the major pro sports teams in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area including the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers and the Dallas Stars. Doesn’t sound like chump change now does it? What if Texas could hire 88,635 more teachers? Do you think that would improve Texas’ national ranking in education and in turn help attract more businesses to our communities?

With a recently updated website, Choose Energy gives consumers the power to save money on electricity while making educated choices based on accurate, up-to-date, comparable information. Choose Energy continues to innovate and provide outstanding Texas power choices for residential and commercial energy customers. Customers now have a simple way to compare offers made by different Texas electricity companies and utilize this power of choice when it comes to electricity.

Texas Consumer Should Take All The Advantages To Lower Billls This Summer

2010-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

This summer, people who live in Texas can do a lot to lower their utility bills. Now that utilities are deregulated, there is much more competition with power companies and no longer do you have to put up with high bills, low quality, and poor services. Instead, you have the power to choose which company you want to service your home or business, and you can not only get the best rates, but also a Texas electric company that is more reliable.

One of the places you should go to first when it comes to choosing your own utility company is chooseenergy.com. This is a company who's business is getting Texas utilities to compete for your services. If you want to be able to decide which company is right for you, then you should go to this site.

With this service, you will be able to choose a number of different things. For starters, you don't have to just deal with Texas utility companies that are still using valuable and depleting resources in the production of electricity. You can choose to use Greener companies, ones that realize the importance of using renewable resources, such as solar, or wind power to supply homes and businesses with their power needs.

You will also be able to compare several companies across the board, instead of just one or two. This allows you to choose exactly the kind of service that you want when it comes to your own electricity, whether you have good credit, or not. You can even choose prepaid electric company, if you have poor credit, which will not only get you the electricity you need, but also allow you to start rebuilding your credit as well.

No longer are electric companies regulated by big monopolies, and now you have the power to choose smaller companies, that will give you more choices, better services, and much lower rates. Instead of having to take it from them, you have a choice what kind of electric company YOU want instead. There are many different power companies competing for your service, and not just in Texas alone.

There are many reasons to use chooseenergy.com. If you are not sure about which Texas power company best suites you individual or business needs, they are there to help you 24/7. They can guide you through every step of the process, from sifting through the many companies on their listing, to the end process, of contacting the supplier and getting your residence of commercial building hooked up.

With this company there is not need to go from one website to another to find the right power supplier, they are all at one site. You can just click on the scrolling list at the bottom of the home page and instantly go to their page, and have a who list of prices per kilowatt hour, what their services are, what features they offer, as well as a little back ground on the company itself.

So if you are tired of seeing your utility bills go as high as the temperature, or are sick of getting an answering machine, or a computer voice on the other end of the line, you need to take control. You have a choice when it comes to your utilities now, and it is best to take as much advantage of this as you can.

More Customers Are Switching Texas Electricity Providers

2010-05-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

With Texas electricity rates the lowest they've been in a long time, more customers are switching providers and saving money by doing so. Today in Texas, there are over a hundred different electric companies; while this is good news, it may also seem overwhelming, in some cases, to find the best electricity provider. The website ChooseEnergy.com can help you do this.

Why not switch?

Although it may seem a hassle to switch from one Texas electric provider to another, you can save a significant amount of money -- and take advantage of the competition in today's market -- by doing so. By choosing the lowest cost provider available to you, you'll save on energy costs, putting more money in your pocket.

Estimates show that about 25% more people have switched this year than they did last you. That's good news for consumers, and it's good news for electricity providers who want your business, too.

Prices are lower than they have been in years.

For example, some areas can lock in a low fixed rate that's as little as $.10 per kilowatt-hour if they simply switch electricity providers. Your area's cost may differ somewhat, but you should still be able to get much more reasonable rates than you are currently paying -- and again, you can lock those rates in for at least 12 months. What that means for you is that if you choose a new provider and lock in your low rate now, you're protected from any rate increases for that 12-month period, which will save you even more money.

More than just price to consider

When you go to choose your Texas electricity provider, it's also up to you to do your homework, if you search for electric providers on your own. For example, you have to make sure you take a look at what their customer service satisfaction rate is, what their financial condition is, and what their track record is as well. You may also want to take a look at any perks they offer like bill credits, gift cards, or other amenities for being a customer.

Again, going to ChooseEnergy.com can help you find the right service provider for you, in your area. With this website, you can compare rates and options at a glance; even better, ChooseEnergy.com has already screened out companies and has chosen only providers who provide stellar service with good track records, a stable business environment, and with top-notch customer service recommendations.

The website will also tell you about all the bonuses or special deals each electric company offers, so that you can compare "with a mouse click" and find the right company for you. This makes it easy to choose a new electric service provider, save money, lock in the lowest rates possible, and even get additional perks and benefits for doing so. What are you waiting for?

Bounce Energy Launches Promotional Offer In Celebration Of Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

Texas electricity rates have significantly decreased over the last year or so, but not every consumer has taken advantage of this change. For today only Bounce Energy is offering a 5.5 cent rate on your first bill in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Since the Texas energy industry was deregulated, costs have become much more competitive and have therefore dropped significantly, but this is a rate most have not seen for quite some time. We recommend consumers take advantage of this one-time offer from Bounce Energy today. At a rate of 5.5 cents - it's certainly the lowest available rate in the Texas electricity market today.

In Texas, you really can't lose when it comes to having a Texas power company that's as inexpensive as possible. This is a great time of year to sign up for a lower rate. Take advantage of this fantastic offer today by going to www.ChooseEnergy.com and sign up for the Thrifty Saver Intro plan from Bounce Energy.

Texas Power Costs Have Been Reduced Significantly

2010-03-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

Over the last 12 months, Texas power costs have been reduced significantly for different reasons. But, not everyone is taking advantage of these lower Texas electricity costs. The fact is, the Texas energy market has become much more competitive since it has been deregulated.

So, that leaves consumers with the power to choose between electric providers and benefit from the lower costs. There are various offers available with different lengths of contracts to take advantage of. In most cases, there is no charge to switch from one Texas electric company to another. Certainly, there is no need to question whether there will be a loss of power during the switch, as this is not the case whatsoever. In fact, switching is easy and fast. The most simple site out there is www.ChooseEnergy.com.

If you are weary about switching, you really don't have to be. Consider how many offers you have had to switch telephone companies for better long-distance rates, better local rates, and better features.

While the telephone lines remain the same, the only thing that changes is the provider. In most cases, service is just as satisfactory as with the previous provider. You've probably taken advantage of better telephone deals. Well, the same is true for Texas power. The lines or wires remain the same, but the provider will change.

This information should be very useful to you if you haven't taken advantage of the new Retail Electric Provider, or REP. You don't have to necessarily make any phone calls or contact anyone to find out the different rates of the competing corporations. Instead, you can use your online resources (like ChooseEnergy.com) and compare them for yourself to see how much you will benefit from the savings of this deregulation that took place in recent times.

You will find that there are over 10 providers for every deregulated area in the state. So, you have plenty to choose from. Be a smart consumer and shop around in order to obtain the best rates and programs for your residential or business requirements.

Have You Checked Out What's Happening With Texas Electricity

2010-03-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

The Texas electricity industry is leading the way for electric deregulation. This is good for consumers who will have the power to choose their power company. The consumer will not have to choose to go with one company or to have no power at all. This might mean better pricing for the end user.

People might find better deals or plans that will fit their requirements compared to the Texas power provider they use now. But if people are happy with who they use then they need not change. But it is good to know that you can change if you want to.

Some plans allow you to lock in a rate so this could work toward your advantage. You will want to keep an eye open for various plan specials that other companies are running at different times of the year.

Your Texas electric provider who you have used for years probably does not run deals. So it might be a good idea to change if you can save money. But if you have a plan now that has a contract cancellation fee you have to take into account if the savings will be worth the penalty.

You might simply want to wait until the contract expires and then make the move. Here is the bottom line. You will get better service and better rates if there is competition in the market.

Until now the power companies have had a monopoly on the power service. You had two choices use their power or go without power. But because you have a choice you will not have to pay what the companies say. And they charge as much as the government allows them to charge.

This is the first step towards you paying less for your power. The deregulation of the power companies is something you can voice your support for. Call your local representative today to voice your opinion or use your power to choose a lower Texas electric bill today.

Paying Too Much For Texas Energy Doesn't Make Cents

2010-02-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

Although there are alternatives for the electricity company chosen by consumers in Texas, many have not exercised their power to choose. There have been many reasons given for not doing so and in the long run it is costing consumers more for the electricity they use.

The right to choose the retail electric provider used is often something people are not aware is available in their area. This is one reason. Another reason may be they have a contract with the provider they are using now and do not want to pay a cancellation fee.

There actually could be an advantage to paying the fee if the savings you will receive by switching companies will be more than the cancellation fee. The power to choose a provider for your electric service should be researched because many people are paying far more than they should. If the savings will be significant, this is well worth looking into for that aspect. If the services are more tailored to your needs, this is another reason to check out what is available.
The number of choices today are many and with these choices more readily available they create a competition among the electric companies. Each one wants your business so they will try to offer a more attractive package than the others. Sometimes this allows the consumer to save a large amount of money on their electricity bills.

Some people have decided to switch to electric companies that use renewable energy. A site that will help you to select the Texas electricity plan that will be more suited to you is ChooseEnergy.com. There are several Texas electric companies that provide services for retail electric consumers. Shopping around for the one that will give you the best deal is extremely important in today’s economy.

Choose Energy was founded with the goal in mind of providing consumers an opportunity to shop for the electric company they felt would be better suited for their needs. Providing an unbiased site for comparing prices, not only can consumers save money but they have more flexibility when it comes to billing and payments.

In today’s economy when everything is getting more and more expensive, the chance to save money wherever possible is becoming a reality for those who live in Texas. With the option of choosing the electric company that provides the best overall service and price, many people are paying much lower electricity bills.

Ask yourself a few questions and see if it would benefit you to compare prices on several other electricity providers. Are you satisfied with the prices you are paying for electricity? If so, you may not want to change at the present time. However, with as many Texas energy providers as there are available you may want to check back a few times to see if they are offering anything different.

Since the focus today is on renewable energy this is another aspect of changing from one company to another. The chance to have an effect on the environment is a concern of many. Are you concerned that you may have to pay a large deposit to switch to another electric company? This may not always be true. Often the deposit can be paid in installments along with the bill and in certain other cases it may be waived entirely. The only way to know is to check.

Another question you may be concerned with is the ability to stay on a plan that allows them to pay the same cost each month. Many of the electric companies are doing this today, so the one you are with is not the only one with this type of plan. This is another reason to use Choose Energy to compare different companies and see what they offer.

There is no reason for paying outrageous prices for electricity today when there are such a wide variety of choices. The people of Texas no longer have to rely on one electric company and be subject to whatever prices they decide to charge. The ability to choose the electricity provider about as easily as you decide which cell phone provider to use is now available.

When you take the time to go to Choose Energy and compare prices among the many that are on this site, you may be surprised at how much it can change the price you are currently paying.

ChooseEnergy.com Announces Launch Of Newly Designed Website To Help Consumers Lower Energy Costs

2010-02-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

(February 16, 2010) ChooseEnergy.com, a leading resource for online energy shopping, announced today that it has launched an enhanced website, located at www.ChooseEnergy.com. The updated design features smoother navigation, helpful energy education, and increased energy choices showcasing many options for the consumer.

“The new site has a fresh feel which we think appeals to a wide audience,” said ChooseEnergy.com President and CEO, Jerry Dyess. “This is about building a relationship with our customers by making the site interactive and at the same time giving our longtime customers what they have come to expect.”

When overhauling the site, designers kept it fun and simple with an interactive approach. Take for example the comparison chart. Customers can now see how many times other customers have selected certain provider offers, thus creating a community feel while facilitating a more competitive environment for the providers.

"We want the new site to be a great resource for Texas electricity customers, resulting in many more consumers saving money on their Texas energy service," said ChooseEnergy.com President Jerry Dyess. "Not only is the site easier to navigate with more providers and energy offer information but we’ve built an improved product comparison tool. Now, you can compare offers and make an educated choice based on your particular electricity needs," Dyess added.
With the addition of partners like TXU Energy and Bounce Energy, consumers are given more choices. More choices for energy helps the consumers know they have options, and are not forced into selecting a particular provider.

"Most importantly, the website is designed with the consumer in mind. It's easy-to-navigate, provides a wealth of educational information, and lays out each electric company's plans and rates perfectly so the consumer can make an informed decision. Bounce Energy believes Choose Energy delivers true value to Texas electricity customers, both for small business and residential." noted Robbie Wright, CEO of Houston-based electricity company Bounce Energy.

Just as the Internet has made it easier for people to compare mortgages, travel rates and other services, Choose Energy has developed a ‘compare and buy' shopping site that offers a trusted and objective comparison of available electricity providers for residential and small commercial customers.

About the company: Founded in 2005 Choose Energy, (www.chooseenergy.com), has committed itself on being the most trusted and leading online energy shopping resource for small business and residential consumers. This customer commitment is backed up by experienced energy and technology professionals, competitive prices, and powerful technology. Choose Energy has developed the technology required to permit consumers to shop for electricity prices and to apply for service using a single website. It is Choose Energy’s goal to provide the consumer with the latest up-to-date information possible to assist them to exert their power to choose.

For further information call Jerry Dyess at 469 361-2971 or write to Corporate Headquarters at: 3740 N. Josey Lane, Suite 114, Carrollton, Texas 75010. One could also email Jerry Dyess at jdyess@chooseenergy.com. Also, the consumer can check out the blog at blog.chooseenergy.com or visit the website at www.chooseenergy.com.

Using Wind Energy For Residential Applications

2010-01-29T12:25:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-01-20T11:30:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-12-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-16T12:41:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-18T19:38:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T08:46:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

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 -

2009-09-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T12:11:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-10T05:25:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-09T13:22:00.001-07:00

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.

American Electricity Deregulation

2009-09-05T07:50:00.001-07:00

Today we will open a new series of post about electricity deregulation in America. We will discuss how deregulation has opened markets across the U.S. and their importance to American energy.
So please check back over the next serveral days as we discuss more on electricity deregulation in America.

In the1990s the Federal government embarked on a policy of deregulating the electricity industry in America. It was believed that this America electricity deregulation would help American businesses and consumers save money on electricity. Even though the deregulation process has been going on in the natural gas industry for well over a decade, little has been done with American electric utility operations and rates since they are much more complex to figure. As a result of this, it is believed that electric utility restructuring will have a far greater impact on facility energy costs for consumers and the way operations are handled in coming years. Before we discuss this deregulation, there are a few concepts that we better need to understand.

In the simplest terms, a utility is an entity which is created to provide a tangible commodity or service that is considered to be something vital to the well being of the general public. These commodities include electrical power, water, or natural gas. In addition, the utility has the responsibility for producing the commodity, transporting it (in the case of electricity through power lines they have erected), and ultimately distributing it on the retail level to the individual consumer through a meter and connections to the power grid.

Since utility service is such a vital need, it has been determined by both state and federal lawmakers that it is in the public's interest to regulate how it is provided. To keep utilities from causing the consumer to suffer price gouging and to encourage widespread access by individual consumers, the government originally gave individual utilities certain monopolistic rights to sell energy within a specific territorial area, known in the industry as the "service area" or "franchise territory." In the days when the utility was first conceived of, it was believed to be less expensive to provide any given mass market in a defined geographic territory with utility services from a single supplier because of the high cost of distribution. This monopoly was accompanied by the right of the utility to regulate price as well as service terms and conditions that the consumer had to abide by.

Because of their monopoly status in a given location, utilities are regulated at both state and federal levels. Federal jurisdiction regulates wholesale interstate transactions while state regulation deals more with consumer-level issues like rates and the quality of service. Despite the safeguards that were supposed to be in place in the form of a Public Service Commission, up until recently the consumer has had very little to say in the amount of rates charged by the utilities and had very little recourse open to them since they had no other choice except to go with the one utility that was operating in their area.

Recent America electricity deregulation legislation was designed to allow the consumer to choose a power company which has a more competitive rate charged for Kilowatt hours (KWh), offering a potential savings to the individual energy consumer. This also helps theoretically because a consumer is free to choose a utility which produces electricity using a more environmentally friendly renewable generation source for electricity like solar or wind generation as compared to the burning of coal which currently accounts for over a third of all power generated in America. Despite this deregulation, only 19 states have implemented or are implementing restructuring to a competitive market. The rest have either halted studies or have taken no steps to transition over despite advantages that the American power consumer could see.

