The Biochar Blog

Archive for the ‘Energy’ Category

Sitting on my couch one day, patiently trying to get the little one to sleep, I just happened to look out my window and was scared to death. I see a huge man trying to hop over my gate with a special ladder designed for hopping fences! If the limitless thriller movies have taught me anything it is not to go investigate on my own. So what do I do? I go outside to investigate, with the baby in tow. It’s funny; the thought of calling the cops or at least taking mace never entered my mind. Thankfully the man was not there to kidnap or kill me; he was doing his job for CenterPoint, installing a smart meter. Apparently he had been hopping over every fence and installing these meters all around my neighborhood. In a state where anyone can own a gun, this seems like a pretty risky profession to me. It’s funny because if I hadn’t busted the guy installing the meter, I would have never known that anything had changed and I’ll bet most people still don’t. I’m not saying there wasn’t any notice, I am sure there was, but who really reads those notices in the mail? Anyways, now that we have this new device on our house I thought it would be important to figure out what the heck it does and why CenterPoint felt the need to install these in everyone’s homes.

In the past, every business and household in Texas is required to have an electric meter on their property. The reason for this is pretty obvious; it’s to make sure there is an accurate and consistent way to measure the electricity going into your home and/or business each month. This is helpful for both us, the customers and electric companies because it allows for a more accurate bill each month. And up until now, that is all the meter was designed to do; interestingly enough it has been this same way for about 50 years. But because we live in a world where new technology is always being developed, a more interactive and “smart” meter has been created to not only help the consumer but to help the electricity companies and the electric delivery companies as well.

Something I’d like to point out before I continue is the companies that distribute electricity are called electric delivery companies. Another name for them is TDSP’s (I have no clue where they got that acronym from but nonetheless that’s what they are known as in the industry). These companies are responsible for quite a lot. They install and maintain the meters, poles and transmission lines. They also are the ones who actually provide the power to the retail companies where you get your power from. An example of this type of company is CenterPoint Energy in Houston and Oncor for Dallas. These companies are completely separate from the company you pay your bill to every month, which in the industry are called retail electricity providers, often called REP’s (this acronym makes a lot more sense). This may clear up any confusion some may have – I can’t tell you how many people have told me in conversation that they pay their electricity bill to CenterPoint. I think this is because not many people know the difference between the two companies.

Moving on. Since the meter has basically stayed the same for the last 50 years, it was definitely time for an upgrade. Today, we have access to so much information, it is almost scary. Like when I was pregnant, we saw so much in our ultrasounds – her brain, four ventricles of the heart, blood flow in and out of the umbilical cord, you name it, we saw it. It was wonderful and scary at the same time, and far advanced from 50 years ago. My point is that given our technological advances, it is amazing that something like an electric meter hasn’t changed until now. The smart meter will continue to measure your electricity usage, but it will also send information back upstream to allow CenterPoint, the REPs, and you, the consumer, make better decisions. I like to compare it to a gas pump. As you pump the gas, you can see the price going up in relation to how many gallons you’re pumping. Immediate feedback. This is basically the same idea with the smart meter (except it relates to electricity). You will be able to see your usage and resulting cost on a more real time basis instead of having only one reading at the end of the month. There is a reading every 15 minutes and it’s done from a remote location so you get a more accurate and real-time record of your energy usage. With the elimination of meter readers, it actually cuts costs for customers and companies because it reduces costs associated with sending a truck and meter reader to each customer. This device is also helpful if you are working on a budget because if you’ve budgeted let’s say 0 for the month on electricity and you see that half way through the month, you are already at 0, it serves as a warning to let you know that you need to start either cutting back on your usage or you’ll at least be prepared to go over budget. Also, another neat function is just like your grocery store savings card keeps record of everything you purchase and you’re sent coupons at the end of month for items you buy the most, this meter acts the same way by recording and analyzing your usage history so you can better manage your energy consumption. You can actually see the peaks and valleys of your energy usage and be able to make changes based on the analysis which could in turn save energy and then save money. One additional perk to this new meter is that it sends instant power outage reports to your local TDSP which leads to a much quicker response time.

