Tips For Finding An Electricity Plan That Reduces Your Environmental Impact
When someone says they want to reduce their environmental impact, the advice they’ll receive will vary, from using less to adopting green energy. Not everyone can put solar panels up on the roof or make other investments in renewable energy. But fortunately, everyone can choose an energy plan that reduces their environmental impact. Here are a few tips on how do to exactly that.
Shop Around
Don’t sign up to the first utility company that comes your way. Do your research regarding your options. You may be able to switch to an energy company that gets its power entirely from a mix of wind, solar, wave and geothermal power. If that’s not an option, you may still be able to lower your environmental footprint by switching from a company that uses mostly coal to natural gas, something that releases far less carbon dioxide per megawatt of energy produced. You could also subsidise certain projects. For example, some utility companies build micro-wind turbines or harness waste gases from landfills. By signing up for power from one of these companies, you’ll be investing in their research. Use iSelect to research what options there are in your area, compare electricity plans and identify the one that best aligns with your intentions.
Determine Which Plans Fit Your Long-Term Plans
You can switch to a green energy company today, but you’ll save more money if you take your time, research and sign a longer-term contract. It’s important to consider the energy plan alongside your own long-term plans. For example, if you want to put solar panels on the roof to lower your energy bill or get paid for the extra power it produces, ensure that the energy company you choose will support this. It may take the form of a special type of energy meter that can handle the flow of power into the grid and subtract that value off your energy bill. It may be an energy company that offers financing for solar panels and expert installation. Or it could be that they offer power plugs built into your home to provide green energy for your future electric car.
Don’t Forget the Price Tag
When you’re shopping for a new utility company, don’t forget the total price tag you have to pay. You may be able to find a greener energy provider and save on your utility bill. You may also be able to save energy by going with an energy plan that helps you to do more with less. Whether it’s a free energy audit, smart thermostat or rebates for upgrading your appliances to more energy efficient models, look for win-win deals with energy companies. For example, discounts on adding insulation to your house or putting in new double and triple pane windows, if you use service providers approved by the utility company. However, you shouldn’t sign up for a power plan based on incentives or rewards you may not be able to redeem. Don’t agree to cut your energy usage dramatically to take advantage of a lower price per kilowatt hour if it’s far below what you consume now.