One exciting development that could help to move the remaining states along the path to America electricity deregulation was the legislation that President Obama signed into being in June of 2009. This legislation included incentives for utilities that begin switching to cleaner, more renewable sources of generation like the use of solar or wind generators.

In addition, individuals like homeowners or businesses that install smaller generation systems will be offered monetary incentives to help pay for the costs of the initial system. This legislation also compels electrical utilities to purchase any excess wattage that the individual generates which is above and beyond what is needed to power the business or home. A net meter, a device that keeps accurate track of wattage bought from or sold to a utility, can provide not only a significant possible energy savings to the owner of the generation system (experts estimate a savings of between one to two billion dollars annually between the years 2012 and 2042), but also serves to provide additional energy that is not dependant on dirty, dwindling fuels like burning coal that not only is less efficient to use, but is also more costly in terms of the devices needed to be factored in to make them cleaner and less injurious to the environment.

The more clean generation systems that come online, the closer we will be to catching up with the countries that already are trying to switch over to renewable fuel technologies. As one expert put it, so long as the sun shines, there will always be a free source of fuel, either via sun or wind generation.

How to Get a Tax Credit While Improving Your Home's Energy Efficiency

2009-09-03T12:31:00.001-07:00

Summary: The IRS is offering incentives to make energy efficient improvements to your home. With Texas heat - these are some great ideas on how you can lower your Texas electric bill. But these come with strings and caveats. Be sure that what you are planning will qualify before you commit to the expenditure.

Uncle Sam is on your side when it comes to offering some tax credits for improving your home's energy efficiency. Unfortunately, he's only offering some credits and these come with a handful of strings. Still, a tax credit is better than no tax credit.

First, you need to know that energy tax credits can total 30% of expenditures (existing homes only for - windows and doors, metal roofs, insulation, asphalt roofs, ventilating, heating, and air conditioning systems [known as HVACs], non-solar water heaters as well as biomass Stoves) up to $1500 over a 2-year period (tax years 2009 and 2010). The credit is NOT for each year. Further, it is NOT for each adult owner of the home, unless they file separate income tax returns. A husband and wife filing a joint return, for example, could receive up to a single $1500 credit. Two adults (married or living together in the same home) could receive two such credits if they filed separate returns.

There are also longer-term and unlimited tax credits (30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 for existing homes & new construction) for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems, solar panels, and fuel cells. However, the tax credit for fuel cells is limited to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity.

Note, too, that installation costs are only allowed for windows, doors, roofs and insulation.

And, to keep the confusion to a dull roar, you can only claim the tax credit for up to what you owe in taxes. Thus, if after other deductions you owe no taxes (even if you had tax payments withheld), you cannot claim the credit. And, if you don't owe enough taxes, you cannot carry over the credit (unless you install the items under "longer term" described above.

The good news is that you can claim both the $1500 credit and the unlimited credit as long as you satisfy the requirements for each.

Next, you will need to ensure that what you are doing qualifies for the credit. It's best to check with the company (or the manufacturer's web site) to ensure that they can provide a "Manufacturer's Certification Statement." The MCS is a signed statement that comes from the manufacturer, which certifies that the product is qualified for this tax credit. As with anything involving the IRS, be sure to save all receipts and the MCS, just in case the IRS requests them.

When you file your taxes, be sure to include a Form 5695. On the latest draft version of the form, the energy tax credit appears on line 52.

If you are thinking about this credit as a way of helping to offset the costs of viable energy-efficient home improvements, then you should visit the Energy Star web site to get more information. Check back periodically as the web site managers seem to be doing a good job of keeping information current and addressing questions. The web site's address is

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

You might also want to read the IRS rules carefully and check with your tax advisor/accountant, if you have one.

Stop Air Leaks for an Energy Efficient Home

2009-08-31T08:34:00.001-07:00

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 on your Texas electricity costs. But, these can be costly. Instead, why not take a few simple steps to eliminate those pesky air leaks plus go to www.ChooseEnergy.com and sign up for a lower rate.

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 on all of your Texas electric costs.

New Rules for Texas Electric Deregulation

2009-08-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

In August of this year, state regulators have tightened the reigns on guidelines and rules for Texas electric retailers that deeply benefits the consumers and makes retailers face stricter financial standards to remain in operation. From the implementation of these new rules, Texas electric customers will be allowed a 14-day minimum notice before their contracts expire. Additionally, the Texas Public Utility Commission reduced the time it takes to change electric providers from up to 45 days to no more than 7.

Texas regulators decided to make these deregulatory changes in a direct response to problems stemming from last summer's loss of several electric companies after the wholesale power markets spiked. Loss of such companies caused Texas consumers to switch to plans with other electric providers, sometimes at significantly higher rates. It is worth mentioning that this occurred during some of the hottest weeks of 2008.

The New Rules

In order to remain in compliance with the new industry standards, electric retailers will now be required to maintain at least $1 million in equity. Additionally, they will also be required to show proof of investment grade debt ratings or that they hold at least $500,000 letters of credit. (Before, it was just $100,000.)

The changes don't come to just financials, either. The new rules also stem into the management branch of the electric companies. It is now required that company management have a specified amount of experience (in years) in the industry. To tighten the rules even further, regulators have mandated that someone on the Texas electric company staff must also have experience in both risk management and commodity hedging.

These requirements are based on the fact that many of the companies that went out of business in 2008 relied too heavily on a balancing market. The Texas power industry, though relatively small, can be quite volatile with drastic jumps. These businesses lost when they posted collateral based on the market which jumped causing the capital requirement to spike as well. It was a challenge that a handful of electric companies simply were unable to meet.

What Customers Will Note

The new rules for Texas deregulation will not only affect customer rights and companies from being sucked into the virtual black hole of a fluctuating market; it will affect the wording on their contracts and bills as well. Part of the new rules requires that the contract expiration be clearly explained and identified. The rules also require companies to clearly spell out fees, costs, and electric rates right on the monthly bill.

Though some Texas electric companies won't have to do much, as a few have already adopted such tactics before the rules became official, others will have plenty of work before them. The standardized communication will help consumers become better customers and improve their ability to compare one electric company to another.

What the Texas Public Utility Commission Does

The Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) is responsible for regulating terms and rates for intrastate transmission services and distribution in relation to customer choice. It also monitors and oversees the market, fees, and industry standards. The PUC is also responsible for protecting the consumer through the adoption and enforcement of retail competition and renewable energy rules.

How Texas Electric Deregulation has helped Texas businesses and consumers

2009-08-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Texas Electric deregulation in Texas came into effect as of January 1, 2002. The deregulation itself is going to be phased in over several years, but the result of the deregulation itself is that most Texas power customers can choose where they get their electricity from, from a number of what are called "retail electric providers," or REPs. The so-called "incumbent utility" in an area still maintains and owns the powerlines, and it's the one you call if there is a power outage. That particular company is not subject to deregulation. To date roughly 85% percent of industrial and commercial customers have taken advantage of deregulation by switching providers at least on one occasion. Over 50% residential customers have taken advantage of the deregulation to switch to a competitive REP. What's so special about deregulation? Deregulation ensures that no single buyer or seller is going to have an unfair advantage in the market, basically a sort of "anti-monopolization" movement that helps ensure competitive pricing on Texas electricity.

Within deregulation was a concept known as the "price to beat," or PTB, a regulated rate concept that determined the pricing behavior of ex-utility providers. Typically, prices would have been determined by a transparent market and in fair fashion, not by an academic or political body. However, this wasn't quite going to work in Texas' deregulation, because incumbent electric companies could instantly cut their own prices to beat those of new deregulation entries, therefore in effect preventing competition and continuing in the monopoly. To that end, the deregulation in Texas also had a phase-in period whereby a price floor was established for incumbent electricity companies so that this sort of continued monopolization could not occur and new competitors could become established themselves. This was to last until January 1 of 2007.

Benefits to businesses: No bottlenecking, no loss of profits by being "down"Deregulation helps ensure that "bottlenecking" won't occur such as happened in the 2003 North American blackout and in California's electric crisis. And of course, this benefits businesses because they don't lose profits by going "down," as is inevitable during the times of these types of outages. With the Texas electric market deregulated, new firms have been able to enter into the marketplace, thus helping ensure an end to bottlenecking. Specifically, more than 60 startup firms have been established to date, nearly equally split among firms that are almost entirely focused on commercial usage and those that are focused on residential usage. In addition, deregulation has been of benefit to consumers because aggregators have advocated for consumers to negotiate low rates on the markets; these lower cost than get passed on to consumers with lower pricing.

With last summer price rises, is deregulation still a good deal? Spikes in Texas' electricity prices lst summer caused many to question deregulation's impact in a positive sense. However, even though previous assertions that deregulation would lower prices for businesses and consumers, more competition has probably meant that prices themselves HAVE indeed remained lower than they would had deregulation not been instituted. It should also be noted that wholesale electricity prices actually took a drop between 2005 and 2006, several years after the inception and implementation of the deregulation. In addition, even though some electricity comes from (currently cheaper) coal plants, Texas electric companies have to set their prices at the higher natural gas production level, because natural gas power plants are needed to supply growing demand. And again, as demand grows, natural gas is going to become an increasingly important supplier of electricity.

What cost savings has this had for consumers and businesses? When deregulation was implemented, prices are still somewhat less than they would have been had deregulation not occured. In addition, it should be noted that electric companies are still absorbing some of the price increases, since prices went up for customers an average of 43% between the years of 2002 to 2004, even though input costs, such as those from natural gas, rose by 63%. Therefore, you can see that some of these costs have been borne by the electric companies and not consumers, because of the increased competition. With the Price to Beat Program enforced through January 1, 2007, new competitors could enter the market safely without fear that incumbents would undercut them in price. This has also controlled prices and increased competition. And of course, that benefits both businesses and consumers because with lower Texas electric prices to pay, businesses can keep their own overhead costs low, and pass the savings on to consumers.

Environmental impacts: Deregulation has also allowed businesses and consumers to begin to take advantage of more environmentally friendly electricity suppliers, such as the wind turbine companies that have begun to jump on board. What this means, of course, is that these businesses have impacted the environment favorably -- but have been able to participate entirely because of the deregulation, which they may not have been able to do had it not happened. As of 2006, Texas surpassed California in its use of clean electricity generated from wind turbines. Other alternative energy sources are also in development, including solar and hydropower, biomass, and landfill gas.

Less electric consumption altogether - As electric prices have risen (even though, as stated previously, they would have arguably risen more in a market dominated by incumbents with no competition), consumers and businesses alike have jumped fully into conservation mode. This is something that may not have happened were electric prices not to have risen so substantially. And with businesses modeling this type of good behavior to consumers, this is truly responsible behavior that can only bring about good overall.

Texas Electricity Usage Records

2009-07-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Texas set a peak usage record this week of 63,453 MW on Monday July 13th. Due to this record heat wave that we've experienced the past few weeks, ChooseEnergy.com has also seen a dramatic increase in website traffic and residential and business customer sign ups.

With this records usage and record heat, we recommend everyone take a close look at that electric bill this month. Your usage and bill have both probably gone up quite a bit from last year. To determine your price per kWh - Take your energy costs plus service charges (less taxes) and divide that by the total kWh usage on your bill. Then go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com to see if you need to switch. It may even make sense to break your contract with your current provider (depending on what you are currently paying) pay the early termination fee and switch to a lower priced plan.

Prices are still very low - but usage is very high - so prices should increase very soon.

What Effect Do Natural Gas Prices Have on Texas Electricity Costs?

2009-07-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

You might not know about it, but the current cost of natural gas could have an effect on how much you pay for your Texas electricity, even if you don't burn gas. That's because fuel costs make up around a third of the price of Texas electicity generation. In the state of Texas, that price is mostly related to how much it costs to create Texas power by burning natural gas. So, when natural gas prices go up, your power bill does, too. This could cause some real confusion if you don't know how it works.

The 1999 Texas Electric Choice Act says that suppliers of retail electricity can change prices twice each year at predetermined times, basing their changes on what natural gas costs at the moment. That way, you'll alwyays know that your power price is closely related to the current conditions on the market. If you don't like the service you're getting or the price you're paying, the Act also allows you to look for a new Texas electric supplier who will offer the kind of pricing, terms, and service contracts that you like. If you prefer a supplier with more environmentally friendly generation methods, you can also take the time to choose someone who does this. To compare Texas electric suppliers for your home or business, go to ChooseEnergy.com.

So, how does that price get determined? First, a composite price for natural gas is calcuated from the NYMEX Henry-Hub natural gas index. A ten day period is chosen, and the closing forward twelve month prices for every business day out of those ten days will be averaged. Then, there's an examination of the price that's arrived at - if it's more than four percent higher than the price that set the fuel factor currently being used, the supplier can file for a price increase.

Then, the percentage by which the price of natural gas has increased is applied to the current fuel factor, and the new fuel factor is created. It takes either twenty days or forty-five days for the new factor to become effective - depending on whether or not the Texas electric supplier requests a hearing. When hearings are requested, the fuel factor doesn't affect your bill until the supplier wins the hearing, and the longer time period is the one that applies.

Increases might seem like they're really complicated, but the truth is that they're not. When natural gas gets more expensive, all electricity in Texas does, even if it's not produced by burning natural gas. So, next time your utility bill confuses you, make sure you consider this fact.

Be Cool Texas! ChooseEnergy.com Helps Texans Beat the Summer Heat

2009-07-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Texas online company Choose Energy (www.ChooseEnergy.com) announces that this summer, Texas can stay cool without breaking their bank as they make their own Texas electric supplier choices in the deregulated market. By making their own choices, residents of Texas can choose Texas power providers who offer them the best rates, meaning that they don't have to go broke as they turn up the air conditioning against the sweltering Texas heat. And Choose Energy helps them make the best possible choice of Texas electricity provider.

Choose Energy was founded in 2005 with the mission of providing an unbiased shopping experience among different Texas electric companies. Texas power consumers can do simple comparison shopping and competing Texas electric companies can bid for their business.

Residential as well as business customers now have a simple way to compare offers made by different Texas electricity companies; furthermore, switching to their preferred provider only takes a few clicks of the mouse. Choose Energy was created by energy professionals, who know better than anyone else how to help consumers save money on electricity while making informed choices based on accurate, up-to-date, comparable information. Choose Energy continues to innovate, as it is their mission to provide Texas power consumers with the most up to date information available to help them wisely exercise their power to choose.

The main idea behind Texas electric company deregulation was to give the customer more competitive prices, more choices, and more control. The competition between Texas power companies is now as fierce as the gunslinging in Wild West frontier towns. Choose Energy offers consumers a unique one-site advantage, meaning that they never have to leave the website to order their choice in Texas electricity service. At the company website, you can: Compare Texas electricity prices; Choose the Texas electric plan that is best for you; Order your electric service online from one site; and Save money on your energy costs.

You would receive a notice from your provider if this were going to happen (and even if there were some erroneous oversight and and you did not receive the notice, you would still have power). The PUC has listed a provider of last resort in case of just such an unfortunate event, and that company would become your provider until you can make a choice in a new provider.

So, Texas electric deregulation is a win-win situation for all involved--and Choose Energy (www.ChooseEnergy.com) helps your household or business win as big as it can.

ABOUT CHOOSE ENERGY - Choose Energy's industry-leading technology and ease-of-use energy shopping experience allows consumers and business owners to better manage their energy spend and lower their energy costs. www.ChooseEnergy.com is committed to being the foremost online source for residential and small business consumers to compare and select competitive energy services by continuing to innovate and further deliver our partners' services through an array of channels. This customer-focused commitment is backed by experienced energy resources, great services from qualified suppliers and powerful technology to enable real-time pricing, and efficient enrollment. Choose Energy is a privately held company based in Carrollton, TX.

Texas Energy Efficient Ideas For Your New Home

2009-06-30T06:19:00.001-07:00

Whether your home is new construction of old – looking for these Texas energy saving ideas can save you thousands of dollars over the years. Certain things your home does not have already might be things you will want to change for energy efficiency and comfort.

Energy Star is a rating given to new home construction which means the home has gone through stringent requirements when it comes to receiving the energy efficiency rating.

Insulation, air sealing, window and door construction and sealing, along with appliances, lighting and ventilation systems are things that may be considered. Many building codes are including certain requirements for air sealing and insulation on new home construction in Texas, in an effort to save energy. By making sure these insulation and air sealing procedures are followed, you can be assured your new home is airtight and will keep the air in the house that you need for comfort and the outside elements where they belong. Make sure you check for air sealing tests on new home construction.