One thing to clarify is the smart meter doesn’t send this analysis straight to you, nor can you go out to your box and get all of the analysis mentioned above. The TDSP receives the information from the meter and then they have their own ways of making that information available to you. For Houston and surrounding areas, CenterPoint Energy is providing home area network capabilities that will allow for customers to review this information online via the web. For Dallas/Fort Worth area Oncor is rolling out their own version called Advanced Metering System (AMS), which began in January 2009. The REPs are also sure to provide tools and services that build on this information, and allow their customers to make better energy decisions.

Since I began working on this piece, I’ve noticed that there has been more and more coming out in the papers on this smart meter topic. I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but just this week the government announced they’re awarding .4 billion in funding to utility companies (and then those companies are going to put in another .7 billion in matching funds) in support of 100 projects aimed at modernizing the nation’s power grid to make it more “smart. One of those projects is installing the smart meter in homes across the U.S., and I read somewhere that these investments could potentially reduce U.S. electricity use by 4% a year! That’s a big number when you think of the millions of households. Also, the government’s ultimate goal is to distribute 40 million smart meters over the next few years.

What are the next steps locally for the smart meter roll out? Well, CenterPoint Energy was just awarded a 0 million grant to speed up its work to replace all 2.2 million customer electric meters with the smart meter. These new funds will cut two years off of their 5-year goal. In the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the TDSP, Oncor, applied for 5 million to speed along its smart grid projects but didn’t win any of the grants and so their projects will continue on schedule. If you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, you can click here to see when your area is scheduled to have your meters replaced.

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More and more people are becoming conscious about the environment and going for natural energy options. Solar energy is one such option that is simple and economical. Learnt more how to use solar energy from the points mentioned below.

The solar panels located on the house roof capture sun rays. This sets off another panel located on the other side of the home which converts the electricity or current from direct to alternating. This leads to creating of electricity in all the outlets that are there in the house. In case the residents of the house fail to use it immediately, the current is stored for future use.

Using solar energy has benefits on two fronts – financial and environmental.

Financial benefits are created through the reduction of energy bills. People can also garner credits from the local electrical authority. Using solar energy is also said to enhance the real estate value of a residence.

Environmental benefits are created through the reduction of problems related to global warming. It also leads to conservation of fossil fuels. Pollution is also reduced leading to a cleaner air and water.

Ensure that you go through quality instructions while installing solar panels on your own. This will relieve you of stress and also make you feel pleasant about your DIY project. Internet is a good place to start searching for DIY manuals.

We have gone through several guides to present you a good way of building your very own solar panels for energy. Do not hesitate and acquaint yourselves with how to generate solar energy and reduce your energy bills.

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Over the past ten years, have you noticed the changes in the Energy market in Australia? Aussies in VIC, NSW, SA and QLD now have the ability to choose their energy retailer. How did this happen? Well, it all started in Victoria in 1994. Before then, the state was run only by a state government entity called SEC (State Electricity Commission). To increase competition and to give consumers the choice, the industry was privatised. This gave non-government companies the opportunity to enter the energy market and also meant that private companies were now allowed to retail electricity and gas, rather than have the government run the industry.

Victoria was the test market for deregulation in Australia. Since it was a success, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland followed soon after. By deregulating the energy market, the competition was on. To be able to gain market share, companies had to offer something different to clients – a better energy price, greater benefits and a different approach to customer service.

The choices are endless: there are 14 companies in Victoria, 6 in South Australia, 14 in Queensland and 23 in New South Wales. Choosing your energy retailer is an important decision, but the decision process depends on what is most important to you as a client. Most retailers including Lumo Energy offer green energy for the environmentally conscious as well as discounts for all those people out there who pay on time. One thing that we here at Lumo Energy (are proud of, is our online rewards program – Lumo Advantage. We want to be more than just your energy provider – we want to make you shine!

Do you think electricity is boring? At Lumo Energy, we love new and exciting things and with the rise of social media, companies are coming up with new and innovative ways to engage with customers. We found some great ideas related to energy companies.

