ambitpros@gmail.com
YouTube
Ambit Energy Pros

Understanding your electric pricing options can be a powerful tool for managing your energy bills. This article explores different pricing plans offered by electricity providers, helping you choose the most cost-effective option for your needs.

“Because the rate you pay stays the same, fixed-rate plans normally result in more predictable electric bills. If you’re able to shop for a plan when rates are low, you could end up securing a cheap electricity rate for a long time.”

 

 

Take control of your energy costs today by reducing your carbon footprint

The slogan “Take control of your energy costs today by reducing your carbon footprint” highlights the dual benefit of using less energy. Let’s break down both aspects with references and data to support the claims.

Saving Money on Electricity Bills:

  • Direct Impact: Your electricity bill is typically based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed. The less electricity you use, the lower your bill. Lights off and electronics unplugged when not in use can save you money!
  • Long-Term Gains: New appliances that use less energy can save you money on your electricity bills for years to come! Look for Energy Star-certified models when replacing old appliances. They might cost more at first, but you’ll save so much money on electricity bills over time, it’s usually worth it!
  • Smart Technology: Smart thermostats, lighting systems, and power outlets can help automate energy-saving measures. For example, smart thermostats can learn your routine and adjust temperatures automatically to save energy when you’re not home.
  • Weatherization: Sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and using energy-efficient windows help regulate your home’s temperature. This reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling, which are major energy consumers.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint:

  • Fossil Fuel Reliance: Making electricity uses a lot of smoke-spewing fuels! By using less energy, you help the environment by burning less of those fuels.
    • The EIA reports that About 60% of this electricity generation was from fossil fuels – coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases (Source: https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3). Reducing your electricity use helps decrease reliance on these polluting sources.
  • Conservation of Resources: Lower energy consumption reduces the overall electricity demand. This can lead to:
    • Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The less energy we use, the less pollution goes up in the air. This helps fight climate change!
      • The EPA estimates that the average American household is responsible for approximately 14,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per year from electricity use alone (Source:

https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator). Reducing your electricity consumption directly reduces your carbon footprint.

  • Lower Air and Water Pollution: Those power plants that burn coal and gas for electricity also pollute the air and water we use. By using less energy, we rely on them less, which means cleaner air and water! Reducing reliance on these plants helps improve air and water quality.
  • Conservation of Resources: The less energy we use, the less we need to build new power plants. This helps save precious resources and keeps nature healthy!

Taking Action:

  • Start Small, Think Big: Begin with simple changes like turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. Gradually incorporate more strategies like switching to energy-efficient appliances or weatherizing your home. Every step counts!
  • Research and Resources:
    • Want to use less energy and save money on your bills? Look online or ask your local government for tips and tricks! They have tons of resources to help. These resources can help you identify areas for improvement and implement effective strategies.

Other Sources

  1. www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Plan_to_Conserve_Global_Forests_final.pdf
  2. www.oneplanetnetwork.org/sites/default/files/anatomy_of_action_validation_full_0.pdf

Choose add-ons that help you save while being environmentally responsible

Here are some add-ons that can help you save money while being environmentally responsible:

Smart Home, Smart Savings:

  • Smart Thermostats: These smart gadgets can learn your habits and adjust the temperature on their own to save energy when you’re not around! This can lead to significant savings on your heating and cooling bills.

Reduce Standby Power:

  • Smart Power Strips: Old-style chargers and electronics still use a bit of power even when not in use. Smart power cords shut off electronics entirely when they’re not being used, preventing any energy waste!

Water Conservation:

  • Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucets: These showerheads and faucets use less water, but you still get a great shower! This translates to lower water bills and less strain on local water resources.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

  • LED Bulbs: These bulbs use up to 90% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. This translates to long-term savings on electricity bills and a reduced environmental footprint.

Weatherization:

  • Seal Air Leaks and Add Insulation: Sealing gaps around windows and doors and adding insulation in your attic and crawl space help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home throughout the year. This means you won’t have to rely as much on your heater or air conditioner to keep things cozy! This can significantly reduce your energy consumption and bills.

Consider These Upgrades (Optional):

  • Water-Saving Appliances: Look for Energy Star-certified washing machines and dishwashers. These use less water and energy compared to conventional models, leading to savings on water and electricity bills.
  • Solar Panels (if applicable): Solar panels cost a lot upfront, but they make clean electricity for your home. This means you rely less on regular power and help the environment too!

Remember: Even small changes can make a big difference. By adding a few of these gadgets, you can cut your utility costs and help the environment stay cleaner.

Energy Ogre’s service

Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing world of electricity plans? Energy Ogre might be the hero you never knew you needed. Here’s a detailed overview of their services, with references, to assist you in determining if it suits your needs.

What Does Energy Ogre Do?