Thermal windows and doors are part of this equation, so if the house has passed air sealing, you don’t need to worry as much. You can have air sealing done on an existing home. By going through and sealing existing cracks and seams where drafts can come through, you can improve your energy bills dramatically.

Your ventilation system is another Texas energy savings component, and the newer HVAC systems are built for efficiency. Make sure you have the right size of unit for your home’s square footage or any energy savings will go out the window, and you will have hot and cold spots. A proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning system can save you up to 50% on your energy bill, versus older, inefficient ones.

Appliances are being made with energy saving features, as well. Energy efficient appliances can pay for themselves in a short period of time, through savings on your energy bill. Don’t forget to check your water heater for energy efficiency, too.

Your home’s lighting systems are important, and houses that are built to take advantage of natural lighting and natural heating or cooling may include skylights, tinted windows, shade trees, and have southern exposure.

Many homes are including solar panel systems to help generate power, and these can increase a home’s resale value and generate enough power for an entire house, depending on the size of the system.Also, using compact, fluorescent bulbs can offer cost savings, and outdoor lighting that uses solar power is a great way to save energy costs. They store the sunlight all day and use it each night. It used to be that ideas for energy efficiency involved turning your lights out when you weren’t using them and weather-stripping your windows and doors. While those are still good pieces of advice, you can realize larger energy savings that amount to more than 50% using these ideas.

Most new Texas home construction includes many energy efficiency features, but you may need to make conversations on older homes. Tax credits and utility rebates are available in many areas for many different types of systems and appliances. Now is a good time to take advantage of energy efficient ideas for your new home

What is Energy Star?

2009-06-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

You've probably seen the now familiar blue and white logo with the word "Energy" followed by the outline of a star to indicate the joint governmental effort known as ENERGY STAR at least a few times over the past decade or so, but still may not be sure exactly what the program is all about. Created by the U.S Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992, ENERGY STAR aims to save consumers money while protecting the precious environment at the same time through the use of products and practices that are energy efficient.

While there's been quite a bit of attention on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, many people may be rather surprised to learn that their homes can actually cause twice the amount of air pollution as their cars do. Fortunately, the benefits of ENERGY STAR compliant appliances are becoming more and more known as we search for solutions to combat the growing problems of global warming and rapidly decreasing supplies of vital resources.

The Benefits of ENERGY STAR Rated AppliancesToday, the typical household's energy related utility bills are over $2,000 per year, but, in the year 2008 alone, Americans saved an incredible 19 billion dollars on their home utilities with the help of ENERGY STAR products and other electricity savings methods. This equals a savings of approximately one-third of the total cost of a year's utilities, or about $700 minus the $2,000 total. The previous year in 2007, Americans avoided releasing a whopping forty million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the air we breathe by using products that received the ENERGY STAR rating.

Now, new homes are being built to meet the strict guidelines required to be an ENERGY STAR certified home and must be at least fifteen percent more energy efficient than those built just a few years ago that met the 2004 IRC (International Residential Code). These new "smart" homes, also called green homes or green buildings, have a number of energy-saving features that have the potential to be up to 30 times more efficient than the average home.

ENERGY STAR Products for Every Room of the Home - Currently there are products carrying the ENERGY STAR label in more than 60 different categories, all of which use less energy, save more money, and have less of an impact on the world around us. Thanks to many major technological advances in our modern world, you'll now find the ENERGY STAR logo on far more than just refrigerators or television sets.

All throughout the house, using qualified light bulbs will save two-thirds energy than the ordinary, incandescent bulb most of us still have. And, down in the basement or up in the attic, ENERGY STAR furnaces with a rating of 90% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) or more, which is already 15% more efficient than the minimum federal standards, can save a considerable amount of money, especially if you live in a colder climate.

ENERGY STAR TVs will use half the amount of watts (three compared to six) when not turned on, and qualified VCRs will use 30% less Texas energy than their non-compliant counterparts. Even cordless telephones have built-in modes that save energy along with digital-to-analog converter boxes (DTAs), DVD players, computer and office equipment, and of course, appliances for the kitchen and laundry room.

Do remember that just because a product or service is advertised as being "energy efficient" that doesn't necessarily mean it will perform as well or meet the same stringent energy guidelines as outlined by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA for the ENERGY STAR program. By using Energy Star rated appliances and lowering your Texas electric rate from ChooseEnergy.com - you will be on your way to much lower Texas electricity bills.

How to Beat the Summer Heat in Texas

2009-06-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

Temperatures soar in the Texas summer, and many of us run our air conditioners full blast, but that means high cooling bills. Can you beat the heat without breaking the bank? If you just change a few things about your behavior and your home, the answer is yes.

Let's take a look at how to do it. Conserving energy and using less Texas electricity has long been a focus for people who want to save the environment, and it's definitely good for the world around us, but it's also good for our wallets. After all, the less power you use, the less you have to pay for. In the summer time, bills can soar due to air conditioning use, but a few simple things can help you reduce the cost of staying cool.

Try keeping shades and blinds closed during the hot part of the day, and leave most lights off, using only the ones you need at the moment. The sun and electric lighting can both add pretty significant amounts of heat to a room. Keep in mind that heat rises. That means that if you're up really early in the morning you can open upstairs and downstairs windows to let the cool air rush in and the hot air rush out. Close them just as soon as it starts to warm up, however, and just leave the upper windows open. That way, upstairs rooms don't turn into a muggy sauna.

Laundry can have a big effect, too. Instead of running the washer and dryer during the day, run the washer in the early morning and hang your clothes on the line (when rain is not expected) or just run them at night. A clothes dryer creates and puts out a lot of heat, and running hot water in a washer does the same. Plus, in some areas, you'll be charged less for using major appliances at night, saving you money.

Cool as little space as you can. Air circulation is a good thing, but in a house that's not designed for it, you can't get a breeze going through the house. In this case, shut the doors and spend most of your time in one room, running a fan or air conditioner only there. There's less space to cool, and less Texas energy expended in doing it. Don't mess with the AC, either. Leave it at the same setting consistently, and don't turn it on and off. That'll cool things the most efficiently. Even if you have an air conditioner running, use your ceiling or floor fans, too. They use a remarkably small amount of energy, and are a big help in keeping things cool.

Don't do too much inside. Workout outdoors or head elsewhere to get things done. The air outside may be hot, but it also is more likely to keep moving. This will vary by day and location, of course. You can also take cool showers, stick to eating mostly meals that don't need cooking, and drink a lot of water. When you are outside, stick to shady areas so you don't overheat - you’ll be less likely to want to crank the AC up when you get indoors.

Use these helpful tips and lower your Texas electric rate by going to ChooseEnergy.com. Choosing a lower cost per kWh - will help lower your electricity bills substantially.

Texas Electricity Demand Nears Record

2009-06-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

The demand for Texas electricity neared a record many days this week. Despite the year high temperatures on Friday, Texas electricity was 41 megawatts short of the record set back in August 0f 2006. With demand topping 62,000 megawatts many times this week - Texas electricity usages was up because of extreme high temps across the state this week.

The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has requested that consumers and businesses try and conserve their electricity demands between the hours of 3p.m. and 7p.m. to try reduce the demand and usage on our Texas electricity system.

With this increased demand - consumers on month-to-month contracts can expect to see a slight increase in their Texas electricity costs in the coming weeks. Increased demand will certainly increase price - this is why ChooseEnergy.com has recommended consumers and business owners shop for a lock-in Texas electricity rate before month-to-month prices increase.

Should You Get a Texas Energy Audit?

2009-06-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Whether you are concerned about your Texas energy usage or you are in a place where you would like to make your entire home more conservative in terms of resources used, you will discover that an energy audit is something that you need to take a look at. Not only can an energy audit help you identify places where energy and thus money are being wasted, you will find that having done an energy audit recently can actually make your home attractive to potential buyers. Take some time to consider what an energy audit is, what it does, and why you need one as soon as possible!

First, many experts consider an energy audit to be the first step in making your home more efficient. With the HOT summer here and the amount of Texas electricity many of us consume - this is certainly a good thing. Some people will find a checklist that they can go through online, while many others decide that they would rather leave something this important in the hands of professionals. Essentially, your home is examined in a step-by-step process that takes into account all the ways that you use energy and how you are going to be able to prevent the wasting of energy. In any household, there are going to be places where energy seeps away unnoticed, and the goal of an energy audit is to stop this from happening.

One important reason why you might want to have a professional energy audit done is that it will give you a quantitative and qualitative measure of the energy that is entering and leaving your house. You will not only know what areas are not secure, but you will also have an idea of how much energy is being leaked through those areas. More importantly, it will tell you where to focus your efforts when you are looking to make sure that your energy is being preserved.

There is a lot of great information out there that can help you stop energy leakage, but to make use of them, you are going to need to know when the leaks are occurring and to what extent you need to be worried about them.

Also remember that when you preserve the Texas energy of your home, it is going to make a huge difference to your energy bill. Especially if you live in an older house and have not made the improvements that you need to make yet, you'll discover that an energy audit can save you hundreds of dollars from your Texas energy bill, particularly if you are facing a long winter where heating is going to be important. Similarly, if your home uses air conditioning, you'll discover that you are going to need to think about how you can avoid air conditioning the entire neighborhood.

Take some time and really consider how an energy audit can help your household. This is something that can make a huge difference to the way that you pay your bills and even your general comfort. There are so many different ways to lose energy through that you need to notice them now and fix it.

Texas Business Electricity: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

2009-06-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

When it comes to paying for electricity to run a business, it's easy to get burned by overpriced utilities. In fact, the cost of Texas electricity has been cited as among the top problems for small business owners as revealed in a recent survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses. This is why it's important to know what to look for when you are shopping for a Texas electricity provider for your Texas business.

Here are some things to consider when deciding where to purchase Texas business electricity:

- Fixed vs. Variable Rates. A fixed rate, as the name suggests, means that the per-unit cost of electricity will not change for the duration of the contract term. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but for the most part a fixed rate will keep your energy costs consistent, provided your business doesn't vary much in its energy usage. With a variable rate, the price per unit of electricity fluctuates based on market conditions. A variable rate will at times yield lower prices, and at times will be priced higher than a fixed rate.

So, how can you decide whether a fixed or variable electricity rate is right for you? Generally, a fixed rate is the best option if your business will be entering a long term contract. This is because over time, energy prices will rise according to the cost of inflation, cost of oil, or natural gas among other things. However, your per unit electricity cost will not increase for the life of the contract. In practical terms, this means that you will be paying less than market rate for your electricity as the contract progresses. On the other hand, if market rates drop, you may be locked into a long term contract and unable to renegotiate at a lower fixed rate. If you are considering a shorter term contract, a variable rate may be the way to go. While pricing can be somewhat unsteady, you are likely to get lower prices in the short term than you would with a fixed rate electricity contract. Plus, this allows you the flexibility to enter into a long term contract in the event that electric prices take a drop that warrants locking in a fixed rate.

Contract Terms. Many providers of Texas business electricity offer month-to-month plans, mid-term contract terms of up to three years, and in some cases, even longer term contracts of three years or more. It's important to choose the plan that best meets your needs, and to carefully review all facets of any written agreement. In particular, you should be aware that you may have to pay a cancellation fee if for any reason you terminate a contract before the full term is completed.

Environmental Responsibility. Lastly, many Texas businesses choose to purchase Texas energy created from renewable resources like solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and others. If you are concerned about whether the electricity you purchase is "green" energy, ask your Texas electric provider or review the provider's Electricity Facts Label. By taking each of these factors into account, you'll be in a better position to decide what type of Texas business electricity suits your needs. This will help you save money, understand the terms of your contract, and use resources responsibly.

Smart Meters - Will They Really Help?

2009-06-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

You may have heard about the recent call for installing smart meters in our homes. These meters are advanced electrical meters that identify power consumption in greater detail than ordinary meters, and send that information back to the utility for billing and monitoring. But will they really help reduce power consumption and help us lower our Texas electric bills?

Let's take a look at what smart meters can and can't do for us. Traditional power meters regulate only the energy consumed, and not when it was used, meaning that it's hard to match consumption with production. Smart meters are one of the more economical methods of measuring not only consumption, but times other information. This allows power companies to set different prices according to when the power is used. This will allow customers to save money by using power at nonpeak hours and avoiding paying too much for energy. It's hoped that this will keep Texas electricity prices down.

Italy's dominant utility is currently serving over twenty-seven million customers with fully electronic smart meters capable of measuring and managing power, and which have a software controlled disconnect switch. They're solid state, and communicate via low voltage power lines. These systems offer more features to utilities, allowing remote changing of billing plans, the ability to detect outages and unauthorized use, and the ability to turn power on and off remotely. Smart meters have also been implemented in Turkey, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Australia. In the United states, a number of jurisdictions are actively pursuing smart meter technology, such as Northen California and Texas. Implementation is imminent in the UK and in Ireland.

Energy experts have noted that it's important for meters to allow homeowners to make choices such as buying their power when it's cheapest and selling wind turbine and solar panel electricity to utilities when they choose to.The biggest problem with smart meter technologies is generally communication, since each meter must be able to securely and reliably communicate the information to a central point. This can be tricky, given the range of locations and environments in which these meters are located. Some solutions that have been proposed include cellular networks, radio, and power line communications.

Recently, US President Obama has called for the installation of forty million smart meters, as well as three thousand miles of transmission lines. This would be the first real update to the electrical grid in about forty years. Some feel that this will create what is being called a "smart grid" and will be as big an influence on our society as the Internet, the Interstate, the telephone and the railroad. The ability of this grid to pull energy from clean power projects is one of the reasons it's being supported, as well as its ability to forstall the need for building new power production centers.

Smart meters can cost anywhere from a hundred to three hundred dollars to install - each. The amount depends on the quality of the smart meter in question, but it will be a significant investment. However, venture capitalists have been investing in this technology recently, so it may be possible. Soon, you could be choosing when you use power based on the price, and possibly saving money and energy.

Texas Electric Summer Saving Tips

2009-06-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Summer is right around the corner, which means trips to the beach, time off from school and of course, outrageous electric bills. Don’t spend a fortune this summer on your energy costs, follow these Summer saving tips to save money all around your home get lower Texas electric bills.

As much as 50% of your home's energy costs come from heating and cooling. In the summertime that of course stems from cooling using your air conditioner. You can lower these costs by doing small things like keeping your windows and doors closed while you are using your AC and insulating them to prevent air leakage. You can also save money by changing your air filter, insulating the air ducts and keeping the AC unit in top working condition. Another money saving tip is to install an automatic thermostat, which you can program to turn off in the middle of the night and during the day when nobody needs it running.

The amount of appliances we have in our homes can be mind boggling sometimes. They are in every room of our house, and they come in all sizes and types. From major appliances such as your refrigerator, your washer and your dryer to smaller ones like your toaster, coffee maker and blender, you can save costs by purchasing energy saving units. They might cost a bit more upfront, but the savings will pile up from month to month with lower energy costs.

Water heating accounts for a large percentage of every home's energy bill. But you don't have to start instituting a 5 minute shower rule to see savings in this area. You can buy an energy efficient water heater which will get the job done while eating up less resources.

Most people joke about the costs of leaving your lights on, but it does actually add up. It can be a quarter of your electric bill every month. Besides turning off the lights when you leave a room, what else can you do? One of the best energy saving tips across any category is to switch all of your old light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. If you don't know what they are, they are the spiral designed bulbs in stores. They last 10 times longer than standard light bulbs while using up to 75% less energy. That's amazing efficiency and it will result in a huge savings.

Household electronics eat up a lot of energy, from televisions to computers, clocks and many more items. Even when off if they display the time or any power lights, they are still using energy. Look for efficient models that turn completely off, or start to unplug all electronics when they are not in use.

If you have a lot of office equipment in your home, you can be adding lots of money to your electric bill. Think about it, you have computers, printers, faxes, shredders, scanners and other pieces of energy craving equipment. Buy energy efficient models and turn everything off when it isn't in use.

Shop for a lower electric rate and lock it in during those spiking summer months. Simply go to ChooseEnergy.com to shop and compare rates in your area. You can sign up online in just a few simple steps and you'll see the savings pay off in the form of lower Texas electric bills.

You don't have to be a genius to lower your monthly Texas electric bills, just follow these easy and straightforward tips and you'll start seeing the savings.

Summer Savings on Texas Electricity

2009-06-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

In summer many people make use of their air-conditioners and this results in increased Texas electricity use. Because of this most of us are suddenly confronted with a much higher Texas electric bill that we received in the winter months. That is why, when Spring and Summer arrive, it makes good sense to begin to prepare for your energy consumption during the hot Texas summer. The whole point is to keep your Texas energy bill the same or only minimally higher once you are using the air-conditioner more regularly.

