Brought to you by Green Mountain Energy Company
Did you know that Americans spend an average of $2,200 a year to power our homes? While the energy used to heat, cool and light our homes contributes the majority of the energy use (and thus cost), TVs, game systems, and other electronics comprise a growing piece of the energy pie.
Electronics can eat up anywhere from four to ten percent of a home’s total energy use, even when they’re off! In fact, we spend about $100 a year to power devices when they’re not in use (e.g., when your DVR remains in a low-power state so that it can be ready to record your favorite show).
Many of us want to do the right thing to save money and protect the environment by using energy more efficiently, but the upfront cost to upgrade to more efficient equipment or make our homes more airtight can be daunting.
To help defray these costs and make energy efficiency more accessible for everyone, some electric distribution companies (those utilities who deliver your electricity over a network of poles and wires) offer financial incentives for efficiency improvements.
Here at Green Mountain, we believe in reducing the amount of energy you use—regardless of the energy source—and offsetting any remaining emissions associated with your energy needs through the use of pollution-free renewable energy.
We regularly offer tips and tricks for reducing your energy use (view more of our energy savings articles here).
We also encourage you to contact your state public utility commission or electric distribution company to learn more about what incentives they offer. The New York State Public Service Commission provides energy efficiency programs for New York residents.
You can learn more about ways you can be more energy-efficient by visiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® website. You can also search for incentives offered in your area for specific types of energy-efficiency equipment using EPA’s ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.
Happy saving!
Green Mountain Energy Company is the nation's leading competitive retail provider of cleaner energy and carbon offset solutions, serving New York residents with 100% renewable electricity supply. To learn more, visit www.greenmountain.com. For the latest news on green living, renewable energy, energy efficiency and more, check out Green Mountain’s blog at the www.greenmountaincleanertimes.com.