  • Energy Ogre is your electricity helper, making managing your bills a breeze! Here’s how they simplify things:
  • Energy Bill Analysis: Energy Ogre looks at your past electricity bills to find the perfect plan for your habits. (https://www.energyogre.com/energy-ogre-vs-power-to-choose).
  • Plan Shopping Wizard: Energy Ogre scours the market for the most competitive electricity plans in your area. They consider everything – how much electricity you use, current prices, contract length, and any sneaky fees – to find the best deal for you. (https://www.energyogre.com/how-energy-ogre-works).
  • Enrollment and Switching Made Easy: Once they find a perfect fit, Energy Ogre handles the switch from your old plan to the new one, making it super easy!
  • Constant Market Monitoring: Their watchful eye doesn’t stop at enrollment. Energy Ogre keeps an eye on electricity prices. If they find a cheaper plan that works for you, they’ll automatically switch you over!

(https://www.energyogre.com/energy-ogre-vs-power-to-choose).

Benefits of Using Energy Ogre:

  • Potential Savings: Energy Ogre finds electricity plans that fit your habits, so you might end up paying less! (https://www.energyogre.com/energy-ogre-vs-power-to-choose)
  • Convenience at its Finest: Forget comparing plans! Energy Ogre does the research, signs you up, and switches you overall so you don’t have to.
  • Peace of Mind: Energy Ogre watches the market like a hawk, so you know you’re always on the best plan to save money.
  • Transparency (to an extent): Energy Ogre explains the plans they pick for you in plain English, so you know why they think it’s a good fit.

(https://www.energyogre.com/energy-ogre-vs-power-to-choose).

Energy Ogre Services at a Glance:

  • Electricity Bill Analysis
  • Market Research and Plan Selection
  • Enrollment and Switching Management
  • Automatic Plan Switching (to Better Options)
  • Customer Support (to answer questions and address concerns)

Things to Consider Before Signing Up:

  • Subscription Fees: Energy Ogre charges a monthly or annual fee for their service. Factor this into your overall electricity expenses

(https://www.energyogre.com/energy-ogre-vs-power-to-choose).

  • Limited Control: They pick the plan, but you can still say yes or no before they switch you.
  • Potential for Inactivity Fees: Some plans might have inactivity fees if your usage falls below a certain threshold. It’s always a good idea to review the plan details before switching! (https://www.energyogre.com/energy-ogre-vs-power-to-choose).

Who Should Consider Energy Ogre?

Energy Ogre can be a valuable service for people who:

  • Dislike the Hassle of Plan Shopping: Skip the research, ditch the hassle! They find the plan and switch you over.
  • Want to Potentially Save Money: Their focus on finding plans that match your usage could lead to lower electricity bills.
  • Value Convenience: They simplify the entire electricity management process.
  • Are Comfortable with Less Control: You give up some choice in the plan, but they’ll handle the execution expertly.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

Energy Ogre might not be the best fit for:

  • Those Who Like Granular Control: If you prefer to research and select your plans, their service might feel restrictive.
  • People on Tight Budgets: The subscription fee adds an extra cost to your electricity bill. Consider if the potential savings outweigh the added expense.

The Final Verdict

Energy Ogre offers a convenient and potentially cost-saving way to manage your electricity. See if their service is your electricity dream team! Weigh the pros and cons against your needs and budget to decide if it’s a good fit.

Additional Resources:

Compare base electric rates

Electricity is a necessity, but navigating the world of electric rates can be confusing. This guide will help you understand the different plans and pick the one that saves you the most money. We’ll break down the basics and show you what to look for when comparing rates. Here’s a breakdown of some common factors to consider:

Rate Structure:

  • Tiered Rate: This plan charges you more per unit of electricity you use the more you use overall in a billing period. So, the more electricity you use, the more expensive each unit becomes. It incentivizes energy conservation. 

(Reference: https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education)

  • Fixed Rate: This plan offers a constant rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) throughout the billing period, regardless of usage. It provides predictable costs but may not be ideal for high or low-energy users. 

(Reference: https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education)

  • Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate: This plan charges different rates depending on the time of day or day of the week. Off-peak hours (typically nights and weekends) are cheaper than peak hours (typically weekdays during the day). Ideal for users who can adjust their energy consumption based on time-of-day pricing. 