By examining your Texas electricity usage you will be able to determine all those areas of your home or business where your usage is particularly high. You need to decide which areas you can work on to reduce your energy need. This will lower your bill at the end of the month and keep you in good shape for when the weather gets hotter and the air-conditioner is switched on. By cutting back on your energy usage you will be preparing for the cost of running the air-conditioner.

The great news for consumers is that Texas has made it possible for different energy companies to exist. This means that these companies are all competing for our business and the best way to attract customers is to not only offer them great service, but also great prices. Before the summer heat has even arrived you should take a closer look at which company will supply your energy requirements at the best price for you. This is another way to keep your bill down in preparation for the hot Texas summer months.

Another effective way of reducing your monthly Texas electric bill is to take a look around your home and make note of all the appliances that you tend to leave plugged in even when you are not using them. Perhaps, like millions of people who own a mobile phone, you leave the charger plugged in all the time. Also, if you own your own computer, remember that it still uses up energy when it is in sleep mode. So consider switching it off when it is not in use. You might be pleasantly surprised just how much this one precaution can positively impact your energy bill.
As you can see, taking note of which electrical items in your home or business can be switched off when not being used, can add up to a nice saving on you monthly energy bill. Coupled with the other practical steps we have already seen, you will be amazed at how much of a reduction you will see in your energy usage and this will mean that your increased use of the air-conditioner in the summer months will not cause your bill to rise by much.

By doing a little bit of research and by making a little effort, you can enjoy the warmer months in your air-conditioned home or office with peace of mind. Find out other ways that you can reduce your energy consumption by taking a look at some energy saving tips. You should be able to find quite a few helpful hints and tips that will help you to manage your Texas electricity bill and also enjoy the savings you will incur. So put in a bit of time and effort and then reap the rewards.

Texas Electric Price Update

2009-06-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's time to lock in your Texas electric rate today. If you live in Texas and have been thinking about what to do with your electricity rate - please lock in now. Prices are extremely favorable for those that can lock into a Texas electric plan today you should strongly consider it. If you are on a month-to-month rate - you should certainly switch to a locked in rate today. Summer heat and high summer bills are coming - that will also bring higher month-to-month rates. Since it usually takes about 45 days to switch, but only one billing cycle for your provider to increase your month-to-month rate - don't wait and get caught in the middle. They will be raising that month-to-month rate soon. Supply and demand...

The price of your Texas electricity is going to vary not just according to your use, but according to where you live, how the power was generated, and how it was delivered. We live in Texas and much of our power is from natural gas. Right now - natural gas is LOW and that means low Texas electric rates. These power plants are going to need MORE natural gas soon because of the increased demand for electricity - thus nigher natural gas costs. That's right - a higher electric rate as well. The utility will spread its costs out among its customers, and if its costs go up, so do your rates. Supply and demand and season can also have an effect on electricity and related items, with gas and oil prices often rising in the summer months, due to more demand from cars, businesses, power plants, homes, etc..

So, how can you reduce the amount you’re paying? Change the rate per kilowatt hour you are paying and cut down on your usage. After all, about nine percent each of the average bill is paying for heating water and lighting. Ten percent is space heating and sixteen percent is air conditioning. Computers, electronics, freezers, dryers and other devices make up the remaining forty percent.

All of the experts agree - lock in now - even the Chairman of the Public Utility Commission recently told people that now is the time to lock in your rate by shopping for the lowest Texas electric rate.

How Texas Electricity Gets From a Power Plant Into Your Home

2009-05-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

From the discovery of static electricity by Thales of Miletus in Ancient Greece to the invention of the first electrostatic generator thousands of years later by Otto von Guericke, power as intrigued many a scientist. How does something produce energy, static electricity or electricity itself? Such notables as Ben Franklin, George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison discovered many points about electricity in the 18th and 19th century. It was through this cumulative work by these and many others that our modern idea of electricity was formed.

We see it every day in our homes and workplaces, but how does the electricity get from the power plant to your home? Texas Electricity is delivered to homes through what is referred to as a grid. This is a network of transmission and distribution lines that are either above or below ground. When traveling along the grid, the lines hold a tremendous amount of high voltage. These lines carry the power from the plant to the substation to your home. In different parts of the world you may see the power lines on wooden poles, on metal towers and through transformers that can sometimes just look like a simple white box on a pole. The State Regulatory Commission, or in Texas ERCOT is in charge of transmission costs to the customer.

At your home you will have a meter where the kilowatts are measured and read to dictate what your consumption has been. This is the point of entry from the power lines into your home. A Texas utility company, a Texas power company, a municipality or maybe even a co-op distributes electricity. The original point that your Texas electricity comes from can vary. Companies may own and operate their own power plants within their grid. Companies are known to buy, sell and trade electricity with each other, especially during peak seasons or catastrophes like blackouts. Rolling Blackouts occur when power consumption outweighs power distribution. So as not to overburden the grid, some governments or companies will produce mandatory blackouts while switching power from one portion of the grid to the other to ensure reliable delivery organizations have been formed over the years. Some of these include Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission deemed these types of firms necessary for the preservation of the grid in the United States. This has been determined to be one of the best ways to keep a handle on the grid so that all consumers of power can have the electricity they need when they need it. It helps regulate the use of the power plants with its customers to assure proper delivery to your home.

There are many types of power plants that deliver electricity. Coal produces over 50% of the electricity in the U.S. followed by nuclear power at 20%, natural gas at 17%, hydroelectric 7%, and renewables at 3%. Each type of plant has its own group of advocates promoting their favorite materials for generation. Fossil Fuel plants operate with coal, natural gas and refined oil products. Each of these fuels are burned within the plant to facilitate the boilers and gears into producing electricity for the public. Nuclear energy will use radioactive material such as uranium or plutonium to heat the core of their generator which produces the electricity. Renewable energy is produce by use of power supplies that are virtually inexhaustible such as solar power, biomass, geothermal and wind power. There are more and more power plants worldwide trying to change over to this last option. The green energy (renewable) will outlast the fossil fuels by tens of thousands of years and there are many rebate programs available to the consumer when installing this type of power into your home for huge savings on your bills.

Climate and delivery system and costs will be the determining factors on the price to the consumer. The cost will also be determinate on what you are powering in your home. Air conditioning usually takes up 16% of your bill while the refrigerator is 14%, heating 9-10%, lighting 9% and appliances 3-5%.

The next time you travel down a Texas road, check to see if you can visually follow with the Texas electricity as it goes from power plant to transformer to towers to transformers and distribution lines from wooden poles to the meter in your home. Observe for yourself how Texas electricity gets from the power plant to your home.

What Determines Your Price for Texas Electricity?

2009-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

When you look at your power bill, you probably see a confusing list of costs. Many of us have trouble figuring out why we’ve been charged what we have, so we just pay our bills and ignore it. However, you don’t have to go through life without understanding why you pay what you do for electricity. Let’s take a look at how this price is determined. It’s really relatively simple. Plus, once you know how your bill is put together, you can take steps to pay less.

The price of your Texas electricity is going to vary not just according to your electric usage, but according to where you live, how the power was generated, and how it was delivered. Other factors may include whether or not new plants have recently been constructed in your area, plus the cost of maintaining and operating your local power plants. The utility will spread its costs out among its customers, and if its costs go up, so do your rates.

Supply and demand and season can also have an effect on electricity and related items, with gas and oil prices often rising in the winter and summer and dropping in the fall and spring. Electricity usually follows these same patterns. In areas with high demand (like here in Texas), time of day can even have an effect. After all, the power company can offer only so much electricity. If demand exceeds supply, brownouts can occur like they have in years past. The utility has an investment in not letting that happen.

Since the Texas electric companies can only supply so much at a time, they’ll encourage people to enrolly in programs to help manage demand. If you’re in one of these, in the afternoon and the early evening, you may pay more, since this is the time when most people need power, but at other times, especially over night, you’ll get a discount. Many people do their laundry or other electricity intensive chores at off peak hours to take advantage of this lower rate.
While your power may seem expensive, it’s cheaper today than it was in 1960. In real terms, adjusted for inflation, we pay an average of four cents less per kilowatt hour than we did then. Of course, prices have fluctuated over the years, due to economic situations, supply of fuel, and new methods of generating power. In general, your residential rate is going to reflect how much it costs the utility to produce or buy the power you receive.

Before taxes and other services, your total bill for a given month is simply the price of your electricity per kilowatt hour, times the number of kilowatt hours you’ve consumed that month. Since most residences have a lot of appliances that use electricity, some even when they’re off, your bill could climb when you’re not paying attention.

So, how can you reduce the amount you’re paying? Your rate per kilowatt hour is one important factor. You can shop Texas electric rates by going to ChooseEnergy.com and signing up for a lower electric rate. Then - you will need to lower you usage, about nine percent each of the average bill is paying for heating water and lighting. Ten percent is space heating and sixteen percent is air conditioning. Computers, electronics, freezers, dryers and other devices make up the remaining forty percent.

That means that there are a few things you can do to cut down on your bill. Improving efficiency and conserving energy are the best ones. Turn off or unplug appliances and lights when they’re not being used. Insulate doors and windows, and when the time comes to replace an appliance, choose the most efficient one you can. Older refrigerators are particularly bad culprits when it comes to energy use, as are older air conditioning systems.

Think about using your major appliances at off peak times, and see if you can average your annual bill, splitting your monthly payments out to an equal amount if seasonal demand is a problem for your home. Most Texas electricity providers now offer some kind of program to help you save electricity and money. Take advantage of it to see a real improvement in your bills.

Is it Safe to Buy Online or Order Texas Electricity Service Online?

2009-04-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is one question remains for many consumers about their use of the Internet, is it safe to buy online ro order Texas electricity service online? As more and more people turn to online shopping for both large and small items and services like electricity, the answer is a definite yes. It has never been more secure to purchase over the Internet, and of course online shopping has a wide array of other benefits as well.

Buying a product or service online is the ultimate in convenience. From the comfort of your own home you can leisurely browse different products, brands and stores. You can shop at anytime of the day or night, whenever you have the time, energy or motivation.

You can compare products or services for different features and prices. In this way shopping online actually saves you time and money, because you can easily track down the best deal for the specific product or service you are looking for. You aren't restricted to buying it at a physical store or calling every service company that happened to carry the item or service you were looking for. You'll also be able to see the reviews and comments people have about specific items, which should help you make a more informed decision that you won't regret later.

Considering all of these advantages, shopping online is a vital component of many households. However, getting back to the question on hand, is it really safe to shop online? You should cast all of your fears aside, because great advancements in technology and online security has enabled consumers to feel completely safe and happy with online transactions. Secure websites and addresses, encrypted data, SSL and EV SSL certificates (like those of ChooseEnergy.com) and so on have all tightened up the world of online shopping.

Meanwhile, the improvements in security with online shopping have not been matched at physical locations. You still have to turn over your credit card to somebody you don't know anything about. This person could easily take a picture of your numbers, or jot them down to try to steal your information. It can take only seconds for you to get ripped off in this fashion.
But when you shop online nobody else has their hands on your information and nobody gets to see what you are entering. It's complete privacy and complete security, and there's no middle man running the transaction that can do you more harm than good.

Feel confident in the fact that online shopping today is more secure than it ever has been. In many ways it is even more secure than shopping at physical store locations. Of course, it is also extremely convenient, will help you make a better decision and will save you time and money.

So, if you want to save time and money, go to ChooseEnergy.com and lower your Texas electricity bill.

Texas Electricity - History

2009-04-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a little bit of history of electricity in America for you...

The earliest documented experiments with electricity in America were by Benjamin Franklin. He did some very extensive work, financing his experiments by selling his possessions. He is best known for reputedly tying a metal key to the end of a wet kite string and flying the kite during a storm. Observing the sparks that leapt from the key to his hand, he realized that the lightning was a natural form of electricity.

The invention of an electric cell by Alessandro Volta of Italy in 1800 made it much easier for scientists everywhere to study electricity and its applications. The electric cells were connected together, creating a battery.

Alexander Graham Bell is generally known as the inventor of the telephone. A teacher of the deaf by profession, he was fascinated with methods to transmit sound. He used electricity in his experiments on sound transmission that led to the success of the telephone.

A Connecticut mill worker named Thomas Doolittle created a method to make the very first hard-drawn copper wire that was durable enough to be used as telegraph wire.

Michael Faraday of England was the first to understand that electricity could be created by passing a magnet through copper wire. This same application is used all over America today in power plants to create electricity to send out to customers everywhere. The electric generator and motor are both built using this principle. Generators take mechanical energy and turn it into electricity. Motors take electrical energy and turn it into mechanical energy.

Thomas Edison did a great many experiments with electricity. He invented the electric light bulb as well as many other electrical gadgets. His largest challenge with the light bulb was finding an appropriate material for the filament. He finally settled on a cotton thread soaked in carbon. The carbon prevented the thread from burning. When the electricity went through the thread, it glowed. When the light bulbs caught on, Edison turned his attention to developing a power plant that would help run all those light bulbs. His first power plant began operation in 1882, serving 85 customers in New York City.

A big turning point came in 1895. Edison's power plant used direct current (DC), and could only transport the power for a short distance, which turned out to be approximately one square mile around his power plant. The development of alternating current (AC) allowed George Westinghouse to transport power over 200 miles from his new Niagara Falls power plant.
Electricity was slow to take root in America. While many people were excited about all the new inventions, some were afraid of the new electrical current and thought it would be dangerous to put into their houses. Others could not afford the service. Electricity was criticized as causing the end of a simpler way of life. Electric lights were accused of being "less romantic than gas light."
New inventions using the power of electricity were often exhibited at fairs and expositions around the world. In 1893, the Columbian Exposition in Chicago used 90,000 incandescent lamps and 5,000 arc lights. Visitors to the exposition could see or ride on electrified attractions that included elevators, three cranes, several water fountains a moving sidewalk and an on-site streetcar system created by General Electric.

In 1901, the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY had electricity as its theme. It featured a 400 foot tall Electric Tower that utilized 40,000 lights and the Electricity Building, which housed a large exhibition of electrical appliances.

As small electrical companies sprang up across the country, power became available to more people. Many of the smaller companies began to merge into larger conglomerates, the largest of whom were Westinghouse Electric Company and General Electric Company. These companies built power plants with generators that produced electricity through the use of steam, fossil fuel combustion. Other plants were built using kinetic power to generate power such as wind or water. When nuclear power was developed, the power released when nuclear reactions occurred began to be used to create electricity.

Electricity demand grew 12% each year during the first thirty years of the twentieth century. Today, as demand continues to grow, renewable sources of power are increasingly being put to work to supply electricity. Wind power, hydropower and solar power are all being put to more use as America tries to meet the demand and help the environment at the same time.

Texas Electric News - Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Since today is Earth Day 2009 in America, I thought I would provide you with some helpful Texas electric tips on making your home green.

Due to environmental concerns, many wonder how they can live greener at home. As people learn ways of conserving and recycling, they are amazed to discover how easy it is to go green. Not only does a green home support a better environment, but it can also be cost-effective. With a few adjustments, everyone can enjoy the benefits of green living.

A good portion of a home's costly energy consumption relates to cooling and heating. Setting a home's thermostat to below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter and at 25 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer will save money on Texas energy bills and conserve energy at the same time.

Also, by creating shade at windows at the east and west ends of a home, indoor temperature can be kept several degrees cooler as the morning and afternoon sun passes. Preparing meals before the air heats up or after it cools will also keep heat from becoming trapped inside of the home and reduce reliance on air conditioning. Ceiling fans also help circulate air and delay it from becoming too hot.

Polyethylene plastic bags, like those commonly offered by grocers, are manufactured using petroleum. As 100 billion plastic bags are thrown away annually, their disposal by burning presents a devastating assault upon the environment. By investing a dollar or two in re-usable cloth grocery bags, the amount of plastic bags wasted can be reduced along with their global warming impact.

Plastic water bottles increase the level of greenhouse gases as they languish in landfills. To reduce this impact, every member of the family should have their own re-usable water bottle to carry with them when they are away from home. Filling bottles before leaving home also saves money.

To reduce fuel costs and rising carbon emissions, public transportation or carpooling is ideal for daily travel. With fewer cars on the road, not only will the air be cleaner, but also the cost of public transportation by train, bus or carpooling can save consumers hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. As the demand for fuel decreases, retail prices for fuel does also. For neighborhood errands, walking or riding a bicycle is another great way to cut fuel emissions and both are an effective form of exercise.

