Seven Billion People on Earth- Energy Usage

The world population is growing like wildfire. Now, seven billion people live on earth. The most interesting fact is that if everyone on earth lived the way the United States lived that they would need five earths to maintain all the usage. Energy usage and consumption is horrible in the United States. One is never satisfied with what they have can always buying more than one needs. Please think...

Electric Vehicles – Pros and Cons

Electric Vehicles offer significant advantages including energy efficiency (reducing dependence on fuel), reduced carbon emissions, quiet and low maintenance. That said, there are a number of challenges that require resolution, all related to the battery (i.e. driving range, battery cost and the time/logistics required to recharge). The following link provides interesting insights and...

Energy Efficient Mortgages

Energy Efficiency Assists in Obtaining Mortgages Prospective homeowners can take advantage of the opportunity to finance the purchase of a new home by applying for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM), provided the home is adjudged by a home energy rater as energy efficient.  In so doing, current criteria regarding debt-to-income ratios can be stretched, providing the capability to take on a...

Energy Saving Appliances

ACEEE: Focused on Energy Efficiency The American Council for Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) provides a wealth of information regarding energy efficiency. Founded in 1980, its program areas include Federal and State Energy Policy, Research and Communication. The following link provides tremendous insights to assist homeowners in purchasing Energy Saving...

Rebates for Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy Efficient Appliances Mean Cash Rebates The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funded over $300 million for consumer rebates for replacing used appliances with purchased ENERGY STAR energy efficient appliances. Eligibility to receive these rebates are handled within each of the states and U.S. territories, supported by rebate programs, preapproved by the U.S. Department of...

Do Energy Efficient Appliances Save Money?

EnerGuide and ENERGY STAR and Energy Efficiency There are a number of aids to ensure that when shopping for a major appliance, you can make the best decision with respect to energy efficiency, total lifecycle cost, and environmental stewardship: EnerGuide allows potential consumers to determine the amount of electricity that will be consumed in one year, as well as comparison information with...

How to Keep Your Electric Bill in Check

The summers seem to be getting hotter and the winters colder, adding to the increasing role of energy (and electricity in particular) in our day-to-day living. The following posting presents 13 practical steps that can be taken to keep your electric bill at reasonable levels, particularly as the cost per kWh continues to...

Energy Audit Training for Consumers

Energy Audits – The First Step Towards Achieving Energy Efficiency The following link  offers some excellent guidance on measures we can take to improve the energy efficiency of our homes. Included are links to differentiate between a “do-it-yourself energy audit and one performed by a professional and the pros and cons of each approach. Energy assessment, also known as a home...

Smart Meters and Electric Utility Customers

As the roll out of smart meters continues, these new devices provide customers with the ability to monitor their electricity usage on a real time basis and electric utilities with the capability of reading meters at frequent intervals. These meters have also become the source of growing controversy: Smart Meter Customers are questioning their accuracy, particularly in the wake of sudden...

Smart Grid – Challenges and Opportunities

Smart Grid, with all of its features and potential to redefine the electricity market, can easily become disconnected from the wants and needs of the customers it is designed to serve. The challenge is clear yet not easy: Electric utilities must position themselves to listen to what their customers want and are willing to pay for, yet Recognize that their customers are not always able to...