(Reference: https://www.pge.com/en/account/rate-plans/find-your-best-rate-plan/time-of-use-rate-plans.html)

 

Additional Factors:

  • Customer Class: Rates can vary depending on your customer class (residential, commercial, industrial).
  • Local Electricity Providers: Rates can differ between providers in your area. (Use a service like https://www.energybot.com/ or contact your local utility commission for a list of providers)

Data Points for Comparison:

Here’s a table to help you compare base electric rates from different providers:

 

Find your perfect pricing option

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American household spends over $1400 per year on electricity. But with a little research and planning, you can potentially shave a significant chunk off that bill! Here’s a data-driven guide to help you choose the right electricity plan:

  1. Understand the Market:
  • In most areas, residential energy providers don’t directly set your electricity rates. These are often regulated by your state or local government agency.
  • Your local power company brings the electricity to your home. In some areas, you can choose a different company to manage your electricity bill, offering different plans and prices.
  1. Know Your Options:
  • Fixed-Rate Plans: Lock in a set price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for a specific contract term (e.g., 12 months, 24 months). This provides budgeting stability but prices might not reflect market fluctuations.
  • Variable-Rate Plans: Electricity costs fluctuate based on market conditions. You might get lower rates during off-peak hours but prices could be higher during peak usage times. Offers potential savings but requires monitoring your usage patterns.
  • Time-of-Use Plans: Offer different rates for electricity used during peak hours (typically evenings and weekends) and off-peak hours. Requires adjusting your energy consumption habits to take advantage of lower rates.
  1. Research and Compare:
  • State Public Utility Commission Website: Did you know that most states have a Public Utility Commission (PUC) website? This website is a valuable resource for finding licensed electricity providers in your area. See all the different plans (like fixed-rate or time-of-use) offered by these providers to pick the cheapest option for your home.
  • Comparison Websites: You can find websites to compare plans by entering your zip code and how much you expect to use it. Utilize online resources like Power Wizard (https://www.powerwizard.com/how-it-works/) or (ElectricityPlans.com ) to compare plans from different providers in your area.
  • Current Provider: You’re not locked into just the base rate with your current utility company. They might have other options!
  • Step 4: Compare Plan Features (Know What You’re Paying For)
    • Rate Type:
      • Fixed Rate: Offers stable pricing throughout the contract term, good for budget predictability (average US fixed rate: 13.4 cents/kWh) [4].
      • Variable Rate: Prices fluctuate based on market conditions, potentially offering lower costs but with the risk of price spikes (average US variable rate: 12.2 cents/kWh).
    • Price per kWh: This is the core cost if you pay per unit of electricity used.
    • Plan Features:
      • Time-of-Use Pricing: Charges different rates depending on the time of day electricity is used. It is useful if you can shift high-consumption activities (laundry, dishwashing) to off-peak hours.
      • Green Energy Options: Pay a premium to support renewable energy sources.
      • Bill Credits: Some plans offer upfront bill credits or rewards programs.
    • Contract Terms:
      • Fixed-Rate Plans: Often have a set contract length (12-24 months) with early termination fees (ETFs) for switching before the term ends.
      • Variable-Rate Plans: It is easier to switch plans but might cost more each month.
  • Step 5: Choose a Plan that Fits Your Needs (The Perfect Match)
    Consider your budget and estimated usage. Here’s a quick guide:

    • Budget-Conscious: Fixed-rate plans offer predictable costs throughout the contract.
    • Environmentally Conscious: You pay more for green energy plans, but they’re better for the environment.
    • High-Consumption Household: If you use a lot of electricity, look for a plan with tiers. These plans offer lower rates for using less electricity.
    • Remember: Regularly review your plan and usage to ensure it aligns with your needs. With a little effort, you can find the perfect electricity plan to power your home and save money!
  • Data & Reference Sources:
    U.S. Energy Information Administration: https://www.eia.gov/electricity/
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration: https://www.eia.gov/state/
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration: https://www.eia.gov/electricity/
  • Electricity Rate Tracker: https://www.electricchoice.com/electricity-prices-by-state/

Finding the Best Plan:

  • Estimate Your Usage: Analyze your past electricity bills to get an idea of your typical kWh consumption.
  • Consider Your Habits: If you can shift energy usage to off-peak hours (TOU plans), you can potentially save money.
  • Compare Plans: To find the cheapest plan, you can check online comparison tools or call your local electricity companies directly. They’ll help you find the best deal for your home.

Remember: The cheapest rate may not always be the best option. Consider your usage patterns and the plan’s overall structure when making your decision.

Additional Tips:

  • Estimate your electricity usage: You can figure out how much electricity you use each month by typing in a few details about your home online. These tools from energy providers consider things like your appliances and how many people live there. This helps compare plans accurately.
  • Focus on kWh prices: Don’t be misled by plan “freebies” or gimmick features. The core cost is the price per kWh.
  • Consider green energy options: Some providers offer plans with renewable energy sources at a premium.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. By grasping the market, exploring various options, and taking your unique needs into account, you’ll be ready to select the ideal electricity plan for your home. Remember, regularly review your plan and usage to ensure it still aligns with your evolving needs. With a little effort, you can unlock significant savings and power your home efficiently!