When remodeling a home, opt for bamboo flooring instead of hardwood floors. Bamboo is an environmentally friendly, high yielding, self-replenishing flooring material. It only takes bamboo between 6 and 8 years to mature, compared to the 50 to100 long years needed for hardwoods. When installing bamboo flooring, only use glues that do not contain toxic formaldehyde.

Finally, opt out of paper bills and opt in to electronic bill payments instead. Many companies even encourage this by offering discounts to customers who receive and pay their bills electronically. To further help keep paper waste products out of landfills, purchase recycled paper products and make sure they are unbleached since the bleaching process is environmentally toxic.

Though some believe that going green is a painstaking process, the truth is that consciously doing so isn't as difficult as it sounds. People who go green can feel satisfied about doing their part to nurture the earth and will find it rewarding to save a few pennies in the process.

Top Tips to a Lower Texas Electric Bill

2009-04-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

With the spring and summer heat coming to Texas, more and more people wonder what they can do to lower their Texas electric bills. That said, here are the top tips we’ve found.

Heating and Cooling

As startling as this is, remember that approximately half of the energy used in a home is for heating and cooling. Thus, taking care of these specific appliances in order to make sure that they do not suck up energy is highly important. Steps for doing so include changing the filter regularly, tuning up the equipment, and sealing and insulating the ducts. You also might look into a programmable thermostat that changes the temperature when the home is unoccupied or the occupants are asleep, for instance, thus reducing the energy used.

Appliances

Sometimes when you stop and think about it, we are people who need appliances to keep us happy in our homes. For instance most of us own air conditioning, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, disposals, as well as washers and dryers. This list of essentials does not even cover clocks, TVs or radios, water heaters, and ceiling fans, not to mention cell phones that need to be plugged in, computers, printers and assorted sound equipment. Thus, when you purchase appliances for your homes pay special attention to the energy saver listings that the manufacturer warrants.

Water Heater

Next to the heating and cooling costs, the second largest energy expenditure in most families goes to heat the water they bathe with and use to clean dishes. Purchasing a water heater that offers advanced technology and is an energy saver will definitely lower your energy bill.

Lighting

Many will be shocked to hear that lighting costs the average homeowner approximately 20% of their Texas electric bill. Sure, your mother always told you to turn off the lights in a vacated room, and that helps tremendously, however you also need to remove the incandescent light bulbs that may still be in your home and replace them with CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) that mostly come in those weird spiral bulbs. Those newer bulbs use 75% less energy than the incandescent bulbs! Startling, but true, and the cost of the new bulbs will easily be made up within 6 months of usage because if you’ll remember they last approximately 10 times longer than an incandescent bulbs.
Home Electronics

Various appliances from TVs to even stoves and microwaves use digital displays that are in “standby” power mode. When purchasing such items make sure of the energy rating that each is given, and opt for those that use less energy even in “standby” mode!
Office Equipment

Besides the fact that most home office equipment is running 24 hours a day, all of the accessories associated with a home office also drain off a tremendous amount of energy. Be sure to purchase equipment that is the lowest rated energy guzzler anytime you replace the office equipment.

In general, most people will be superbly surprised with the Texas energy savings experienced by following these very simple tips.

Texas Electricity Summer Savings Tips

2009-04-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

Summer is going to be here soon, and believe it or not, it's going to get HOT here in Texas and that means it's time to look at your Texas electricity bill! Keeping your home cool costs energy as well as money, and here are a few things you can do in the span of a weekend to help keep your home cooler during the dog days of summer.

Follow these 3 tips and you are guaranteed to save big bucks on your summer electric bill.

1. Buy sun blocking blinds. The rays of the sun travel through the glass in your window, and they will heat your home no matter what time of the year it is. These rays will also pass through cloth curtain and Venetian blinds. In the winter, the sun shining through a window will cut down on your heating costs, but in the summer it can make your home miserably hot. Sun blocking blinds are inexpensive and easy to install, and they do a marvelous job of blocking out the suns rays. If you have curtains, the sun blocking blinds can be installed to hang underneath them. When you close these blinds during the times when the angle of the sun is at it's highest, you will be amazed at how much cooler your home will be and how much less energy you will need to use.

2. Caulk your Windows.

The cool air you pump into your home, be it from central air or window air conditioners, will find air passageways in your home and escape. The biggest places it escapes from are doors and windows. By caulking your windows you are closing off an avenue of escape. Caulk is very inexpensive to buy, and if you aren't using it you are just throwing money away.

3. Add insulation to your attic or basement.

Another way to stop air from escaping from your home. The cooler air that is coming from your cooling system will leak through any cracks that exist in your floor and ceiling, no matter how small they are. As the cool air escapes through your ceiling or to your basement underneath your house, slightly warmer air rushes in to take it's place, and thus you will use more energy to cool your air. When you have insulation in your attic or basement, the cool air can't escape as easily and warmer can't come in. You will use less energy to cool your home if you do this because the laws of science say that you must!

In each one of these cases, the amount of money you spend versus the amount of money you save in energy costs will put you at a plus every single time. I nstalling blinds, caulking your windows, and adding insulation are all things that can be done in a single weekend, and in some cases a single day. There is no reason not to do them, and there are some very good reasons for doing them.

Save money on your Texas electricity costs this summer by making these changes and switching to a lower electric rate.

Wind Energy - It's Right for Texas is it Right for You?

2009-04-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

With the economic crisis and more and more people becoming wary about our dependence on foreign oil, it only makes sense to start looking at alternative energy sources like wind power.

Wind power essentially refers to the conversion of wind energy into electricity through the use of wind turbines. Between 2005 and 2008, the world doubled its production of wind energy, and recently, it has been cited that it accounts for 19% of the energy in Denmark and 11% of the energy in Spain and Portugal.

When we hear about wind farms, we often hear about ones that are built on a large scale. These larger wind farms are connected to the local electric transmission network, while smaller turbines are used to send electricity to isolated locations. Large and small wind farms may both end up having their electricity bought back by utility companies.

With the fact that wind power has been cited as an impressive alternative to fossil fuels, and given the fact that it is derived from a plentiful and renewable clean resource, there are plenty of reasons to be interested in this form of power. While the means to back the system up due to intermittent winds is something that is important to think about, the truth is that the costs of backing up these intermittent outages are considered moderate.

What do you need to know when you are thinking about setting up your own wind farm? The truth is that it is easier than you might think. One major factor that you need to look for is wind consistency. Remember that you should look for a place with relatively consistent winds of around fifteen to twenty five mile an hour speeds. Remember that typically, higher is better.
You may be surprised to find that people who are looking to make a go of the wind farm industry are heading en masse to Texas. Texas is leading the nation in terms of wind power capacity and production, and as a state, it has long believed that the future of the off shore wind industry is off of the Texas Gulf Coast.

On a smaller scale, it is worth noting that Texas farmers can lease out land to wind developers, They can charge a fee for each turbine rented or for a small percentage of the gross annual income from the project. Not only is this pumping life into an economy that sorely needs it, it is also providing more clean energy with a negligible effect on traditional farming and grazing practices.

Where do you stand when it comes to the debate on wind power? There are many people who are interested in seeing where wind power can take us, and its future in America is quite bright. Take some time to consider what your options are going to be as you look at the possibilities of getting your Texas electricity service from Wind Energy. You can compare wind energy options at www.ChooseEnergy.com.

ChooseEnergy.com - The Easy Way to Shop for Texas Electricity

2009-04-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Texans have a wonderful opportunity to choose their electric company. Choose Energy is a company that was founded to help customers in Texas find the right electric company for their family. With Choose Energy, you will be able to do some comparison shopping and make the best choice for the energy needs of your home at the prices that you can afford.

Residential customers as well as business customers now have a method to compare the rates of the different companies for Texas electricity. Comparing the prices of these companies will allow you to see if the companies are making any offers and how you can take advantage of them.
Choose Energy does more than just give you a way to compare rates. They have an education center that will help consumers learn about how to choose their lower rates. The better informed a consumer is the better choices they will be able to make on their electric company.
Choose Energy will help you find all about Texas electricity and how the whole system works. You will learn exactly how your electricity makes its way to your home and into the appliances that you use in your home every day. It is fascinating to learn how Texas electricity is managed in the state and the meaning behind deregulation.

The site is a great way to learn about changing your electric service provider and will show you everything that you need to know about getting the best deal for your family. There is a frequently asked question section of the site that will have most of the questions that you will have regarding your Texas electricity.

You can use Choose Energy to simply switch your current electric service provider or you can make some comparisons and choose your first electric service provider. The quality of the service of your electric power will not change and you will not lose power even in the event that an electric company goes out of business.

The advantage of deregulation is an amazing benefit to the people of Texas. You now have the power to choose and basically set the rates that you are willing to pay. When companies have to compete with one another the beneficiary of that competition is generally the consumer. Take the time to review the offers that you will find on Choose Energy for your Texas electricity.

Choose Energy is an innovative way to select and shop for your electricity for your home or business. A business will also have an opportunity to find the right Texas electric company for their company. This is an even greater saving for the consumer. The less it costs to operate a business, the less money that company will charge to their customers. Deregulation has the potential to reduce the cost of living for many people all over the state of Texas.

Take some time and review your current electric bills and then head over to Choose Energy for some information on the various electric providers in your area. There may be a way for you to save some serious money on your Texas electricity and put that money back in your pocket.

Texas Power Company

2009-03-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

Every state has an idea in mind on how they should supply power to their people. Everyone, including Texas, will need to be constantly aware of several demographic factors to be able to foresee enough future broadcasting to serve their population in the best manner possible.

Texas is large state that has one of the fastest growing populations, as well as receiving the blessing of an explosion in job growth. Both of these are two of the factors to keep in mind while trying to decide what method Texas electric companies should use in generating power. By 2030, the expectation is to have a population of forty million people, and you will want to make sure the grids can handle the demand for a number of years. Temporary fixes just won't do. One option that the Texas power companies are looking into is adding a new base load of power plants to produce for the grid.

Currently, Texas electricity si at approximately seventy-two percent capacity in its use of natural gas for generation, while coal holds out at nineteen percent. The best way to produce energy effectively is to have a mix of resources going into the grid. When a state relies on simply one brand of energy, it may fall into disarray. Costs would rise and resources diminished. If Texas were to build more coal generating plants, than the cost of producing the energy could be kept down, and therefore the majority of low-income people living in the state could afford their electric bills. Coal is a reliable resource that should still be readily available over the next few decades. One drawback of using the coal generating stations is the emission of greenhouse gasses. Still, it has been determined by some that it will not be enough of an impact on the o-zone to worry about.

One study by the electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) estimated that by 2017 Texas would need an additional 500 megawatts of power generated from the older plants to sustain the expected business and residential population. Newer plants would need to generate almost 48,000 megawatts of energy. The gap between supply and demand will only grow if new ways of production are not met. Renewable energy might be able to help meet the needs of the state.
Texas currently has the largest producing wind farm in the nation. Nearly 3000 megawatts of energy are produced by wind turbines, which is about one-third what a coal plant could handle.

Another option could be to go nuclear, but it would take awhile to get those types of plants up and running. Natural gas is clean burning and is the major producer of energy in Texas. This type of energy is widely requested by industrial companies in the state. The Texas power companies could choose from any number of resources in order to produce more electricity for their power grids to sustain enough energy for the populace. The final decision will be based on demographics, feasibility studies, and cost of growing the grid to fit the state's needs.

What is Green Energy?

2009-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

When you hear the phrase "green energy" what do you think of? Fields of windmills in the Midwest or suburban rooftops covered in solar panels? Maybe when you think of green energy you think about things that may not seem too practical or economically efficient. The fact is, just because something is green does not always mean that it has to be new or expensive. Any energy resource that is renewable, environmentally friendly and that does not pollute is a ‘green energy’ source and this category can include not only solar and wind power but also geothermal and even hydroelectric energy as well.

Let's talk a bit about each of these power sources and what makes them ‘green’. Solar energy may be the most well known up and coming green energy solution, but the technology is still in the development stage. While visions of a future where all buildings are wrapped in solar collecting material may not be too far away (in fact that technology does exist now) solar is still thought of as being inefficient, expensive and complicated to maintain. While that may have been the case some ten years ago, solar is rapidly growing out of its awkward adolescent years and developing into a hugely viable green energy option.Wind power has actually been around for hundreds if not thousands of years.

When people think of energy most of the time they are thinking of electricity, but any energy that makes things move or build up pressure is considered energy production or harvesting. Windmills were the first form of wind energy collection, and the modern equivalent are just as effective at producing electricity as their predecessors were at grinding flour. In fact, windmills are one of the least maintenance intensive source of energy, especially in what is known as the wind belt. The country’s largest wind farm is located in Texas, utilizing miles, and miles of windmills to produce clean Texas energy. Geothermal energy is a little more complicated. While places like Iceland and Wyoming have volcanic activity below their surface to provide steam and pressure, passive geothermal energy can actually be used on a worldwide level.

How much energy do we use each year heating and cooling buildings? The temperature below the ground is a constant 65 degrees F and by tapping into that with thermal rods, we can keep our buildings at that same temperature, never having to heat or cool from a greater extreme than that. Hydroelectric energy can also be considered green, but only is some situations. Small-scale hydroelectric stations do not require significant changes to the landscape and ecological balances around the water source so they are considered green. Larger outfits however require the flooding of massive amounts of area to provide a large enough reservoir to provide sufficient water volume so they leave a lasting and detrimental impact on the earth, making them not green.There are other types of green energy as well, but none of those technologies are developed to the point of being implemented.

However, when connected to the conventional power grid, green sources of energy can supplement our reliance on other, dirtier energy sources, gradually helping us make less of an impact on the delicate balances of our planet.

Economic Stimulus - Lower Electric Bills

2009-03-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

In today's difficult economy, many families are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. One of the reasons for the problems that so many people are having is the cost of their electricity bills. If you are one of these families, you are most likely looking for ways to cut the bills and put some of your money back in your pocket.

There are some states, like here in Texas, that will allow you to choose the Texas electricity company that you will use for your power. This is a great opportunity for those who live in those states to choose the company that offers the best prices. This plan is an all around winner for consumers in these states. Not only will you have the immediate benefit of choosing the company that will give you the best prices on your energy, but you will also be encouraging the companies to offer the best rates possible to gain your business. This is capitalism at its very best.

In addition to choosing the right Texas electric company for your energy, you can do a great many things around your home to save on your electric bill. Just becoming aware of the amount of electricity that you are spending will allow you to begin saving money. When you realize how much energy you are using, you are more likely to begin to conserve. Get a rundown of the appliances in your home and how much energy they use every day. Simply turning a few things off in your home may make a dramatic savings in your electricity bill.

Make sure that your appliances are energy efficient. When you consider the amount of energy that you can save on these appliances, they are well worth the money. Check the rating on your appliances and make sure that they are running efficiently at all times.

Do your research on energy saving and what you can do to make your home more energy efficient. The family that does their homework and pays attention to the energy that they are using will be the family that enjoys much lower bills. This puts money right back in your pocket instead of being paid to your electric company.

Take advantage of the opportunity to shop around for your energy in the states that allow this to take place. You have a fabulous chance to encourage great prices and competition among the utility companies. Find out if you have any choice when it comes to the utility company that you use in your state and do some comparison shopping. Many people can use www.ChooseEnergy.com.

Today's economy requires most families to tighten their belts and find ways to save money. The electric bills that you have and the energy that you use in your home is one of the ways that you can save some money. More and more families find themselves in dire straits and cost savings may mean the difference between surviving and not surviving. When you lose your job and have lost your income as many families now find themselves, finding a way to keep your head above water until you find a new job is vital. Energy savings and cutting the costs of your electric bill may be the one thing that gets you through this difficult period of time.

Spring Into Texas Electric Saving Tips

2009-03-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

As the seasons turn toward spring, we can all look forward to the warm spring days and eventually the hot summer nights in Texas. Now is the time to prepare for the hot weather by managing your electric bill. You may be using more electricity than in the cooler months when you run your air conditioner, so this is a perfect time to find a way to lower those bills before you have to increase your energy use.

Preparing for an increased energy use for your air conditioning system could mean saving on other appliances in your home to minimize the effect on your monthly bill. Take a look at all of the other energy use that you have in your home and begin to find ways to minimize your use. It is as simple as being aware of the energy that you are using and finding ways to cut back.

Texas electricity means that you will have a choice when it comes to your electric service provider. Texas has made the decision to deregulate and it has given consumers a whole new way to look at their electric bill every month. No longer will you be forced to stay with a company that is charging you rates that are too high. Companies are now going to compete for your business and that means better rates for you. Spring is a good time to take a look at the Texas electric companies to find ways to prepare for the coming hot weather.

