www.allianceforretailchoice.com http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 Ask Your Energy Provider http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2012/02/10/ask-your-energy-provider/ http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2012/02/10/ask-your-energy-provider/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/?p=11 From the local energy company to TXU there are a lot of Texas energy options to consider. When your market’s unregulated you’ve got a lot of choice – sometimes that can be overwhelming – here are a few things to find out before you sign with an energy provider:
Cost per Therm: Energy is measured in therms and the market widely fluctuates which is reflected in this cost. If you know what the current cost is you can angle for a controlled plan or even lock in that rate if you like it for up to 5 years at a time.
Environmental Policies: With so many Texans involved in the energy trade it’s important we all stay responsible. Ask a considered provider about their thoughts on environmental protection and find out what kinds of resources they dedicate to the cause.
Fees: Many providers don’t charge much upfront but eventually nickel and dime you. From installation fees to meter-reading fees check to see what’s going to be on your bill before you receive the first one so you won’t be caught by surprise.

]]> http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2012/02/10/ask-your-energy-provider/feed/ 0 Inexpensive Solar Options for Your Home http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/26/inexpensive-solar-options-for-your-home/ http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/26/inexpensive-solar-options-for-your-home/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/&p=10 There are a number of advantages to utilizing solar power as an energy source in the home. Solar power is a renewable form of energy that does not pollute the atmosphere. In addition, this source of energy is also inexpensive.

Solar Space Heaters

Solar space heaters can heat your home during the winter. There are many types of units available for purchase. Some units can be mounted on a wall inside your home. Others are small enough to fit in a window. Place solar space heaters in an area of the home exposed to sunlight. Panels heat the air which runs through the unit. Cold air is drawn out of the room by a fan while the warm air is circulated.

Solar Attic Fans

Solar attic fans can help you save money on your electric bill during the warmest months of the year. These fans utilize solar panels to collect energy and cool the hot air which accumulates in attics.

Solar Tube Lighting

Solar tubular lights are great for lighting small areas inside your home. Light is produced and dispersed throughout the room when sunlight enters the reflective dome of the tubular light. As a result, electricity is not needed.

]]> http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/26/inexpensive-solar-options-for-your-home/feed/ 0 Reduce and Reuse Water in Your Home http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/25/reduce-and-reuse-water-in-your-home/ http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/25/reduce-and-reuse-water-in-your-home/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/&p=9 Embracing a more environmentally conscientious attitude begins at home. Water is a very precious commodity and it is a natural resource that deserves to be used with thought and care.
Here are some suggestions that can help you reduce water waste as well as a few ideas that can help show you ways to reuse water in a home setting.
A leaking faucet can result in several gallons of water literally ‘going down the drain’. Just a small washer and a few minutes of time can fix that drip and put you on the right track for water conservation.
There are high-tech plumbing fixtures that will deliver hot water instantly. These water misers provide you with hot water when and where you need it. There is no wasted water and you will even save money on your utility bills.
Shower heads with water conservation designs are also available. These will prevent excess water consumption while washing your hair or taking that daily shower.
Empty leftover ice and water from your glasses right into your potted plants or outdoor garden. The plants will love it and this water will be providing a much needed service instead of simply being routed into the drainage lines.
Check out some of the other ideas that can help you lower water consumption and waste in your home.

]]> http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/25/reduce-and-reuse-water-in-your-home/feed/ 0 A Green Energy Use Guide for Small Businesses http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/23/a-green-energy-use-guide-for-small-businesses/ http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/23/a-green-energy-use-guide-for-small-businesses/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/&p=8 When you own a small business, you are always looking for easy ways to save on costs of running the business, no matter where you can save, most business owners are willing to do it. So, when you are looking to save on the costs of energy, and the energy consumption in your office, you may want to consider the option of going green with a few of your office supplies, or even consider the use of solar powered office equipment. This cutting back will not only greatly save you on costs of energy usage, it will also make you an earth concious, and earth friendly business person.

So, to cut back on costs, make sure to purchase cfl bulbs, try to find energy efficient products for in office use, and look for the products which have the words green or energy efficieny written on the label. This will not only ensure taht you are cutting back the costs of running and conducting your small business operations, but it will also allow you to help do your part to save the earth. For energy savings, make sure that you go green when you are buying new office products and supplies.

]]> http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/23/a-green-energy-use-guide-for-small-businesses/feed/ 0 Surfing the Competitive Energy Market: How to Choose an Energy Supplier http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/19/surfing-the-competitive-energy-market-how-to-choose-an-energy-supplier/ http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/2011/08/19/surfing-the-competitive-energy-market-how-to-choose-an-energy-supplier/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.allianceforretailchoice.com/&p=7 The marketplace is a natural incubator for innovation. When companies compete for business they are more responsive to the needs of the consumer. When choosing an energy supplier be sure to do your research.
Knowing your own energy needs is essential to knowing how a company can fulfill them. Find out what your average usage per kilowatt hour is and then shop the available companies for the lowest price. Consider their contract policy, terms and conditions, and deposit requirements.

Price alone shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. Investigate the companies method of energy production.
A penny more per kilowatt hour for a greener more reliable energy generator is worth the cost if your usage is relatively low. Consider the companies customer service hours of operation, complaint handling and whether they offer toll free numbers.

Lastly don’t sign any service contract until you know the companies background. You may want to know how long they have been in business and with whom they are affiliated. Whether they are a local or regional carrier and if they are connected to another utility company.

Competitive Energy Markets work in conjunction with Smart Grids which allows energy to flow from multiple sources thus encouraging alternative energy production to be utilized. Your choice can make America greener
and more efficient.

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