Did you know that, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), a typical U.S. household consumes over 11,280 kWh of electricity per year? During that same year, an average American home releases 5,574 pounds of carbon dioxide, 23 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and nine pounds of nitrogen oxides. Americans can drastically reduce their carbon footprint, and shave hundreds off their annual energy bills, by following these simple, green tips.
Purchase Green Energy
Favoring green energy, and saving money while you do it, may be as simple as switching electric utility suppliers. Homeowners in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and the District of Columbia have the option of changing electricity providers. Here are the basics on how to compare electricity rates:
- Consider your payment options. Suppliers offer different payment structures. Homeowners can often, for example, pay a fixed rate rather than paying for overall energy consumed. Keep in mind that this may not be the most environmentally conscious option.
- Ask about green energy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides convenient and free online tools to help locate green energy providers in your area. The EPA’s “Power Profiler” helps U.S. residents calculate the environmental impact of energy use in their particular area or local region. The “Green Energy Locator” provides a list of nearby green electricity and utility suppliers. Some companies may offer incentives for using green energy.
- Get the right rates. Business electricity rates are not the same as residential energy rates. If you are running a business, you may be eligible for a different, and often less expensive, payment plan.
Make a Couple of Quick Fixes Around Your Home
Some of the best ways to save on electric bills, and save the environment, are incredibly simple. Homeowners can drastically reduce their environmental impact by installing low-flow aerators on residential faucets and using energy-efficient light bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, low-flow aerators cost only $10 to $20 each, and reduce household energy consumption by as much as 25% to 65%. Moreover, the EPA reveals that, if the majority of U.S. homes favored energy-efficient bulbs, Americans would save $8 billion per year.
Want to save money on your energy bills? Wondering how to compare electricity rates? Ask your local energy provider about green energy and install low-flow aerators and energy-efficient light bulbs to drastically reduce your residential consumption and save hundreds off annual energy bills.
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