There are a number of appliances that we all have in our homes that we leave running on a constant basis. Computers are often left on and even though they use less electricity in their sleep mode than they do when fully on, off is a much better choice. Simple adjustments like turning off appliances when they are not in use and unplugging those electric appliances that continue to consume energy even when they are not powered on.

Get a rundown of the appliances that you have in your home and find out how much energy is being used by each of them. You might be amazed at the amount of savings that you can gain when you are aware of the energy that is being used. The savings that you can gain from turning off appliances might be enough to run your air conditioner on the hot summer days and not see a big difference in your electric bill.

The smart electric consumer is the one that will do the research and plan for the extra energy expense during the spring and summer months. Taking advantage of all the options that are available to you will make the summer months a cool breeze to get through. Visit some of the websites that are available that will give you the information that you need to get through the summer without raising the cost of your Texas electric bills. You will be glad that you made these changes in your home.

Clean Texas Energy

2009-03-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

The number of pounds of carbon dioxide each individual generates a year is astounding; in the United States the average is 15,000 pounds. This number takes into account the amount carbon dioxide produced when the products and services we use are produced, the fuel we use to travel and the amount of energy we use in our homes. It is however possible to reduce and eliminate this number and live a “carbon neutral” life. Reducing our “carbon footprint” is an important step towards clean Texas energy sources.

Texans can start reducing their carbon footprint by becoming more energy efficient. This requires individuals to use less energy while maintaining their current life style. This can be done by:
• Switching to energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs can save over 100 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year’s time.
• Reducing the amount of hot water used. People can invest in efficient on demand hot water heaters, low flow shower heads and wash clothes in cold water. This reduces the carbon dioxide load by over 300 pounds.
• Recycling reduces carbon dioxide waste by 2,500 pounds. Start a recycling program if one is not available.
• Planting trees can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by about one ton for each tree planted. The trees not only absorb carbon dioxide, they provide wind breaks to keep buildings warm in the winter and shade to keep them cooler in the hotter months.

Another step towards the goal of clean Texas energy sources involves switching to renewable or clean energy sources such as solar and wind. Texas has always been synonymous with the oil industry. As sources of fossil fuel dwindle (oil production in Texas is down 73 percent since 1972) the state has to find new energy sources. The state has renewable and clean Texas energy sources to supply as much or even more sustainable energy than that which was supplied by fossil fuels. The potential for clean Texas energy is found in the renewable energy sources of wind, geothermal, biomass and solar power.

Wind power is considered sustainable and cost effective and is perfect as a clean Texas energy source. Texas has the potential to produce enough energy from wind to be self reliant. Calculations also show an overflow of wind power, this excess can be sold within the region.

Texas’ location is perfect for solar power generation. The state has many long sunny daysperfect for harvesting solar energy. Solar energy requires an investment but the returns make it worth it.

With the diminishing fossil oil reserves, Texas will have a substantial number of abandoned wells. These wells can be geared up to produce geothermal energy. This is another way to convert fossil energy dependancy to clean Texas energy usage.

Waste from agricultural and landfills can be used to produce biomass energy. Biodiesel has already been used to power some vehicles in some Texas cities effectively reducing some those cities carbon footprints.

Purchasing green power at the individual, city or government level can lead to widespread use of clean Texas electricity. Texans can reduce their carbon foot print by building small scale renewable energy sources suitable for businesses or homes. The parts are affordable with wind and solar energy kits readily available. Individuals can also invest money in companies that sell, research and manufacture parts related to clean energy.

Business Profits - Could Your Electric Bill Help?

2009-03-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

The late Milton Friedman was one of the greatest economic minds in history. It was Friedman who coined the term a business’ number one priority is to earn a profit. Most people understand this. After all, a business that is not profitable will not be operational for long. However, most people look at profits from a narrow perspective. That is, they see profits exclusively in the form of revenues. This, however, is not completely the case. Profits are how much you have earned over your expenditures. That means a business can increase its profits by reducing its expenditures. And, without a doubt, the biggest expenditure drain a business often deals with is energy costs. That is why it is critical to cut back on energy costs if you wish you business to remain profitable.

Thankfully, there are a number of easy ways to do this.

Don’t overuse wattage in your light bulbs. Many lights utilize bulbs are far higher in wattage than needed. Purchasing smaller watt bulbs or even changing out incandescent bulbs with LED or flourescent light bulbs would cut energy costs dramatically. Now, some may say LED and flourescent lights are expensive. While they do cost more than traditional bulbs, they last a LOT longer and require less electricity. As such, they eventually pay for themselves.

Putting energy consuming products on a timer is a good way to make sure that lights and computers are not left on after hours. It is shocking how much money a business loses do to employees leaving electrical items on when they leave work on Friday. However, if these devices are on a timer and shut off automatically, this problem can be circumvented. Most timers are also inexpensive and easy to install and they can be integrated into any office environment.

Insulating a building is a very common way to cut down on expenses. It costs a lot of money to heat and cool an office and when air is escaping due to poor insulation then it is escaping needlessly. Insulating an office is not an expensive proposition and, like most energy efficient lights, insulating ultimately pays for itself over time.

Having an energy audit could prove quite helpful. There are professionals who can examine a building and assess any problems with electrical energy expenditures. Of course, once these problems are revealed proper steps can be made to correct such flaws. You cannot undervalue the great benefits these professionals offer and that is why procuring their services is so highly recommended.

Lowering your electricity rate - You didn't think I'd write a blog post without throwing a plug to our services did you? Many businesses simply need to login to ChooseEnergy.com and request a lower rate for their business. This can have an immediate and dramtic impact on the overall electric bill.

In addition to saving a great deal of money for your business, there is an ancillary benefit as well. Namely, your business will be contributing greatly to the environment. By taking part in energy conservation, our natural resources will not be depleted at an accelerated rate. This connects to Milton Friedman’s assertion that the greatest social justice a company can perform is earning a profit. In this particular instance, boosting profits by cutting energy expenditures creates the ancillary effect of a cleaner environment. Any company that contributes to such a cause truly is deserved of acclaim. Why not let your business be among these companies?

Texas Electricity Proposed Changes

2009-03-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

State lawmakers are looking over a proposal by the Cities Aggregation Power Project (CAAP) that would give cities the power to choose your electric provider. This is possibly one of the worst ideas I think I've come across since deregulation began in 2002. Essentially - this would provide CAAP and cities with the power to tell consumers who their "electric choice" would be. So, how is that "electric choice" anyway. They basically think people (Texas consumers) don't know what they need so they want the government to tell them what they need and who should be their power provider. Some people I speak with simply don't want to change - they like their power provider that they've had since before deregulation and simply are not switching. Well, if CAAP gets their way - consumers like this would not have that choice to stay with their current provider. They would be switched away - then they would have to contact their previous provider and switch back or they would have to opt out of the power pool so to speak. How many people do you think would miss this tidbit of opt out information if they recieved it in the mail? This proposal simply makes absolutely ZERO sense to me. More power, more control and more government is certainly not what competition and freedom of choice is all about. You currently have the power to choose even if you choose to stay with your current provider - that should be your choice. That's why large markets like electricity, transportation, telecom and others have been deregulated - so that consumers could have a choice, competition could breed lower prices - and markets could thrive through innovation.

Listen, electric deregulation has certainly had it's ups and downs since it began in 2002, but let it run it's course and work out some of the market flaws. We are currently seeing some electric prices below what they were in December 2001 before deregulation started. How many items or services do you purchase today that are at a lower cost than they were 7 years ago? I would have to say not many. Plus, the run up in electric prices this past few years and especially this past summer were not only because of deregulation - without deregulation we would have seen similar prices increases. Did we not see $4.00+ gasoline prices? Was that caused by the deregulation of the Texas electricity market? No. More competition and innovation will help this market - not more control and regulation.

Time to Save on Texas Electricity

2009-03-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Daylight savings time (DST) starts tonight. Ben Franklin suggested daylight savings time in 1784 but it wasn’t until 1918 that Congress established it into law. Previously, DST began on the first Sunday in April and lasted until the last Sunday in October. The U.S. extended DST in 2007 to begin on the second Sunday of March through the first Sunday in November. This give us an additional 5 weeks of natural light – thus additional savings on our Texas electric bills. To help lower energy usage, during DST, the sun rises one hour later in the morning and sets one hour later in the evening - essentially stretching the day. This works because it saves energy due to less artificial light needed during the daylight hours. In the United States, residential lighting accounts for three point five percent (3.5%) of all energy use, thus daylight savings time helps the U.S. to utilize less energy. In Texas – nearly 10 percent of energy costs come from lighting. Texas electricity meters move fast enough during the spring and summer months, but every little bit helps. So tonight – don’t forget to move your clock ahead one hour thus we lose an hour when DST starts. To lower your electric bills even furthur - don't forget to sign up for a lower rate at www.ChooseEnergy.com.

Texas Electric News - Reliant Getting New Owner

2009-03-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

There are quite a few things going on in the the Texas electricity market these days. News came today that NRG Energy has agreed to buy Reliant Energy’s retail electricity business in Texas for $287.5 million. This is obviously big news since Reliant Energy is one of the largest players (2nd behind Energy Future Holdings/ TXU Energy) in the Texas electric market with over 1.8 million customers. What's quite intersting is that Exelon has been trying to purchase NRG the past several months and they also recently stated that 51% of the shareholders of NRG have agreed in principal to the Exelon offer.

I believe this is solid show of support for the Texas electric market and an important move for Reliant Energy - especially since they released earnings today and lost over $437 million in the 4th quarter - that was compared to net income of $227 million in that same quarter a year ago.

A lot has changed in the Texas electric landscape in the past couple of years...

Texas Electricity Lows?

2009-02-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

If you've been waiting for the right time to lock in a Texas electricity rate for your home or business - you don't need to wait any longer. Natural gas prices have a big effect on electricity costs and today natural gas futures dropped to six-year lows - falling as low as $3.916/ MMBTU. Even with mild weather predicted for much of the U.S. in March, natural gas prices are not likely to fall much further.

If you are looking to lock in and pick a Texas electric company for your business - Monday will be the time to do it. If looking for electricity prices for your home - you'll probably see better prices toward the end of the week once these prices have been reflected into the market.

Plus, it's a great time to lock in your rate before the summer heat comes our way. With Texas electricity prices this low - you simply can't afford to wait much longer. As you can see from the chart above - we certainly haven't seen natural gas prices like this in quite some time.

Texas Electricity Savings

2009-02-25T14:37:00.001-08:00

Spring in savings with lower Texas electricity prices!

As witnessed today with RECORD high temperatures throughout Texas, summer is right around the corner...and we all know what that means - higher electric bills. Did you know it takes anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to change over to a new Texas Electricity provider? What does that mean to you? Well, if you are paying over 13 cents for electricity today - you should switch now and lock in a lower Texas electric rate today so you can save big when to true Texas summer heat comes our way.

Compare prices and lock in a LOW 12 month rate today on www.ChooseEnergy.com!

Doom and Gloom on Texas Electricity?

2009-02-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

When I open up the paper in the morning (yes, I still get the newspaper delivered to my door everyday) all I see if doom and gloom. We all see it - the economy, layoffs, stock prices, mutual funds, etc. Many articles have also been written recently about how Texas electric rates are high and deregulation is bad. Did you know you can get a Texas electric rate today for about the same price as you could before deregulation? Probably not because that doesn't sell papers. Do you pay the same for a gallon of milk, a gallon of gas, or a gallon of pickles as you did 7 years ago? Well, I really don't know about pickles but stay with me here.

According to data from ChooseEnergy.com, Texas electricity prices have gone down 30% in the DFW area and 35% in the Houston area since the July 2008 summer highs. I think that's pretty good considering how the Texas electricity markets price their services. They are dependent are a number of things including natural gas prices and access to credit. While natural gas prices have dropped nearly 70% since those summer highs, the access to credit markets is certainly not what it used to be. These are difficult economic times that we live in and like most products and services - prices go up.

In regards to deregulation being bad for Texas. Let me ask you - Do you shop for milk at a convenience store or a grocery store? If you are going to fly are you going to just go up to the counter on the day of the flight and purchase a ticket? Are you on the same cell phone minute plan that you signed up for 7 years ago? If you are like most people - the answer is no.

If you go to the convenience store and buy a gallon of milk you are probably going to pay $3.50 - $4.00. However - if you shop around at a grocery store - you'll probably pay less than $2.00 for that same milk.

If you purcahse a last minute ticket from the counter at the airport to fly, to let's say Florida - you may pay over $1,000 for that ticket. However - if you shop around a bit early and compare prices online - you may get that ticket for as little as $100.

10 years ago - cell phone plans were expensive and you had a limited amount of minutes to use. Nowadays - they are so competitive that rates change monthly and you get unlimited minutes.

You see what I'm getting at here? You have to shop around for deals in deregulated environments. If everyone shops around - prices get more and more and more competitive and you save money. If you don't do anything - you are at fault. Not the convenience store owner that is selling you $4.00 milk or even the electric company that is selling you 14 cent electricity. It's "convenient" to just grab the milk while you are there rather than going down the street to save $2.00 and it's also convenient to not do anything in regards to shopping around for electricity - but it saves you money.

If you are currently on a rate above 12.5 cents per kWh for your residential electric service like many Texans - it's time to shop around. If you don't mind paying $4.00 for a gallon of milk - you probably don't mind paying 13 cents of more for electricity, but you shouldn't complain about it and people shouldn't write about it. Just because some people don't like to shop around for the best price, it doesn't mean that dregulation is a bad thing.

You have the Power to Choose Texas Electricity

2009-02-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

To many of us, we simply want to flip a switch and have the light come on in our home or business. So what does Texas electric deregulation mean to you? Just like choosing your home telephone service or buying an airline ticket, large industries must be deregulated to promote competition. This process leads to lower prices and a wider selection of services for you the consumer. The point to deregulation is that you now have control. You have the control as to who supplies you Texas electricity, so you can determine what matters most; lower prices, cleaner energy, better customer service, or better payment options. Whatever matters to you, deregulation gives you that power - your power to choose not someone else's.

This is an exciting time and Texas is leading the nation in electric deregulation. Many states are looking at the Texas electricity model for their future deregulation plans and policies off what our state has created. With competition, customers can now freely negotiate with Texas electric providers that are competing hard for your business.

Due to increased demand, natural disasters, and other factors, energy costs have risen across the board since deregulation, but we are now seeing the advantages of deregulation in lower electricity prices. Texas electricity prices have come down 40% since the summer highs of 2008. This dramatic decrease in price has only been seen in deregulated parts of Texas. So the model is working - we just have to give it more time.

Just as the Internet has made it easier for people to compare mortgages, travel rates and other services, ChooseEnergy.com has developed a ‘compare and buy' site that offers a trusted and objective comparison of available Texas electricity providers for residential and commercial customers. Before now, comparing and switching Texas electric providers was a very frustrating, confusing and time consuming process for Texas residents and businesses. With ChooseEnergy.com, consumers and business owners now get direct access to real-time pricing and the ability to switch providers, through an easy-to-use electricity services portal.

As far as change - nothing much really changes except as who sends you a bill. The same Texas electric delivery company will maintain and deliver you your electricity. If there is ever a power outage, they will still come and fix it for your block. Look at it this way, if your electricity goes out does it only go out for you and not your neighbor? No. You and your neighbors are connected to an electricity grid and more closely to a transformer. That Texas electricity delivery company is still going to go out and fix that same transformer that blew and turn the power back on for everyone that was affected. Not just for those that have not switched. They don't know nor do they care where you get your power. They have a job to do and it is to get your electricity turned back on. It's that simple.

Even if you don't make a switch to another provider, do the research and find out your options. Maybe you don't want to switch and want to stay with your current electric provider but would like to purchase cleaner renewable electricity. Chances are, your current electric company offers a renewable energy product for your home. Do the right thing, exercise your power to choose today.

