It sure would be nice to buy electricity from a provider you chose instead of whatever monopoly happens to exist in your area, wouldn’t it? Well, that option is here. Seventeen states, including the District of Columbia, have adopted electric choice programs. These programs allow you to choose your energy supplier.
Both residential and commercial end-users can now buy electricity from a choice of energy suppliers that includes both traditional fossil fuel options like coal and natural gas as well as green energy suppliers offering hydro-power, wind, and solar. Not only does electric choice foster healthy competition, which helps to ensure lower rates and financial savings for customers, but it’s also good for the planet. It gives green and alternative energy producers an in to markets they’d otherwise have trouble becoming part of.
What is Energy Choice?
Basically, states that have adopted energy choice programs are allowing you to choose where you buy your electricity from. You’re choosing your supplier. In most cases, your electric company (the distributor) will remain the same though. This allows you to effective choose the type of electricity that powers your home.
What Benefits Do You Get?
Choosing your electric suppliers means that you can shop around. Like going to the grocery store to buy groceries – you have a choice as to what you buy and where you shop. If you don’t like the prices offered by your current electric supplier then you’re free to buy from someone else who offers energy at a lower cost to you. If you’re concerned about the environment, you can even choose green energy options that are available in your area.
• Solar Energy – Solar energy isn’t new, but some of the technology available today makes it easier to harness. Special solar panels are laid out to collect light from the sun. This light is then converted into electricity. While radiant light and heat from the sun has been used by humans for thousands of years, modern technology, and government subsidies, now allow energy producers to offer low-cost solar energy for many residential homes as well as businesses. Depending on where you live, you could save anywhere from $50 to well over $100 per month by switching to solar.
• Wind Energy – Wind energy is something humans have used in some form since at least 5,000 B.C. – when it was used to power boats on the Nile River. Today, wind generators harness the power of mother Earth to generate electricity for more than just propelling boats. Like solar, your savings depends on your location. Wind turbines tend to perform best where there is constant wind. Still, you could expect monthly savings between $50 and several hundred dollars.
• Hydro-Electric – Building a dam, and harnessing the power of a river, yields significant energy. Hydro-power has been used for at least 2,000 years. Initially, the Greeks sought ways to systematically grind wheat and other grains into flour. Today, we use it to power our televisions, iPhones, and other electronic gadgets. Hydro-electric power is most common in the northwest and western U.S. However, New York makes extensive use of hydro-electricity, as does Maine and even some southern states like North Carolina. Your savings will be greatest is states that make extensive use of hydro-electricity.
Considerations
While much of the U.S. offers various types of green alternatives, you may not have extensive options available where you live. Still, you should make every effort to choose an energy supplier that you feel provides you with the best energy possible at a reasonable cost.
Neil Dunsmore enjoys finding new ways consumers can save on energy bills. He blogs about his findings and insights on personal finance website. Visit Texas Electricity for more ideas.
Source: Tomorrow is greener
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