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.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Texas Energy Efficient Ideas For Your New Home
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
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
Monday, June 29, 2009
What is Energy Star?
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.
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.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
How to Beat the Summer Heat in Texas
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.
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.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Texas Electricity Demand Nears Record
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.
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.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Should You Get a Texas Energy Audit?
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.
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.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Texas Business Electricity: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Smart Meters - Will They Really Help?
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.
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.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Texas Electric Summer Saving Tips
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.
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.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Summer Savings on Texas Electricity
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.
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
How Texas Electricity Gets From a Power Plant Into Your Home
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.
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.
Monday, May 18, 2009
What Determines Your Price for Texas Electricity?
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Is it Safe to Buy Online or Order Texas Electricity Service Online?
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.
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.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Texas Electricity - History
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Texas Electric News - Earth Day 2009
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.
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.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Top Tips to a Lower Texas Electric Bill
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.
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.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Texas Electricity Summer Savings Tips
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Wind Energy - It's Right for Texas is it Right for You?
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.
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.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
ChooseEnergy.com - The Easy Way to Shop for Texas Electricity
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