Stimulus Bill

2009-02-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

Part of the “Stimulus Bill” in Congress is dedicated towards Energy. In fact, $8.5 billion is earmarked for renewable energy projects. So what is renewable energy? Renewable energy or green energy is electrical power that is produced from clean, renewable energy sources. Renewable energy comes from sources that are less or zero-polluting like wind, solar and water. By utilizing the wind or water to turn turbines, or the sun to heat fuel cells you can produce electricity that is free from the use of fossil fuels. Traditional power sources like coal and natural gas power plants emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and deplete our fossil fuels. Utilizing green energy reduces smog, greenhouse gases and air pollution.
How do you choose Green Energy? Well, if you have a choice in who supplies your electricity, you can choose green energy by switching your Texas electric service to a retail electric provider that offers green energy like wind power. If you don’t have a choice in electric suppliers you can contact you current electric company and request green energy option credits.
Most Texas electricity customers now have an option of utilizing a green energy product from their electricity supplier or by switching to a provider that has a green energy product. In fact, Texas now produces more wind power than any other state and aggressive plans to produce much more in the near future.
One of the most popular green energy options available is Green Mountain Energy. Green Mountain Energy is the largest retail provider of less-polluting electricity to residential and commercial customers in the U.S. and they have many plans to choose from. You can choose green energy credits or electricity service options like 100% wind power.
Many businesses are also taking notice to their impact on our natural resources. There has been a tremendous movement in the past few years for Green Energy and companies are taking notice to their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. Many companies are using green energy credits, and taking on comprehensive energy efficiency initiatives for their entire organization.
Hopefully the new “Stimulus Bill” and its publicity will inject more interested parties to renewable/ green energy. The more people that choose to go green will obviously produce a wider the impact and further the development of renewable resources.

Commercial Electric in Texas

2009-02-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

Do you have an energy plan? If you are a business owner or make budget decisions at a company – you need a plan. Texas electricity prices have been falling recently and if you have not taken advantage of thesnot so muche prices, you certainly need to today. Check out the graph on the left - see a trend? Now don't you think it's time to take a look at your rate?

As a business owner and a user of commercial electric in Texas, it is important to reduce electricity costs and improve your bottom-line. By switching to a retail electricity supplier that has your best interest in mind, and you will start to see some significant savings to your business' bottom-line.

When choosing a new electric provider for your business you need to do some homework, especially if you are a large commercial or industrial user of Texas electricity.
You can call up a bunch of retail electric providers (there are currently over 40 active business electricity suppliers operating in Texas) and get pricing from each of them, or you can now go straight to ChooseEnergy.com and get direct commercial electric from up to 8 of the most trusted Texas electricity suppliers and start saving money on your company's energy costs.
Many factors in electricity pricing and contracts are different from one provider to the next. ChooseEnergy.com helps makes it easy to understand. ChooseEnergy.com understands the energy commodities markets and their impact on energy pricing, and provides you with market insight you need to make an informed decision. It is a neutral energy marketplace where you can get the contract that fits your company's needs.

ChooseEnergy.com’s end goal is to secure you the best provider, best contract, best price, and superior customer service for your business electricity needs.

Texas Electricity

2009-02-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

I was talking to my wife's friend the other day, and she was finally ready to take my advice and switch to new electric company to lower her energy bill. She realized that electricity is a comodity - the lower the price the better, but more importantly - she needed to lower the family's monthly budget. Everyone has been hurt by these stressful economic times and everyone is trying t find ways to cut that monthly budget.

Well, if you haven't been watching the Texas Electricity market recently you've been missing some big savings. Every single one of our provider partners have lower their electric rates. If you signed up for a month to month service in the past 6 months - now is the time to lock in your rate for 12 months. These low Texas electricity rates probably won't last long. You see, electricity price rise and fall in respect to natural gas prices. For the past few months - natural gas prices have gone down due to a warmer winter, lower demand and higher supply. Well, once people begin to turning on their air conditioning in their homes - the demand will increase because many electric plants in Texas are run off of natural gas. This will increase the cost of natural gas thus increasing the cost of Texas electrity rates.

In the past six months alone, we've seen a 27% decrease in prices in the Houston market and 23% decrease in price in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth market. That's some big savings. If your electric bill last month was $200 and you haven't sign up for a lower rate in the past few months - that would be over $600 a year in savings. If your electricity bills are higher than that - just think about how much you could save.

Anyway, pull out your Texas electricity bill and if you are paying over 13 cents per kWh - it's time to lock in to a lower rate today.

Are Texans Paying Too Much?

2008-12-17T13:08:00.000-08:00

This question has come up quite a bit recently because of the big drop in the energy markets. With the drop in natural gas and oil - many feel that resdiential electricity rates here in Texas should be much lower.

Well, credit helps run the electricity market in Texas and we all know what has happened recently in the credit world. In order to purchase power to sell into the market - Texas retail electric companies need credit to hedge the power they've purchased. Since the credit standards are much tougher, Texas electricity providers have access to less power and are less aggressive with their pricing at this time - simply because it's much harder to get.

So, are Texans paying too much for their residential electricity? I don't think so. The market is what it is - there are plenty of companies out there that rely on being the low cost provider. If they could lower their rates - they would. It's simply a tough market right now, plus prices have dropped 30%.

Anytime you see a drop of 30% - it's a good time to lock in. Will the credit markets get better and help lower electricity rates come to the market? That's certainly possible, but with the cold winter upon us there should be an increased demand for natural gas - thus an increase in natural gas and electricity costs. Do you know how long our nation will be in this credit crunch? I certainly don't.

My advice would be this - Prices are favorable right now and I'm recommending my clients lock into a rate for 12 or 24 months.

Holiday Shopping From Your Electric Bill?

2008-11-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

The holiday shopping season is upon us and many consumers could find extra money for their holiday shopping budget in their electric bill.

The Friday after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year. This time of the year is associated with deep discounts, early bird deals, and big sales. The economy has certainly put a damper on things this year and many of us are watching every penny we spend. Well, I’ve got some good news. If you have turned on the news or filled up your car recently you've noticed much lower prices are at the pump. In fact, yesterday I filled for only $1.57 a gallon when it was $4.09 a gallon less than six months ago. That’s a savings of forty dollars on one single tank of gas. Energy prices around the globe have dropped dramatically from their summer highs. Electricity prices have come down as well and if you are in a deregulated electric market like Texas, it’s a great time to lock in a lower rate. This will help you find those extra dollars for those fantastic holiday sales.

The problem is people don’t look at what rate they have with their current electric company. Similar to cell phone plans, you need to shop around and check rates to make sure you are always on the best rate/ plan available. What should you do? If you haven't check on your electric rate recently - you might be in for some holiday cheer. Go to: http://www.chooseenergy.com/ - Many electricity providers are offering rates up to thirty percent lower than their best prices just five months ago. Pair a much lower rate with some reduced consumption and you’ve got a recipe for hundreds of dollars in savings…just enough for that holiday budget.

FALL INTO LOWER ELECTRIC BILLS

2008-11-25T09:19:00.002-08:00

The fall season is a perfect time to lock in a lower electric rate.

As a full-time energy analyst and business owner (http://www.chooseenergy.com/), people always ask me – when is it a good time to lock in an electric rate? Well, you can “fall” into lower electric rates if you lock in during the fall months. There are peeks and valleys (head and shoulder) months in regards to energy prices. Electric rates track closely with natural gas prices and historically the months during the fall are valleys or shoulder months which makes for a good curve when trying to determine when to lock in your electric rate.

So what should you do? There still seems to be a premium on pricing out in 2012 and 2013 so I would recommend signing either a 12 or 24 month contract at the present time. This is where the rates are most attractive and the best time to end your contract during these same shoulder months so you can renegotiate during the low season.

Just as the Internet has made it easier for people to compare mortgages, travel rates and other services, ChooseEnergy.com has developed a compare and buy site that offers a trusted and objective comparison of available Texas electricity providers for residential and small commercial customers. Not only do we select the providers that participate on our site, but we also show their most attractive rate plans for your home or business. Plus, as I mentioned the fall season is a great time to lock in a lower Texas electricity rate. Electricity prices usually track with natural gas costs, and natural gas is traditionally lower in shoulder months during the fall and spring season, before consumer demand increases during the cold winter months when consumers are using more natural gas.

As I mentioned in a previous post - just like cell phone providers – like AT&T or Sprint - Retail electric providers bid on customers’ electricity business. These providers can also personalize their bids to each customer or modify their offers and terms as often as they wish. For instance, electricity retailers may offer exceptionally competitive rates tied to longer term contracts (but we recommend not signing longer than 36 months at the present time) to attract customers in a targeted geographic area or offer a renewable energy product, like energy produced from wind, for the same price as you are currently paying.

It certainly pays to not only get the right offering that fits your home or business electricity needs, but also getting that offering at the right time. So do some shopping for your home or business during this holiday season and take advantage of fall electric rates.

SaveOnEnergy.com ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

2008-09-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

DALLAS — Sept. 24, 2008 – Dallas-based SaveOnEnergy.com announced today the company has launched a strategic partnership with Choose Energy (http://www.chooseenergy.com/). Choose Energy customers can now utilize the innovative commercial exchange portal launched by SaveOnEnergy.com in October 2007. The initiative between the two companies allows Choose Energy to focus on their residential expansion while utilizing the commercial driven technology of SaveOnEnergy.com’s exchange portal.

As the leading web portal connecting customers to suppliers, SaveOnEnergy.com has experienced significant growth and success in the last five years in Texas’ competitive energy market. SaveOnEnergy.com and Choose Energy are looking into their current expansion campaigns and expect the partnership to carry over into new markets as well. To date, both companies see New York as their next opportunity for market expansion.

“This strategic partnership with Choose Energy provides our proven technology and numerous options to their commercial customers while continuing to promote healthy competition within our industry,” said Brent Moore, founder and CEO of SaveOnEnergy.com.

“This partnership allows us to place more focus on our continued development around the residential energy space with increased offerings and services for the Texas homeowner. SaveOnEnergy.com’s commercial portal provides a valuable tool for our business customers – direct quotes from some of the largest and most competitive energy providers in the market today,” said Jerry Dyess, president of Choose Energy.

The first model of its kind in the competitive energy industry, SaveOnEnergy.com’s exchange portal allows energy suppliers to compete head to head for the customer’s business. Business customers simply log on to the SaveOnEnergy.com website (www.SaveOnEnergy.com), enter their business and usage information, and the information is then delivered real-time to each of the participating energy suppliers. The suppliers then evaluate the information and contact the customer directly.

Different than other online energy brokers, SaveOnEnergy.com no longer uses an internal direct sales force for commercial leads and now serves as a clearinghouse where suppliers compete directly for the customer’s business. The retail exchange format frees customers from time consuming efforts to locate competitive energy firms and solicit bids for their energy usage. With a click of the mouse, customers are contacted directly and receive real-time competitive bids.

Hudson Energy Teams up with Choose Energy’s Online Energy Marketplace to Offer Competitive Electricity Plans to Texans

2007-08-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

DALLAS – August 28, 2007 – Hudson Energy Services has joined Choose Energy (http://www.chooseenergy.com/), a division of Amen Properties (NASDAQ: AMEN), to offer consumers additional choices of competitive electricity plans and savings to better serve their needs.

Choose Energy’s recently updated Web site (http://www.chooseenergy.com/) sets it apart from other listing sites such as Texas Electric Choice Web site (http://www.powertochoose.org/) by enabling customers to easily compare offers and sign up without leaving its site.

“Choose Energy’s Web site functions uniquely as an unbiased researcher to provide consumers with a wide range of electricity plans that are comparable in real-time market conditions,” said Deryl Brown, CEO of Hudson. “As we build our business in Texas, we are always looking for more ways to conveniently provide business and residential customers with our competitive options, and the Choose Energy site meets our needs completely.”

“We are very pleased to have Hudson team up with us to offer consumers more plan options on the site,” stated Jerry Dyess, general manager of Choose Energy. “We share the same business focus of consumer convenience and hassle-free switching, so I knew we would work well together.”

“Many people only begin thinking about switching electricity providers during the hot, summer months when their bill hits its peak,” said Dyess. “As we begin transitioning into the new fall season, it’s an ever better time for customers to re-evaluate their electricity plans, so they can lock in lower fall rates and start saving money all year long.”

Choose Energy also now enables business customers to select from one of three secure ways to receive bids for their business. They can provide basic information about their business online and receive electricity rate comparisons and sign up online; they may fill out a simple online form and request a Choose Energy consultant to contact them; or, they may call and speak with a representative.

About Choose Energy

Choose Energy, http://www.chooseenergy.com/, is committed to being the leading and most trusted online source to residential and small business consumers for comparing and selecting competitive energy services. This customer-focused commitment is backed by experienced energy resources, great prices from qualified suppliers and powerful technology to enable real-time pricing, efficient enrollment and switching.

Use Energy Savings to Reduce Credit Card Debt

2007-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

As credit card bills roll in from our Christmas spending, many Texans, including myself, are looking for ways to find extra cash to help pay some bills. Well, I have some good news – http://www.chooseenergy.com/ shows Texans how to use energy savings to boost their new year’s budgets, and you can find it in your electricity bill in just two minutes.

Unlike passive electricity Web sites like www.powertochoose.com, www.chooseenergy.com enables you to find “hidden cash” to help retire credit card debt by simply cutting your cost of electricity. Both small business and residential customers can use Choose Energy’s neutral and secure site to compare offers from carefully screened electricity companies who bid to provide your electricity service.

WWW.CHOOSEENERGY.COM is an independent website which doesn’t promote electricity from any one particular Texas electric company, it simply makes it easy for consumers to see what kind of money-saving offers you can receive from companies which have been carefully screened. If you are a residential customer, simply enter your zip code and amount of last month’s bill to see the best rates you can receive that day, before signing up. If you see an offer you like, you can process the application directly from the website.

With this past month's decrease in natural gas prices and low priced electricity offers, at http://www.chooseenergy.com/, can expect offers with savings ranging from one to almost four months off the cost of your basic rate charged by your incumbent utility. Now that's some real savings and extra money you canput toward those Christmas credit card bills.

www.ChooseEnergy.com Shows Texans How to Use Energy Savings to Boost Their New Year's Budget

2007-02-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

As Credit Card Bills Roll in, Most Texans Looking for Extra Cash Could Find it in Their Electricity Bill in Just Two Minutes

DALLAS, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Unlike passive electricity Web sites like http://www.powertochoose.org/ , http://www.chooseenergy.com/ enables Texans to find "hidden cash" to help retire credit card debt by simply cutting their cost of electricity. Both small business electricity and residential electricity customers can use Choose Energy's neutral and secure site to compare offers from carefully screened electricity companies who bid to provide their electricity service.
"With this week's low priced electricity offers, visitors to http://www.chooseenergy.com/ can expect offers with savings ranging from one to almost four months off the cost of their basic rate charged by the incumbent utility," said Jerry Dyess, Choose Energy's general manager.
"Just like consumers compare airfares, hotels or mortgage rates online, Texas consumers can spend a few minutes on our neutral Internet marketplace and see how much they can save by switching to competitive companies willing to instantly bid for their business."
http://www.chooseenergy.com/ is an independent website that doesn't promote electricity from any one particular company. It simply makes it easy for consumers to see what kind of money-saving offers they can receive from companies that have been carefully screened.
On http://www.chooseenergy.com/ , residential customers simply enter their zip code and amount of last month's bill to see the best rates they can receive that day, before signing up. If they see an offer they like, they can process the application directly from the website.
Business benefits and savings are even better. Only http://www.chooseenergy.com/ offers an unbiased comparison tool where business owners can get real-time, comparative bids on their electricity business instantly without having to call or deal directly with multiple companies.
"While http://www.powertochoose.org/ offers a listing of energy offers, http://www.chooseenergy.com/'s offers are real time, instantly comparable and from stable companies that have been carefully selected," noted Jerry Dyess, general manager of Choose Energy. "Plus, you don't have to link off to multiple websites to apply for service - you can do everything right on the website."
ChooseEnergy.com does not charge a fee to consumers for using its energy marketplace. Other consumer benefits offered include CE Forecast, an indicator of market conditions advising whether the time is good to switch providers and an option to sign up for email notification of changing market conditions.

FREE ELECTRICITY FOR FOUR-TO-SIX WEEKS

2006-12-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

That's right. 4-6 weeks is the value of savings for most Texans if they would simply switch providers. Texans who continue to pay the highest, “price to beat” rates charged by their long-standing utility company could save as much as four-to-six weeks of the cost of their electricity by choosing another electricity provider.

The Texas Public Utility Commission Chairman Paul Hudson said in November, “We don’t think anyone should be paying the price to beat today. Everyone should be out, actively engaged in the marketplace and seeking out electricity offers that significantly undercut the price to beat.” Chairman Hudson’s remarks were made in an interview with Power Markets Week, November 13., 2006 and in testimony to the legislators.

