How to Switch to a Renewable Energy Provider

With annual greenhouse gas emissions remaining on an upward trend in recent years, switching to a renewable energy provider is more important now than ever. This switch offers several benefits, including access to energy that doesn't produce greenhouse gases, expanded energy accessibility for remote communities and enhanced power grid resilience and reliability.

If you plan to switch to a renewable energy provider anytime soon, this renewable energy guide has everything you need to know to make a successful switch.

Understanding Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is energy acquired from natural resources such as the sun, wind and water that are replenished faster than they are used. Since these renewable energy solutions are abundant and widely available, they are also often referred to as sustainable energy options — as long as their environmental impacts are properly managed. Renewable energy providers offer this energy in various forms, including hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind-generated power in a retail package for residential and commercial use.

Other renewable energy options, such as crops or biomatter, may not qualify as sustainable energy options if their land use and care are not considered. This means not all renewable energy options are sustainable, but all sustainable energy solutions are renewable.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy offers remarkable environmental and economic benefits such as:

• A cleaner energy production process with minimal carbon emissions and air pollution.
• Increased energy access in remote locations.
• Reduced dependency on imported fuels.
• Additional jobs from clean energy providers, including installation, maintenance and manufacturing jobs.
• Improved reliability on the power grid.

Common Misconceptions About Renewable Energy

Several misconceptions exist about renewable energy in comparison with non-renewable options. Some of the most common ones include:

• Renewable energy options are unreliable: Renewable energy options like wind and solar power can still be intermittent depending on the weather conditions or the region. However, with advancements in energy storage technologies, renewable energy options can be as reliable as non-renewable sources, or even more so.
• Renewable sources can't meet energy demands: Some renewable energy sources are abundant and widely available in certain areas. When they are fully optimized, they can offer sufficient energy for residential and commercial use.
• Renewable energy sources harm the environment: As green energy sources, renewables don't release harmful emissions like fossil fuels do to provide energy. While harnessing and distributing renewable energy can include procedures that harm the environment, like resource extraction and transportation, they still tend to have less of an impact than fossil fuels if they are well managed.

Assessing Your Current Energy Provider

When you're ready to switch to green energy, the first step is to assess your current energy provider so you can weigh your options effectively.

Reviewing your current energy bill is the first step in the assessment process. Also, check if your details are up to date to avoid scenarios where you unknowingly pay bills for somebody else.

The next step is to break down your energy consumption and needs. You would want to check each person's activities at home or business and how those activities impact energy consumption.

Lastly, identify the percentage of renewable energy in your current supply. This step helps you realize which clean energy alternatives you need to meet your normal consumption and assess the performance of the sustainable energy solutions you're already using.

Researching Renewable Energy Providers

Launching an online search is the most effective way to research renewable or clean energy providers in your area. Online research can include general research and comparison websites to compare energy prices from different providers and their pricing solutions.

You can also read ads, reviews and customer testimonials and get recommendations from friends to understand your potential providers' services.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a provider:

• Cost and contract terms: Costs are a major deciding factor for you, especially if, after assessing your former provider, you found energy costs to be high. Besides costs, you'd want to confirm the contract length aligns with your anticipated time of stay.
• Source of renewable energy: Where your renewable energy provider buys their energy supplies determines the price and reliability of their services.
• Company reputation and customer service: Find out how the company has performed over the years and what its customer service is like. Look for a reputable company that promptly answers customer queries and offers timely solutions post-installation.

Making the Switch

When you're finally ready to switch to clean energy alternatives, you can follow these three important steps to make a successful switch:

• Contact the new provider: Once you've made your renewable energy comparisons and found the right provider, it's time to make the initial call and follow the subsequent steps from there.
• Understand the switching process and timeline: Ask the new provider how long the process will take. You want to ensure that everything falls into your schedule and timeline for a smooth transition.
• Handle any potential fees or penalties: If you have pending bills for electricity consumed during your current billing cycle, you'll have to pay those fees before switching. You may also have to pay early termination fees if your existing plan has an active contract term.

Once everything is in place, the transition process can be completed within the same day you submit your request.

Maximizing Your Renewable Energy Use

With the help of smart meters, you can access real-time monitoring of how much energy you use hourly and during the month as a first step to maximizing your renewable energy use. Once you know the amount of energy you use and where it's mostly spent, working on the tips to reduce overall energy consumption is easier.

Here are some practical tips you can consider:

• Purchase energy-efficient products
• Close curtains and shut doors to lower heating and cooling bills
• Negotiate for the best renewable energy deal
• Use roof and wall insulation
• Conduct frequent energy audits Additionally, you can explore clean energy alternatives like solar energy and install compatible devices like solar-powered heaters and TVs to reduce reliance on hydropower.

Switching to a Renewable Energy Provider

From cleaner energy production processes and reduced dependency on imported fuel to job creation and improved reliability on the power grid, you have every reason to switch to sustainable energy options.

At Northeastern Power, we'll help you accomplish a smooth transition at a price you love. Contact us today to switch to green energy with the help of a leading renewable energy provider.