Vattenfall is a leading energy company in Europe and has just launched a campaign to help clients reduce their energy bills by being social. Vattenfall noticed that a lot of people in Europe live alone and dine alone. To reduce the amount of energy used when cooking a meal, Vattenfall encourages people to cook for their neighbours using a Foursquare check in system. The more people you have over for dinner, the bigger discount you will get on your energy invoice!

The students of the Berghs School of Communication in Sweden came up with a marketing campaign for a Swedish energy company Fortum. By opening a Fortum gym (Fortum Active), clients were able to produce their own energy. The more people used the gym, the more energy they created and the bigger the discount was on their energy invoice.

Look at the video!

We’re always trying to think of ways to make energy more interesting for our clients and think these ideas are great examples of how to make people shine! What do you think?

At Lumo Energy, we’ve got a lot of big ideas. Ideas about doing things differently from the rest, about trying new things, about doing everything we can to keep you shining

                                           THE NEED TO GO GREEN

The staggering growth rate of industrial institutions has led the world to many advances, but at the same time sacrificing the health of our planet. The world’s most dependable source of energy is coal, however, its also the most dangerous.

 Coal contains many harmful effects that accompany its use. Though very effective, coal is one of the biggest contributor to pollution, the use of this energy contaminates the air which we breathe, the water we drink, and provokes many health problems such as asthma.

As many of you know, new energy solutions are crucial, and if no change is made, the earth is to become inhabitable. The good news is that its not too late, there’s still many changes that can be made to better our world. The development and use of Solar,Wind and Hydro energy are all alternatives.

                                               HOW YOU CAN HELP

 There are many things that one can do to improve the planet.

-Small steps that help

These steps can be taken by every one.

Using energy-efficient light bulbs.

Keeping windows closed when the AC is at use.

Not leaving water running.

Turning off appliances when not in use, such as lights.

Using warm water to wash clothes, they are just as clean when hot.

If you have two refrigerators, get rid of one.

Using rechargeable batteries.

Using low-flow shower heads and/or take shorter showers.

And don’t forget, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

-Big steps that help immensely

These are steps that require more action, but the benefits are greatly increased.

The use of solar panels-(Clean Power Source), solar panels may be placed and used in several locations.

Solar panel products have been greatly advanced, with enough solar panels and energy friendly appliances, it is now very possible to virtually erase your energy bill.

The panels supply electrical needs of your home. After that, the excessive energy is fed backwards through your electrical meter.

(Meaning that you save even more money on your energy bill!!!)

Over all solar panels are extremely useful, For Example: Say you own an RV and do allot of traveling, why not install a solar panel on top of the RV and greatly reduce your energy consumption.

The use of Wind Turbines-Clean Power Source

Using Wind Turbines is ideal for cabins or small homes. This source of power is ideal in remote location.

If you live in a spacious are with good wind, why not turn the passing air into power?Wind Turbines work similar to Solar panels, but they access their power through wind.

 These are all ideas to help you get started, if you truly want to make a difference, please visit elitecleanenergy.com , there are many products that support clean energy ranging from 15 cents and above. Many things can be done to better our life style and make our planet healthier, if we all pitch in and help, we can greatly decrease our energy consumptions.

Incoming search terms:

• energy light

THE NEED TO GO GREEN

The staggering growth rate of industrial institutions has led the world to many advances, but at the same time sacrificing the health of our planet. The world’s most dependable source of energy is coal, however, its also the most dangerous.

 Coal contains many harmful effects that accompany its use. Though very effective, coal is one of the biggest contributor to pollution, the use of this energy contaminates the air which we breathe, the water we drink, and provokes many health problems such as asthma.

As many of you know, new energy solutions are crucial, and if no change is made, the earth is to become inhabitable. The good news is that its not too late, there’s still many changes that can be made to better our world. The development and use of Solar,Wind and Hydro energy are all alternatives.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

There are many things that one can do to improve the planet.

-Small steps that help

These steps can be taken by every one.

Using energy-efficient light bulbs.

Keeping windows closed when the AC is at use.

Not leaving water running.

Turning off appliances when not in use, such as lights.

Using warm water to wash clothes, they are just as clean when hot.

If you have two refrigerators, get rid of one.

Using rechargeable batteries.

