Using Renewable Energy Resources, Or "Going Green," May Be Good For Your Wallet and the Environment

Americans are a bit torn when it comes to our energy usage: despite conservation efforts, our energy usage continues to grow each year for heating, cooling, lighting, manufacturing, and our every-more-power-hungry electronics. We want to be more "green" but we are also feeling the pinch of the past year’s economic downturn.

But what can you, as an individual, really do to manage your own energy costs and the impact of your energy usage on the planet?

If you live in one of the states that has enacted energy deregulation - as Illinois did in 2008 - you now have a choice of several companies from which you buy your natural gas and/or electricity. All of these companies are reputable, having been certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission, the organization charged with overseeing utility services in the state, protecting consumers’ interests, and educating consumers about their options. By spending a little time researching the new options, you can save a significant percentage on your home energy expenses and even receive free travel awards and other incentives for switching to and staying with the new company. In addition to the financial side, you may also want to consider each company’s customer service record, business ethics, charitable contributions, and environmental policies. A little research shows some interesting differences among the new energy suppliers who have entered the Illinois market since energy deregulation went into effect. Let’s take a look at a few of them, just to illustrate the variety of options now available to Illinois homeowners and small businesses.

Ambit Energy was founded in 2006 in the first-to-deregulate state of Texas, now does business in New York and Illinois as well, and plans to expand into other states as deregulation opens those markets. Ambit currently supplies only natural gas (not electricity) in Illinois. Ambit promises that you will save at least 1% on your natural gas bill versus your old supplier or they will pay you the difference; plus you get a free travel voucher when you sign up; and you earn rewards points on your monthly energy usage that you can redeem for additional free travel vouchers; and if you refer 15 new customers, your monthly energy bill will be discounted by their average expenditures, to the point where your energy bill could be zero. There is no long-term contract to sign, no fee to switch to Ambit. That’s quite a package! Ambit also has special programs whereby a portion of your monthly bill is donated to a specified charity when you sign up for Ambit service through that charity’s website. In areas of the country where Ambit offers electricity service, you may also have the option of purchasing "green" energy which is generated from renewable resources rather than fossil fuels. According to the Citizen’s Utility Board (which, like the ICC, is charged with protecting consumers’ interests), for the period ending September 2009, 100% of Ambit Energy natural gas customers in Illinois saved money on Ambit’s variable-rate plan vs. Nicor’s standard pricing.

Integrys Energy Services is another supplier of natural gas to Illinois customers. Integrys of a larger energy holding company which also owns two of Illinois’s long-standing natural gas suppliers, Peoples Energy and North Shore Gas. In Ohio, Integrys offers consumers the "green" option of replacing part of their natural gas with renewable gas. Unlike natural gas, which is a nonrenewable fossil fuel, renewable gas is methane generated from landfills or waste treatment plants. Integrys also worked with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree for every customer who bought the renewable gas option. In Illinois, Integrys offers residential customers the choice of a 1-year fixed-rate contract or a monthly variable-rate plan, with no switching or loyalty incentives. According to the Citizen’s Utility board, for the period ending September 2009, the proportion of Integrys customers who experienced a net savings vs. Nicor’s standard pricing was somewhat disappointing: just 53% of customers on Integrys variable-rate plans and 9% of customers on Integrys fixed-rate plans saved money.

Santanna Energy Services competes in the residential natural gas market in Illinois, and also in the electricity market in Illinois. Like Ambit, they are an independent energy reseller, not part of an energy conglomerate like Integrys. However, like Integrys, they offer both fixed and variable rate plans, with no guarantee of cost savings. They do offer a $50 credit (a discount off your gas bill) for each new customer you refer to them, but no sign-up or loyalty incentives. Santanna doesn’t appear to offer any "green" alternatives, but their website does tout a variety of charitable contributions.

Energy deregulation has brought some great new choices to Illinois residents . . . but you need to do your homework to select the right plan for you.

The author is a keen researcher of all things related energy savings and deregulation. More articles along with tutorials and videos on the subject of Ambit Energy and deregulation can be found at: http://www.ahbenergy.com To view an Ambit Energy opportunity presentation visit http://www.myfreeambitenergy.com

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