WWW.CHOOSEENERGY.COM offers a free, independent, online energy marketplace similar to online exchanges for travel and mortgages. The website doesn’t sell or promote any one company, but simply makes it easy for consumers to see what kind of money-saving offers they can receive from companies which have been carefully screened. On www.chooseenergy.com, residential customers can simply provide their zip code and amount of last month’s bill in order to see the best rates they can receive that day. Business benefits and savings are even better. Only www.chooseenergy.com offers an unbiased comparison tool where business owners can get real-time, comparative bids on their electricity business without having to talk or deal directly with multiple companies.

So go shop Texas and save some money for the Holidays.

Consumers need to help make electricity deregulation work in Texas.

2006-12-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Many recent articles have questioned why electricity rates are so high in Texas and about how much money Reliant and TXU are making from deregulation.

Back when the hurricanes Rita and Katrina came through and caused a major disturbance to our natural gas production in late 2004, natural gas prices rose significantly – thus increasing the price of electricity. Prices have come down since then, but the affiliate providers have not lowered their rates. Many newspapers have written articles about this recently – asking why TXU and Reliant haven’t lowered their rates to reflect today’s natural gas rates. Well, the answer is that the affiliate providers, such as TXU and Reliant, agreed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas not to raise rates immediately and to phase in their rate increases over time, so that people could recover and not be shocked by such a high rate increase at one time. By doing this, the affiliate electric providers lost a significant amount of money in their retail divisions during this time while prices were actually higher than what they were charging their customers. Now I’m certainly not saying they haven’t fully recovered these loses, because they probably have. The fact is – they are public companies and are judged by the bottom-line just as other large corporations.

I believe the real answer lies with the consumers of electricity in Texas. Why haven’t more people switched to a lower electric plan? Even the affiliate providers offer their customers lower rates. If more people switched providers don’t you think that TXU and Reliant would lower their rates…YES! Consumers need to take some of the blame here. Less than half of consumers of electricity in deregulated areas of Texas have actually switched from the default rate they are charged from their affiliate provider.

If you are looking on Travelocity for a flight and one is $15 cheaper than the other – which do you choose? Do you buy a car at sticker price? NO – If 2 gas stations are side by side, but one says $2.29 and the other says $2.19 do you go to the one for $2.29 – NO! You buy the cheaper one, or you negotiate your price. Deregulation will drive competition – but people have to help.

Remember when it cost a small fortune to make a long distance call? Many younger people probably don’t. Why was that? What did the government do about it? They broke up the regulated monopoly. Telecom was deregulated thus creating competition, infrastructure enhancements and improvements and now long-distance rates are virtually non-existent. I’m certainly not saying that electricity rates will become non-existent, but I am saying the industry will make improvements to infrastructure, produce better services and products, but competition for all intents and purposes is what will ultimately drive down electricity prices. That will have to come from the consumers. More and more consumers switching providers is what will ultimately drive down rates.

Business Owner Cuts His Electricity Bill by 23 Percent

2006-12-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Tom Sadler, co-owner of printing and design company Executive Press in Richardson, Texas, watches his business expenses very carefully because many of his operating costs have increased significantly during 2006.

"Everybody complains about gasoline prices, but lots of other price increases – such as the cost of paper - have also gone up, making it harder than ever for a printing business like mine to operate profitably," Sadler explains.

Sadler can’t do much about many of his budget-busting cost increases, but when he experienced a 25 percent increase in electricity cost from TXU within a one-year period, he decided to take action.

From a friend, Sadler learned last summer about a new online marketplace where he could compare commercial electricity rates offered by a number of retail electric providers. Taking a look at http://www.chooseenergy.com/, Sadler saw that he could save money by switching to almost any of the listed providers listed. Sadler decided to use Choose Energy’s easy switching process. Sadler began saving about 23 percent, or approximately $1,200 per month as soon as the switch was completed.

"I got several quotes, all in one place and Choose Energy was easy to use," Sadler said. "As a business owner, I know who the big name providers are. If Reliant calls and says they can save me money, the only quote I get is from them. They might just be trying to beat TXU. But a new market entrant like Champion Energy is trying to beat out both companies. Choose Energy is great because I don't have to hassle with talking to a bunch of different people at different companies. I got an immediate answer and I could see how much I would save with each provider."
"Retail electric providers like having the capabilities provided by Choose Energy," said Rob Cantrell, Senior VP of Sales & Marketing for Champion Energy Services. "With Choose Energy’s unique real-time pricing capabilities, we can offer small businesses a variety of individualized, competitive rates that we can vary according to market conditions and contract lengths."
"Electricity customers visiting http://www.chooseenergy.com/ can have peace of mind that they are not paying more than they have to for electricity," said Jerry Dyess, general manager of Choose Energy. "Choose Energy also prescreens electricity providers for reliability and their commitment to offering cost-saving electricity for their customers."

"As an added benefit for electricity shoppers, customers may sign up to be notified when rates drop, if they don’t see an electricity offer they want to accept when they visit http://www.chooseenergy.com/," added Dyess.

Is it really worth it?

2006-11-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

Some customers have said that the price differences between the afiliate provider and other electricity provider plans are just not that different...a penny here..a penny there. So, is it really worth switching?

What's the difference between one penny in electricity costs per kilo-watt hour? Well, quite a lot actually. If you are an average homeowner and use 1,500 kWh's per month - that 1 penny equals $180 per year in savings. Funny thing is - some of the price differences are more than 1 penny - some are actually 2-3 - and many people use quite a bit more electricity than the 1,500 kWh's per month - which can all add up to some very significant savings.

Let me ask you this - do you pay sticker price for a car? No. Do you look on travel sites and pick the most expensive flight listed? Obiously not if you are looking on travel sites. When you bought your house, did you shop around your mortage rate? You probably did - I know I did.

Well, that's what choice is all about - you have a choice when you buy a car, shop for flights, and when you buy your house - you don't always have to take the first offer that is made to you. So, why do over 50% of Texans elect not to do anything and pay a much higher rate for their electricity? Just as you shop around for flight costs, mortage rates, and other items, shopping for your electric provider needs to be added to that list.

So, shop around for a better rate or a cleaner electricity plan - For 5 minutes of your time, you could be saving money...quite a bit of it.

CE Forecast

2006-11-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

Since we can't be there with everyone when they are selecting an energy provider for their home or busines - we recently added a feature to our site called CE Forecast. CE Forecast makes recommendations to help you make the best energy buying option for your home or business.

How does it work? CE Forecast analyzes the energy cost components that make up electricity costs for your home and business then presents color coded "CE Outlets" based on that information. If rates are low and holding steady, the CE Forecast will present you with a Green color coded outlet - which is a high recommendation to "Buy Now" and lock in a long-term energy agreement and order service today. If rates are currently high it will present a Red color coded outlet - which tells you to wait until prices come down - or lock into a short-term contract.

We hope this will help you make the right energy buying decision and keep energy costs down in your home or business.

Natural Gas - What Factors Impact Gas Prices

2006-11-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

Many people have asked - what are some of the factors that impact natural gas prices and why have natural gas prices steadily risen over the past few years?

Eventhough gas prices have moderated a bit this year after the supply distruptions from the hurricanes last year, we still have not seen the low levels like we did thoughout the 1990s. A number of underying factors have contributed to the price volitilityof natural gas this year.

1 - Production - The production of natural gas impacts not only the supply that is available but also the price. Through August of this year, production is slightly lower than recent years.

2 - Imports - Although the U.S. produces quite a bit of natural gas, we still import much of our supply. Most of this comes from Canada, but some comes in the form of liquified natural gas (LNG) from overseas. Recent EIA estimated project that for 2006, total imports will decline about 6.1 percent from 2005 levels.

3 - Storage - Throughout the year, natural gas is injected into the nderground storage facilities to help keep up with increased demand during the winter heating season. This year, we have seen consistently high storage levels that are projected to be above the 5-year average during the heating season.

4 - Demand - Demand impacts supply which impacts price. As of August of this year, natural gas consumption is about 2.5 percent below levels seen in 2005. The EIA projects natural gas demand will show no growth for 2006.

5 - Oil Prices - Crude oil prices reached record levels this year - averaging over $74 per barrel in July. However, we have seen these prices decline in recent months - averaging about $59 per barrel in October. The EIA projects that crude oil prices will average about $66 per barrel for 2006, which is a 17 percent increase over 2005 prices.

These are some of the main factors that contribute to natural gas prices in today's market. The EIA has predicted that natural gas prices paid by commercial and industrial customers should be on average about 22 percent less this heating season that last. This is only a forecast, and any forecast could be impacted by a number of factors - a prolonged cold spell, an interuption in supplies, or a disruption in other fuel supplies such as petroleum or electricity could all impact natural gas prices.

Energy costs begin to soar. Take action.

2006-06-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

As summer moves in and energy costs begin to soar, more homeowners are taking action to rein in their utility bills. By making energy efficient enhancements to your home, switching to a low cost electricity provider, and lowering your electricity consumption you too can reduce your energy costs by up to 50%.
Energy Efficient Enhancements:
1) Service your HVAC system.
2) Make sure you have proper insulation in your home.
3) Change to fluorescent light bulbs.
4) Purchase Energy Star appliances

Lower Cost Electricity Providers:
1) Go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com and choose a new electric provider

Lower Electricity Consumption:
1) Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher.
2) Turn on fans.
3) Clean air filters.
4) Turn off lights when not in use.

Do these energy savings tips and you will begin to see lower electricity bills.

Do I have to switch providers?

2006-06-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

No, you don't have to do anything and you will remain stay with your current affiliate retail electric provider.

Even if you don't make a switch to another provider, do the research and find out your options. Maybe you don't want to switch and want to stay with your current electric provider but would like to purchase cleaner renewable electricity. Chances are, your current electric company offers a renewable energy product for your home. That's what deregulation is about - the consumer having options.

What is Green Energy?

2006-06-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

Green energy is electrical power that is produced from clean, renewable energy sources. Renewable energy comes from sources that are less-polluting like wind, solar and water. By utilizing the wind or water to turn turbines, or the sun to heat fuel cells you can produce electricity. Traditional power sources like coal and gas power plants emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Utilizing green energy reduces smog, greenhouse gases and air pollution.

How do you choose Green energy for my home? Well, you have a choice in who supplies your electricity, and you can choose to buy clean Texas energy by switching your electric service to a retail electric provider like Green Mountain Energy. They offer a Pollution Free product that costs the same as your current affiliate electric provider. Simply go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com to sign up.

Texas Electricity Deregulation

2006-06-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Even though most consumers have heard of electricity deregulation in Texas, most Texans have not made a switch to another electric provider because it’s still a confusing process. Well, changing your electricity provider is about to get a lot easier. The ChooseEnergy.com home and business energy service portal will soon be available to the Texas market. All users will be able to go to www.ChooseEnergy.com and browse, compare and order electricity services for their home or business. See. Select. Switch. It's Simple!

Lower energy costs for your business.

2006-06-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

Energy costs can have a significant impact on your company’s bottom-line. After you have chosen a lower cost provider by visting www.ChooseEnergy.com and made the switch, figure out ways to conserve the energy you use.

- Call a service professional to check your office air conditioning unit (s) before the summer really heats up;
- Keep the office thermostat at 78 degrees or above. Every degree below 78 increases your cooling cost by almost 10%;
- Change your air conditioner filters every month;
- If you have fans in the office -turn them on. Up to 70% of your summer electricity usage comes from your air conditioner. By turning on a fan, a room can feel up 5 degrees cooler;
- If you have access to them - weather-strip the outer windows and doors. Make sure you have a sufficient amount of caulk and weather-stripping around the windows and doors to keep that cool air inside your office.
- Insulate all exterior outlets and electrical receptacles.

Every little bit helps - by switching to a lower cost electric provider and using some of our helpful energy conservation tips you should begin to see a much smaller electric bill.

Benefits for using ChooseEnergy.com

2006-06-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

ChooseEnergy:
…is a true and neutral energy marketplace -
The first true energy marketplace where Texans can allow electricity providers to bid on their business.

…makes it simple to switch providers -
The site that customers can actually switch electricity providers in just a few clicks, without cumbersome paperwork.

…empowers you to compare electricity providers, with no risks or obligations -
A neutral site where electricity customers can see and compare real-time offers, even “model” different lengths of contracts.

…gives you confidence to know today’s best electricity offers -
The most direct way for residential and business customers in Texas to be confident they’re getting the personalized, least costly and most up-to-date offers available from electricity providers.

NOTE: Regardless which electricity provider you choose, your electricity will continue to be supplied by the “power lines” company, which is often a spin-off or division of the former electricity monopolies in your area and regulated by the Public Utility Commission.

How do I choose an electric company?

2006-06-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

You now have a choice when choosing an electricity provider in Texas and ChooseEnergy is here to help. For the first time, there is an unbiased electricity marketplace that enables you to take charge of your electricity spending. Choose Energy allows Texans to compare offers and save money by choosing an electricity provider that truly meets your needs.

Some things you should look for - The Electricity Facts Label - usually found in the Terms of Service documents. Read it. This will provide you with the Retail Electric Provider's pricing information, contract terms and sources of generation. All Texas Retail Electric Providers offering residential service are required to provide this information to you upon request. This allows you to compare all offers in greater detail.

Once you have found the opne for you - make the switch. Go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com and See - Select - & Switch. It's that Simple!

High Electric Bill

2006-06-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Those high electricity bills are going to start coming in the mail and they are only going to get higher once we get into the HOT summer months. They are predicting a very hot summer for Texas. So make a choice today and go to: www.ChooseEnergy.com and switch to a lower cost electric provider. You can save hundreds of dollars! It's fast, free, and easy. You simply See - Select - Switch. It's that simple!

Gas Prices

2006-04-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Oil and natural gas prices have both been going up, which leads to higher fuel cost and higher energy bills. With the summer driving season almost upon us, many people might be rethinking that cross country family trip they had been planning. We may even see $4.00 prices at the pump. People need to find ways to save money - one obvious one is ChooseEnergy.com. Plus, we need to begin to conserve the energy we consume. Check out the tips on energy savings for the home and business. When combined with a lower cost provider, they can add up to a lot of savings.

FAQs

2006-04-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Some customers have asked us a few questions that we thought we would share with you.

Do consumers pay to use ChooseEnergy?

No, there are no fees or extra charges to consumers for visiting the site, reviewing the information and/or for using the site to switch electricity providers.

Do retailers pay to have their prices and offers listed on ChooseEnergy?

No, if a customer switches to a new electricity provider using ChooseEnergy, the retailer pays ChooseEnergy a small commission. There is no added or hidden cost to consumers. Retailers may advertise on the site, but the advertising does not affect the offers made to consumers.

Will all consumers be offered the same prices?
The retail electric providers decide what prices to offer consumers based on their electricity usage – quantity and patterns – as well as where they reside.

How is ChooseEnergy different from www.Powertochoose.com, sponsored by the Texas Public Utilities Commission?

ChooseEnergy allows consumers to compare and SWITCH electricity providers if they want to. www.powertochoose.com merely allows consumers to compare, but choosing and switching providers is not available directly from their webiste. CE also allows business owners to compare real-time offers and order service from competing retail electric providers.

Will consumers have to commit to long-term contracts?

Consumers can also consider the length of contracts while reviewing the various offers made by different electricity providers. Some providers may offer different rates for various lengths of contracts. After reviewing all their options and deciding what is best for them, consumers can select the proposed offer which best meets their needs.
Consumers can actually sort by contract length, cost and clean energy product types. Electric providers offer contracts that usually range from month-to-month to up to 3 years.

2006-04-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Rolling black-outs in Texas. Is Texas headed for something like California's crisis? The answer - No, California really just doesn’t have enough power to go around. They have only built two power plants to Texas' 47 since 1995. What happened the other day in Texas was just a run of bad luck. Texas power producers had many plants offline for planned maintenance, then we hit a record high and everyone turned on their A/C's. Plus, the PUC of Texas has also instituted much stronger consumer protection rules for those in Texas and much higher qualifications for retail electric providers that operate in Texas. We do need to conserve energy any way we can, and that will help everyone. TXU just announced that they are going to spend $10 billion on electricity plants in Texas, and they expect that to meet Texas' growing power demands into 2015.

Is Deregulaton Good for Texas?

2006-04-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

The easy answer is, YES! In my view, any form of competition makes economic sense in the market, and Texas electrici deregulation created a competitive environment for Texans. Companies now compete for your business by offering a variety of different services, products and prices to win you over as a customer. But one of the most important aspects of deregulation is that it gives you, the customer, the control. You now control who bills you for your electricity usage, lawmakers don't decide or some big coporation doesn't decide, you decide what you order - you now have the freedom of choice! So make your choice today Texas and switch.