Using low-flow shower heads and/or take shorter showers.

And don’t forget, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

-Big steps that help immensely

These are steps that require more action, but the benefits are greatly increased.

The use of solar panels-(Clean Power Source), solar panels may be placed and used in several locations.

Solar panel products have been greatly advanced, with enough solar panels and energy friendly appliances, it is now very possible to virtually erase your energy bill.

The panels supply electrical needs of your home. After that, the excessive energy is fed backwards through your electrical meter.

(Meaning that you save even more money on your energy bill!!!)

Over all solar panels are extremely useful, For Example: Say you own an RV and do allot of traveling, why not install a solar panel on top of the RV and greatly reduce your energy consumption.

The use of Wind Turbines-Clean Power Source

Using Wind Turbines is ideal for cabins or small homes. This source of power is ideal in remote location.

If you live in a spacious are with good wind, why not turn the passing air into power?Wind Turbines work similar to Solar panels, but they access their power through wind.

 These are all ideas to help you get started, if you truly want to make a difference in our world, please visit elitecleanenergy.com , there are many products that support clean energy ranging from 15 cents and above. Many things can be done to better our life style and make our planet healthier, if we all pitch in and help, we can greatly decrease our energy consumptions.

Incoming search terms:

• energy light

At Lumo Energy we love our planet and we know that you do too! So for all the planet lovers out there, we have Green Energy packages to suit your needs and your budget too. We offer two different Green Energy packages: Lumo Life 10 & Lumo Life 100. Now you have the option to be planet friendly when using your energy.

So what makes green energy so GREEN? Green Energy is derived from renewable sources, which means the energy comes from sources that will never run out, such as the sun, wind, biomass (waste), wave power or hydro (tidal power).

Now that you know what green energy is, how does it work? The answer is: exactly the same as your current electricity supply. The only difference is that instead of non-renewable energy sources feeding into the grid, Lumo Energy will purchase energy from renewable sources on your behalf to feed into the grid that powers your home.

At Lumo Energy, we’ve got a lot of big ideas. Ideas about doing things differently from the rest, about trying new things, about doing everything we can to keep you shining. We don’t just talk big, we follow through on our promises. We promise to provide you with the best service, the most flexible options and to take care of all of the fiddly stuff. So you can worry about more important stuff.

Choose Life, choose to shine, choose one of our renewable energy packages and help the Earth out! We look forward to helping you shine.

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Star Energy Audits is the leading energy audit and Solutions Company in the state of Louisiana. Our mission is clear and simple. We help save homeowners money from rising energy costs. Our Energy Audits can help transform a wasteful, unhealthy, and uncomfortable home into an energy-efficient, more rigorously fortified, and tightly controlled dwelling while simultaneously lowering your home’s carbon emissions and making it a cleaner, healthier domicile over all.

Star Energy Audits is in a prime position to offer extensive rebates and discounts on energy-efficiency solutions as it has been working in concert with local utility companies and remaining active participants in various state energy-efficiency programs. These all help our clients get on the path to energy efficiency as quickly and affordably as possible. Our offers vary throughout the year, but can range anywhere from as low as 25% to as high as 70%. In fact, our solutions often end up being completely free, or at least extremely affordable after combining all the federal and state tax credits you qualify for.

As an 100% local company through and through, and have been actively involved in the energy efficiency and insulation industry for years in New Orleans and other surrounding areas in Louisiana.

We are proud members of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Our Home-Energy Experts and solution installation technicians are extensively trained and certified to perform energy audits. A Star Energy Audit is a diagnostic analysis of your home’s energy efficiency. Generally, an home audit consumes 3 to 4 hours to complete for most homes. Our solutions are simple, inexpensive and implemented by our own in-house technicians, nationwide.

We guarantee that you will save upto 20% to 45% on your energy bills no matter, whether you live in a new build home or multi-million dollar mansion. Star Energy Audits is popular for offering cutting-edge energy solutions that drastically reduce energy bills for our clients.

We are currently servicing:

New Orleans
Metairie
Kenner
Baton Rouge
Westbank
Harahan
River Ridge
Laplace
Slidell

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