Have you done any Energy Efficient upgrades or installations in your home this year? Are you planning on doing any in 2010? Well if you have or are going to, take a look at the government’s Energy Star webpage! Your improvement may be worth up to $1,500 in tax credits.
Some examples would be windows and doors, insulation, wood or other biomass burning stoves and inserts. The improvement must meet certain criteria, so log on to the website and see how to save yourself some money, save energy and most importantly, cut down on Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Find out more at energystar.com
Renewable energy certificates (RECs), also known as green certificates, green tags, or tradable renewable certificates, represent the environmental attributes of the power produced from renewable energy projects and are sold separate from commodity electricity. Customers can buy green certificates whether or not they have access to green power through their local utility or a competitive electricity marketer. And they can purchase green certificates without having to switch electricity suppliers.
More on this article can be found at: Renewable Energy Certificates
How Do I Buy Green Power?
If retail electricity competition is allowed in your state, you may be able to purchase a green power product from an alternative electricity supplier. Some states have already implemented electricity competition. Check the Status of State Electric Industry Restructuring Activity (PDF 2.1 MB) map, prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, to see if your state has passed an electricity competition law.
Even if your state is not implementing electricity market competition, you may still be able to purchase green power through your regulated utility. More than 600 regulated utilities spanning more than 30 states offer “green pricing” programs. The term green pricing refers to an optional utility service that allows customers to support a greater level of utility investment in renewable energy by paying a premium on their electric bill to cover any above-market costs of acquiring renewable energy resources.
Finally, whether or not you have access to green power through your utility or a competitive electricity marketer, you can purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs). RECs (also known as green tags, green energy certificates, or tradable renewable certificates) represent the environmental attributes of power generated from renewable electric plants. A variety of organizations offer RECs separate from electricity service, that is, you need not switch from your current electricity supplier in order to purchase these certificates.
This article can be found on: How to Buy Green Power
Inaccurate estimates
Many suppliers estimate readings, so simply check your actual meter reading against the estimate and notify your supplier of any discrepancy. Be pushy though - many suppliers benefit from overzealous meter estimates - overcharging you and gaining the benefit from your account being in credit.
Also, don’t assume your supplier will send a meter reading agent to check your gas and electricity readings. These happen on a rota system so it is best to send in your correct meter readings yourself by email, phone or even text message and ensure you are billed correctly.
Don’t assume that an underestimate will work in your favour and that it’s best to keep quiet. Most energy suppliers will take an accurate reading of your bill on occasions - for example, if you move house or switch supplier - and if they find you have underpaid you could face a hefty, unexpected bill.
Our tip: Do a quick meter reading at the end of every month and jot it down. It’s a quick and easy way of keeping on top of your consumption, especially if you’re watching the pennies. Plus, it takes literally seconds to do.
Direct debit over-payments
Paying monthly by direct debit is invariably cheaper than any other way of paying for your gas and electricity - as our comparison tool highlights. However, there are many scenarios in which your direct debit could be set too high.
If you feel you’re paying too much contact your provider and ask for it to be reduced. Remember though, paying monthly averages the cost out over the year, so in the summer months when your consumption is lower, you may be paying for more than you use. However, this should even out over the winter months when usage increases.
This article was found on MoneySuperMarket.com
Energy Star | Cindy | 
November 4, 2009 9:53 pm | 
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