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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bounce Energy Launches Promotional Offer In Celebration Of Cinco de Mayo

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

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

Dynowatt - Texas Electric Provider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today's Featured Texas Electric Company - Champion Energy Serivces

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

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

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

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

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

StarTex Power - Services and Benefits

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

What is Green Energy?

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

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

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

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

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

Clean Texas Energy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Green Energy?

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

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